94'_SS

Is there a noticeable difference in the sound that a leaky collector to y-pipe will make vs. a leaky header flange? I just installed Hedman headers and y-pipe on my Firebird and I have an exhaust leak now. The leak only occurs when the engine is loaded or revved quickly and since they are shorty headers I can not tell if it is the collectors or the header to head leaking. If it is a header to head leak would it tick all of the time or could this happen on acceleration only? Any ideas? I have Mr. Gasket Copper collector gaskets and Mr. Gasket Ultra Seal header gaskets on right now. Also the header gasket ports are square not round like the headers but the ports on the head where square so that’s what I got.

Mark A Shields

Any type of exhaust leak will always be present, but will get louder upon acceleration or giving it gas. Sounds like a ticking sound.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

If it is a single port to header flange leak, you'll get a tick every-other engine revolution. If it is the collector to y-pipe, it will tick twice per engine revolution.

It is possible for either one to not make enough noise to hear at idle, but noticeable under load.

Since you didn't have an exact match, did you check to see if the gaskets made full sealing contact with both surfaces?

94'_SS

The header gasket which was square had an area I was concerned about where the round header port did not cover all of the square exhaust gasket, but a friend of mine is using them on his Camaro with the same setup with no leaks so I thought it would not be a problem. I am going to try to stick on the Hedman gaskets that came with the kit to see if it solves my problems. Does the soaking the (paper) gaskets help any or is that just a rumor?

Thanks for the help.