I have used the aluminum collector gaskets and they've always worked great. I have a set that's probably 15 years old on my dad's road runner. Been apart several times, still no leaks.

On my cuda I used the conventional flat fiber style gaskets that came w/ the TTI headers. I coated them in antiseize and installed them. They're still leak free since 2006, BUT THEY'VE NEVER BEEN APART. My exhaust system uses a flat band style connection, so I never have to unbolt the collector.

Those newer V band clamps look like the hot ticket if you're building something new.