Do I need to clean the mounting surfaces before installing this gasket?

Yes. Scrape away old gasket material and carbon buildup from both the header and cylinder head with a gasket scraper or putty knife. Wipe clean with a degreaser or brake cleaner and let dry completely—a clean surface seals better and lasts longer.

Should I apply sealant or adhesive to this gasket before bolting it down?

Gasket alone is designed to seal without additional sealant. Torque the header bolts evenly in a cross pattern to your vehicle's service manual spec. Over-tightening can warp the gasket or strip threads—snug and even pressure is what works.

What if my header bolts are stripped or corroded?

Header bolts corrode from exhaust heat and moisture. If bolts won't tighten or spin freely, you'll need new header bolts (sold separately) before the gasket can seal properly. Check bolt condition during removal—replacement hardware is cheap insurance against a leak that comes back.