ok, i just got an Apexi header (used) and i need a new manifold gasket. can i just get the stock one from Acura (how much do they usually go for?) or do i have to get an aftermarket one because of the bigger port openings on the header? and should i get a new donut gasket while i'm at it?

and what is a good thing to clean the carbon on the insides of the header? brake cleaner?

 

get some sand paper and sand it out. make sure the valves are closed and then when you get done vaccum them out, that way none of that crap falls back into the combustion chamber. as for what grit sandpaper you should use, not really sure, do a search. Your EM gasket should fit up, put it up against the head and see, if there is some stickin in the way of the runner, get a dremel and slowly match the gasket to the port. be careful as to take to much off.
Blaze

 

i actually meant the carbon build up that's inside the header, not on the head itself. but i might clean that too depending on how bad it looks. and so your saying just to get a regular EMG from Acura and dremel it to match the ports on the head/header?

 

yeah should be good, go for it.

Blaze