Has any one else lost or burned up one of these? (The gasket fits between the manifold and first cat) The new exhaust sound reminds me of a vintage british racing car, especially around 6000rpm. I give it a week before the neighbors complain about the ear splitting noise. Oh, and don't go to auto zone for a replacement, I don't think they have a clue.

 

I just ordered the same gasket from Mazdatrix because mine was blown out too... I liked the sound too...

gasket was only like $6

unfortunately (or fortunately) when I tried to remove the cat-pipe from the manifold BOTH studs snapped off the mani -- so now I am just going to wait and save for a header and maybe full exhaust -- $ouch$....

 

Time to switch to a better exhaust since you will be down there anyway. As far as the bolts go to remove. Heat them or run the car for a while and it should work a little better for removal. Most cases those are a bitch to remove without snapping off.

 

I use ATF in a little squirt can to lube up stubborn bolts. I'll soak 'em then let it sit for a day then hit it with the imapct wrench. I've stripped a bunch of rusted 7's and breaking bolts or studs os always a problem. You can use a propane torch to warm up nuts too.

 

I pulled my RB header, straight pipe, and stock rear off this week... I'm doing a turbo setup right now. The old gasket was wet from coolant that was leaking from the intake mani and I had a nasty exhaust leak from being wet then heated repeatedly. I gotta say - I did NOT like the sound of it. The poor thing sounded like a boingers valve tap. Oh well - fixed that whole problem!

Anyway, if your interested in my old stuff, shoot me an offer for it via PM. The straight pipe replacing the cat is welded straight to the headers and center section. The box will be big, unless you want me to cut it off and you can re-weld it back on later. I'll let it go cheap.