blew out my Pacesetter gasket again

[harofreak00]

I'm still having issues with my Pacesetters... years after installation. I replaced the paper gaskets with this "LIFETIME" aluminum collector gasket about a year ago.

I noticed my exhaust had been really loud as of late, so I got under there and found this.



The aluminum gasket failed, and got sucked inwards? So much for LIFETIME

[Schweet97Z]

Been there, done that. The best gasket ive used to date is Remflex. Im not sure if they make them for a 3800 series engine, but it might be worth the time to look into. PM and ill give you a supplier to call. They use these gaskets on 1000 hp+ turbo and supercharger cars without silicon etc. And they are about 30 bucks.

[harofreak00]

You've had problems with that Flowtech ones?

Is this the one you are thinking of? http://catalog.remflex.com/COLLECTOR_CO ... rf8002.htm

Here are some more pics... holy warpage!




The weird part is that it didn't warp towards gravity...



New one in place.


I replaced it with the same one because I still had another on hand (pkg of 2). Hopefully I can get another year out of it and then find a better quality one.

[Wes]

Wow! thats just crazy

May I suggest some anti-seize on the bolts? They look like they are zinc coated, but they will look like the ones you replaced in a rather short time frame in a hot spot like that.

[harofreak00]

They do look bad, but the grade 8 bolts came off no problem...once the initial tightness was loose, I was able to spin them off by hand.

[Schweet97Z]

Didn't realize it was a collector gasket (was at work and wasn't able to see pics) but yes the remflex gaskets are the best ive found thus far. Ive never used flowtech, but have used Percy's crush aluminum gaskets which are the same IMO and they have failed. Ive used, Mr Gasket, Summit brand, Pacesetter, Percy, LPP, and im sure others over the years. The only one that held up was the Remflex. Might be worth a short next time.