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After being told by various places that the OEM replacement gaskets for the FD were $100+ each (two needed) , I went and searched the web for any possible alternatives.
I figured I would share the information I found for anyone else in the market.
The high cost for the OEM gaskets are due to the use of MLS (Multi-layer steel) construction which increases the cost.
Some alternative materials I've seen made for the FD:
Remflex $33, http://catalog.remflex.com/MAZDA_Hea...p/rf58-001.htm
This gasket uses their crushable graphite material which seems to help leakage so long as you use a proper torque. The problem I've read about over on the WRX forums and elsewhere is that they suffer from blowouts under WOT conditions due to the softness of the material.
Pineapple Racing $32.5 ea http://www.pineappleracing.com/after...-graphite.aspx
Made from graphite but I've read around the forums that they use the same material as remflex which would mean they suffer from the same blowout issues but I'm not sure. Maybe someone can clarify .
The only options outside of these two are to either go custom, something like using Cometic (MLS) or SCE Gaskets (ICS Titan, a type of copper), or something else I found!
After some digging I came across a company called Nippon Reinz. After looking at their website (In Japanese) it seems that are they manufacture for the big japanese OEMs, including Mazda. After looking around I found that they make the FD gaskets that look identical to the OEM ones but are being sold at half price!
They run under the part number Nippon Reinz W0133-1757914 and I've found them online for $50. vs
on the left is the Nippon Reinz and on the right is the OEM.
I thought I'd put this out there so people might try the Nippon Reinz over OEM as the likely hood that they are the same is high.
Also, that Cosmo gasket would be a good way to go for lots of people, even with the twins. The hole in the Mazda gasket is for EGR which is a totally worthless system on the FD. The JDM cars didn't have EGR and the '95s didn't either.
I bet you could even pass emissions no sweat without a functioning EGR system!
The good thing with the Mazda gaskets is they're so durable you can re-use them more often than not. I have a STACK of turbo to manifold gaskets that are in great shape in my garage. Now, turbo to manifold and turbo to downpipe gaskets, that's another story.
I saw that too but wasn't sure if it'd work with the 13B-REW but I'm guessing that it'll fit no problem. I just worried about the strength at temperature as the exhaust for our cars gets really hot.
Originally Posted by FC3S1991
same material, half the price.
Nice, I think I'll get the Nippon Reinz ones to try them out but these are definitely a good option if MLS as well.
whatever you do, don't go cheap and get the graphite or any variant of it for these cars. you may as well burn the money and save yourself a wasted day in changing them again. 'bout the only place graphite will survive is after the main cat.
Also, that Cosmo gasket would be a good way to go for lots of people, even with the twins. The hole in the Mazda gasket is for EGR which is a totally worthless system on the FD. The JDM cars didn't have EGR and the '95s didn't either.
I bet you could even pass emissions no sweat without a functioning EGR system!
The good thing with the Mazda gaskets is they're so durable you can re-use them more often than not. I have a STACK of turbo to manifold gaskets that are in great shape in my garage. Now, turbo to manifold and turbo to downpipe gaskets, that's another story.
whatever you do, don't go cheap and get the graphite or any variant of it for these cars. you may as well burn the money and save yourself a wasted day in changing them again. 'bout the only place graphite will survive is after the main cat.
+1, everything I've read indicates they blowout under stress
whatever you do, don't go cheap and get the graphite or any variant of it for these cars. you may as well burn the money and save yourself a wasted day in changing them again. 'bout the only place graphite will survive is after the main cat.
^ x4.
Search my name about what the Graphite gaskets do with the extreme amount of heat and pressure our motors do. Any backpressure at all and these things are gone. Actually don't search :
what about cutting out a custom piece of inconnel(sp?) its the material howard recommended in the thread about heat shields and what everybody seems to be moving to for the turbo-manifold gasket
what about cutting out a custom piece of inconnel(sp?) its the material howard recommended in the thread about heat shields and what everybody seems to be moving to for the turbo-manifold gasket
I think inconnel is a good material for thermal applications due to it's strength at temperature and low expansion rates. However, in a gasket, some compressiblity is probably needed to create a seal which is what the primary function of a gasket is. That's generally why copper hybrids and MLS are used. Both have enough give to give a proper seal while still having enough strength to withstand pressure. The stock gaskets use MLS which are sandwhiched layers of steel with viton coating on the outer face which acts like a sealing agent and compresses. The flexiblity between the layers gives flexiblity for flatness offset. The only problem with MLS gaskets is generally they require a very good surface finish and flatness in order to create a seal that is on par with cooper or some other technologies.
given i havent looked into this that much, and im only speaking from assumptions ive made, but there is a gaskets from the hotside turbo to manifold that a company now makes.. i know rich is using it along with others... is there a difference between the engine block to manifold gasket vs manifold to turbo gasket?
given i havent looked into this that much, and im only speaking from assumptions ive made, but there is a gaskets from the hotside turbo to manifold that a company now makes.. i know rich is using it along with others... is there a difference between the engine block to manifold gasket vs manifold to turbo gasket?
exactlyyyy, so why cant they be used between the manifold and block?
I don't know if it's a matter of can't, but whether or not we have good data about it's performance. Like the one used between the manifold and turbo; do we know if it is stronger or provides an equivalent seal?
FYI everyone, amazon carries this (available through Prime) Nippon Reinz gasket. and it's way cheaper. $36.46 at the time of this post. i just bought two of them for $72.92 with free 2day shipping.
whatever you do, don't go cheap and get the graphite or any variant of it for these cars. you may as well burn the money and save yourself a wasted day in changing them again. 'bout the only place graphite will survive is after the main cat.
Originally Posted by ptrhahn
How cheap is it to pull your turbos when you get an exhaust leak?
YEP!
Buy OEM used from a reputable seller, I have tons of them in good shape
Found this thread in my search and decided to try the Nippon Reinz gaskets. Since there weren’t any photos here i thought I’d share some for anyone else who might be looking for an oem alternative
, I went and searched the web for any possible alternatives.
.
vs 
Nice, I think I'll get the Nippon Reinz ones to try them out but these are definitely a good option if MLS as well.
