Since I got my 82 GSL legal to drive last January, I have had to replace the forward gasket (RB header to custom exhaust) three times. I've tried different

gaskets, tightening cold and hot, etc... They seem to always burn out on the smallest area on the top or bottom. Last time was the bottom, this time the top.

Not sure what's going on, but I'm sick of crawling under the car every three to four months and replacing it. I'm very close to cutting the header off at the primaries, and welding it all solid. Or should I just do it? I never used the RB gasket that came with it, is it really that much better?,,,,BB





Just had a rotary performance muffler put on today. The performance difference is pretty surprising!! I guess my home made one had a flow problem.

 

yes! the RB or factory mazda ones are way way better.



also could be some sort of alignment issue?

 

Once they start leaking, then they will burn through. The key is to get a good seal. Are you tightening the bolts evenly, or cranking one all the way down before moving to the other? You need to tighten them just like head bolts or lug nuts...

 

It could be an alignment issue, although it had to happen after the fact. I saw the whole install process and the flanges were tight during the fabbing.

I have the RB one still. The next time it burns I will install it. It couldn't be any worse, and will probably hold up better. Yep, I tightened them side to side

evenly, or so I thought anyways.,,,,BB