Please don't use aftermarket lower intake manifold gasket. A small tear that caused a vacuum leak on my car. It's already fixed don't settle for less. Do it right and only once. learned my lessons well and still learning.

 

they're not inferior...

were both surfaces clean, dry and did you torque the LIM or just use the "good n tight" method? i use the same gaskets regularly and haven't had one fail to date.

even paint on the block will debond and let the gasket slip, which it looks like the irons were painted over the ports.

 

Do it twice. Get it right. Nothing new

 

Ok, so how would the gasket blow outward like that then, if your engine is not forced induction? It seems to have been torn on installation. That looks like one of the Beck/Arnley gaskets, which are actually very good quality parts.

 

Hmm, if it's Beck & Arnley then it's quality part.

Is it me? my gasket set LIM gasket is made of metal. or is all gasket set like that ?

too bad the front cover is still using paper (mine is), I should have used the RX8 front cover gasket (which is also metal)

 

Aftermarket gaskets work fine, the gasket tore for a reason. I've had good luck with the cheapest of intake gaskets.

N/A engines use metal lower intake gaskets, T2 cannot and must use paper.

 

where on earth did you find that? that looks like one of the paper OEM gaskets, which would be from the 90's...

 

i forget the name but the manufacturer of the OEM mazda seals also sells their own aftermarket gasket kits still, which likely were the original gaskets mazda used way back when before they switched to steel gaskets.

 

K-Tune, I know the gaskets a different, but is that the only reason a TII can't use a metal one? I've never had a FI car so I've never really paid attention.

 

I'm pretty sure you did something wrong, cuz paper gasket shouldn't rip like that unless it has been on the part for months/years.