Do I need to prep the gasket surface before installation?

Clean both the header flange and cylinder head mounting surface with a wire brush to remove carbon and old gasket material. A smooth, clean surface helps the aluminum gasket seat properly and prevents future leaks.

What fasteners do I need to bolt this down?

This gasket uses factory header bolt holes. Bring your original bolts or grab a set of header bolts from any Ford parts catalog — standard sizes for 289/302 headers. Torque spec depends on your engine configuration, so check your service manual.

Can I reuse this gasket if I pull my headers back off?

One-time use only. Once compressed and exposed to heat, aluminum gaskets lose their seal integrity. Always use a fresh gasket when reinstalling headers.