Do I need to clean the header and cylinder head surfaces before installing?

Yes. Scrape away old gasket material and carbon buildup from both the manifold and head. A clean, flat surface ensures a proper seal and prevents exhaust leaks.

Will this gasket work if I'm reusing my original headers?

This gasket is designed to match OEM 4.6L header port spacing. If your headers are stock or stock-style, you're good. Aftermarket headers with different port layouts may require a different gasket.

What torque spec should I use when bolting the header down?

Refer to your vehicle's service manual for the correct fastener torque sequence and spec. Over-torquing can crush the aluminum; under-torquing causes leaks.