Hi,
Have a 2001 1.8L VVT and plan to replace the head exhaust gasket. Shop manual speaks about 2 layer gasket with convex side towards the exhaust manifold side. My new gasket is 3 layer metal and it seems both outside layers are identical with concave around each port. Seems to fit either way around and just want to check if it makes a difference how it is installed? Stock exhaust manifold is being replaced with 4-1 header. Lotus 7 kit car build.
Thanks for any information.
Marlin

 

Install it either way, mine was 3 layered & it worked in either direction. Torque it to spec and be done. If you are concerned after the install, just hook up a leafblower to the tailpipe and spray soapy water around the headers to make sure nothing is leaking there.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. The answer I was hoping for. And the great low-tech test rig. Love it.

 

But won't my turbo spin backwards and build boost in reverse then!?

 

It will, before you do that you will need to weld in a turbonator in your downpipe so you don't build any reverse-boost

 

I'm aware that most/all of the people in this thread are trolling, but just to be clear, blowing air through the turbo in order to spin it when there's no pressurized oil going to the bearing is a great way to junk it.

--Ian