So my car has gotten really really raspy and wondering if there might be a exhaust leak. I’m going to replace this gasket but having problems picking the best quality gasket. Z1 or Fast Intentions? Why is the gasket and bolts getting rusty only at the end of stillen header/beginning of fi test pipe??????
No rust anywhere else
No rust anywhere else
No rust anywhere else
Fast Intentions kit.
Z1 multi layer gasket

 

Your exhaust is stainless. The bolts are not. Hotter parts oxidize faster.

Before you start replacing things, get under there with the car running an see if you can hear a leak. The rasp could be unrelated. Test pipes are raspy and some performance muffler designs get louder after they break in, so you would notice it more.

 

Figures, lol spent 2k on exhaust and test pipes but they didn’t come with those bolts. Wonder if that’s just an old gasket and bolts I reused? I’m weird about stuff like that, I can’t image me reusing old stuff if they sent new hardware. Maybe the fi hardware isnt stainless?

Should the gasket be rusted? I’ll be replacing the bolts with stainless ones if that will solve the issue.

 

Shoot newt a message. He recommends a liquid gasket, I can never remember the name, but pair it with the metal gaskets and you will be worry free for leaks for the most part moving forward.

Vic also makes a god point regarding testpipes. Offer the most power as an aftermarket option for cats but they're notorious for increasing the rasp.

 

Here's the Berk Technology site as a gasket option.
370Z/G37 HR Motor Collector Gasket. - Nissan 370Z/Infiniti G37 - Berk Technology. Copper gaskets is another option.

 

I haven’t noticed any rasp until 2 weeks ago, but like you said maybe they are just broke in now. I’ve had the fi resonated test pipes since February, and the 18inch resonated fi cat back since May. Maybe 7-10k miles on them. I’m sure the headers aide the rasp as well. Sounds great for months but it’s getting raspy. Hoping it’s a gasket otherwise I might just have to drive at 4K and above at all times to avoid the rasp lol

I’m being dramatic. It’s only the period of *2200-3800 rpm or so where I notice the rasp.

 

I’ll have to look into a copper gasket. Thanks

 

Lorentzo, apply a thin film of high-temp RTV to both sides of the new gasket, just lightly snug the bolts up by hand, wait an hour then fully tighten the bolts.
Here's the one I use


Also, apply copper-based anti-seize to the bolt threads (great for brake caliper fasteners too).


Good Luck!

 

I would NOT recommend Z1 metal gaskets for that triangular flange. For the 2-bolt exhaust flanges, they're great. But for the cat/header connection, they leaked bad for me. I finally removed them and you could see the heat discoloration on the shiny surface and where exhaust was leaking out. Worst $40 I spent.

 

My Mechanic always uses Cooper sealer when they put the gaskets on..

 

I use berk gaskets no issues

 

Electrolysis also contributes to the quick rusting of the bolts. Mild steel on stainless steel.

 

You sir are a legend!

 

SO if I replace it, it will end up looking just like the picture again? That’s normal?

 

I went through the effort to get SS nuts and bolts for my exhaust a few years ago. They're certainly more expensive than basic hardware, but seemed a good idea at the time.

Honestly, I think FI should offer a SS hardware kit. I bet almost everyone would updrafe when ordering, and they could do it on the cheap for huge profit. Granted, small $$$, but all basically free money to them.

Or they could get really fancy and offer a hardware kit in titanium.