Do these headers require any special gasket material or sealant before installation?

Headers perform best with a quality header gasket rated for high-temperature use. Test-fit the flange to your engine block first to confirm bolt hole alignment, then select your gasket accordingly — do not rely on sealant alone.

Can I run these without a tune on a carbureted engine?

Headers will flow better than stock manifolds, which may lean out your air-fuel ratio depending on your carburetor tuning. A baseline tune before install prevents hesitation and running hot. This is especially important on older carbureted applications.

What about heat shielding or clearance under the hood?

Long tubes sit closer to the block than stock manifolds and run hotter. Check your specific engine bay layout for any contact points with firewall, steering components, or brake lines before committing. Heat shielding is often a good idea if clearance is tight.