Do I need to clean the mounting surfaces before installation?

Yes. Scrape or wire-brush old gasket material and carbon buildup from both the header and cylinder head surfaces. A clean, flat surface ensures a proper seal on the first attempt.

Will this gasket work if I'm reusing my existing header?

This gasket is designed for standard factory headers. If your header is warped or damaged, the gasket alone won't seal a bad surface. Inspect your header for flatness before installation.

What fasteners do I use to bolt this down?

This gasket assembly mounts using factory bolt holes and your existing header bolts. Refer to your vehicle's service manual for the correct torque spec — overtightening can crush the gasket and cause leaks.