3800 A Better Gasket for Exhaust?

[J.E.T.]

Every time I've used the stock manifold to downpipe gasket, I get an exhaust leak at that junction. Is there a better gasket out there? At $7 a pop (dealer price), it's not cheap to be replacing it for a hit or miss fix.

I've heard people using gasket makers in conjunction with the stock gasket, but that didnt work for them either.

I once saw a GP with an orange, thick (1/2 inch!), putty looking gasket on his manifold/dp. He said that didnt leak.

J.E.T.
'97 red GTP

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[imported_Ron Vogel]

I used to seal headers with regular "red" permatex rtv. Always worked well, and doesn't blow out. It is messy to work with though. You basically need to let it sit for like 4 hours before you can reinstall your parts.

 

[iliveonnitro]

Isn't that red silicon RTV gasket sealant the highest temp, meant for exhaust work? Im sure smearing the hell out of it will do a good job sealing it...

 

[imported_Ron Vogel]

Actually it's not rated all that high. There's some ultra seal copper that's rated higher, but doesn't work as well. I lay on a 1/8" thick bead on both sides and let it set up, then it's a little pliable so vibrations don't affect the gasket too much. I tried it after one of the car mags listed it in one of those tips and tricks section, and worked great. I've found also furnace cement works well, but can't handle the vibration. Helped me with a few winter fixes to get by for a couple of months. Comes in cans or squeeze tubes in the HVAC dept's of most hardware stores.

 

[Jamie231]

JET I will have to show you my gasket I used to seal mine up.