Hey guys, while looking for gaskets online, specifically the 5 bolt exhaust downpipe gasket, all I really come across are sketchy looking sites and eBay sellers. I searched this forum to try to find where people buy their gaskets to no avail.

Is their a reputable source for gaskets? Do most people use the cheap eBay gaskets? Do you make your own gaskets? Should I go with the thin metal ones or the thicker corrugated ones?

Thanks!

 

ATP turbo

 

I've always used the cheap MLS gaskets without issue. I would not use the corrugated ones.

 

Mamba or kinugawa on eBay is good as well. MLS style like Spartan said. They work

 

I might catch flak for this but I've always resurfaced both sides and used a dollop of grease instead of gasket.
have yet to experience a leak issue

 

I've heard of doing that on the turbine inlet but not on the downpipe. Gaskets are a lot cheaper than a trip to a milling machine.

 

I have never used a gasket on the turbine outlet flange.

--Ian

 

^This. Me neither, except for the first time when I was still ignorant.

 

Hmm interesting never heard of not using one. I bought a 5 bolt to v-band which I then cut of the v-band and welded on a 90 to get it to fit for my downpipe. However the part probably came straight from China and was warped on arrival. I had it machined down but the guy said it still wasn't perfect. Therefore I'll definitely still be using a gasket. What's the advantages to not using a gasket at all? Or I guess I should say what's the disadvantage in using a gasket?

 

Use a dab of grease, gaskets can't take the heat.

 

Conventional wisdom is that gaskets between manifold and turbine or turbine and downpipe will get blown out and then leak. Machining both flat and mating them together with no gasket doesn't do that unless the fasteners fail.

--Ian

 

For T2 platform turbos I've always ran the OEM Nissan gaskets for the sr20. They last forever and are thick metal gaskets and are reuseable. I've had those cheap ebay ones blow under high boost.

 

Used a cheap gasket first time around... nearly burned my car to the ground when it failed 3 months later. I would play it safe and mate the surfaces like Ian recommended. My exhaust gases have stayed nice and comfy inside my exhaust since I made the change

 

I'm really surprised by the number of people having gasket issues. I wonder why OEMs are able to make them work.

 

I'm sure OEM MLS is fine. Issue is when you push 18psi though a T25 and 2.25" exhaust with a china composite gasket

 

That'll do it. I've always stayed away from that style of gasket.