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

Yes. Use a gasket scraper or soft brush to remove old gasket material and carbon buildup from both the header flange and manifold face. A clean surface ensures a tight seal and prevents future leaks.

What hardware do I need to bolt this down?

The original header bolts and washers reuse existing fasteners. Your vehicle's service manual will specify torque specs — do not skip that step, as uneven clamping pressure causes leaks.

Can I reuse my old bolts, or do I need new ones?

Reuse is fine if bolts show no corrosion, cracking, or thread damage. If you're in doubt, new header bolts are inexpensive insurance — old fasteners lose clamping force over time.