So I bought a megan racing shorty header and downpipe today and am having a problem with an exhaust leak.

The pieces are SSSH-AR02S and SSDP-AR02S. The leak occurs between the header and downpipe. I have tried both the Megan included donut gasket and the OEM gasket. It leaks with both. It seems like the gasket prevents me from creating a flush connection. There is about 1 finger width of space in between both parts and the bolts are as tight as humanly possible.

Does anyone have any advice?

 

two things....

A) I would suggest taking it all out and try aligning it before putting it into your car and assemble/instal it put together.

B) I would use copper spray ( exhaust gasket maker) and make sure the donut is going the right direction (I'm sure you didn't get that wrong though)

With that style donut there will be a gap.. how big not sure

 

Thanks for the tip. Once I took the car off the jackstands the visible leak stopped. (It does not appear to leak at all anymore) However, while driving it seems to have a hint of a tick sound. I'm wondering if that's just how it should sound or if it is a leak.