exhaust needs overhaul

[tnrknght]

The gasket sealing the exhaust manifold to the block blew out a while back, and unfortunately Ive been stuck driving it this way. I dont recall a time in which I had no exhaust leak, so Im wondering how much of a power loss Im getting from this leak. Its a substancial leak judging by the sound of it, and I know its definitely throwing off the backpressure.

I finally got sick and tired of hearing my exhaust so I ordered the gasket today, it should hit my local c.a.p in the next hour or so (Im killing time until it shows up) Im thinking if I replace the gasket sealing the leak, might I get back some of that power? I know it wont be a night and day difference but some kind of improvement?


Im also wondering due to the gasket blowing out, would that be evidence of the cat being clogged? I only have one converter left, the rear converter kinda fell off while driving one night :roll: I currently have the rear cat replaced with a flexable exhaust repair pipe. If the front cat is clogged, Ill probably just hollow it out and roll that way until Im ready to do the motor swap, in which case Ill be replacing some exhaust components. I just really dont wanna pull the cat out just to find out its fine.

[tnrknght]

So after getting the car lifted up and pulling the exhaust, I cane to find that the bolt on the rh exhaust manifold was damaged and apparently stripped the threads in the head, I was able to just slide the bolt in and out. I guess thats why that side was leaking huh? >.< My next course of action is to run to the local hardware store and find a bolt with a slightly larger diameter that I can chase new threads in with, same as I did with the starter >.>

[decke48]

Helicoil and a new stud would fix it better