Do I need to use sealant on these gaskets, or are they ready to install dry?

Aluminum gaskets work best with a thin coat of high-temp gasket maker or copper spray on both sides. This fills micro-imperfections and prevents exhaust leaks. Don't skip it—dry install will likely leak.

Will these gaskets work if I'm reusing my old header bolts?

Test your bolts first. If they're stripped, cracked, or won't torque down evenly, grab a fresh header bolt set. Old bolts can lose clamping force and let these gaskets fail prematurely.

What's the advantage of aluminum over the paper gaskets that came stock?

Aluminum handles heat cycling without degrading. Factory paper gaskets compress and fail after a few heat cycles, especially if you're pushing boost or running higher engine temps. Aluminum stays stable longer.