84stock

iTrader: (5)

Hello gang, I just bopught a 1984 rx7 gsl with a 12a in it. I have an exhaust leak at the connection to the manifold. ( I should note that the air pump is gone and both converters have been removed previously, has a presilencer, and a turbo muffler). A muffler shop tried to stick in two gaskets to help with the leak but it hasn't lasted. They said the flange is warped. What do you suggest?? I am thinking maybe I could use my dremel to smooth things out? Or perhaps replace the exhaust manifold with a header. (we do not have emissions testing here to worry about). Will adding a header show much improvement in performance??

wwilliam54

raceingbeat.com
mazdatrix.com
get the streetport exuast

RixRotary7

Adding a header will show you tremendous preformance. Racing Beat's headers are equal length and made to last. I am very pleased with my system. If you have any questions, please PM me.

racermike

If you stay stock,,,,,,I almost always take a file to the flanges of anything I take apart. By "dressing" the flange with a large flat file, you can visually see the "unflatness" of the surface and work it until it is even again. The metal is not easy to file, but by doing it by hand you can be pretty sure you are doing more good than bad. Note that you should wind up with less metal at the outside of the flange (and especially the bolt holes) so that there is more right around the inside surface. This will put more clamping power right where it needs it, in the middle. Also when putting everything back together,,,,have ALL the hangers mounted correctly and tighten all the joints progressively and in unison. That will help keep everything in position and will help prevent the tightning of one joint from "binding" the others still loose. This is a much better way then using 2 gaskets. And speaking of gaskets, ALWAYS use the metal lined ones. Using the cheaper "regular" exhaust gaskets will almost always lead to early failure, no matter how "flat" and tight the joints are.