Stacking 3 exhaust manifold gaskets for clearance

[Boomdeeze]

I have a custom manifold which turns out I need a 4mm gasket/spacer in order to get my runner to clear my head. I have looked in to a spacer but I don't want to go that route. So I am thinking about stacking gaskets in order to gain the clearance I need.

The OEM 4 layer gaskets are .050" thick which means I would need 3 of them. The copper gaskets are .043". I can use three of the OEM 4 layer gaskets or I was thinking of using one 4 layer gasket and sandwiching it between two copper gaskets so i would get the sealing rings on the out side edges.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[92AWDHX40]

I would just use one.

 

[Boomdeeze]

I would just use one.

I must not have been clear... I need to create a spacer that equals 4mm or .15" in order for my runner to clear my head. Using one gasket, unless its a 4mm gasket, is out of the question.

 

[DSM IN MN]

I would just use one.

Did you even read his post?!



Personally, I don't love the idea of stacking gaskets but I can see where you're at. I like the idea of using the four layer in-between two copper ones however.

 

[Lou98GSX]

i have done that with no problem . my 57 trim turbo was to close to the block and water pipe so stacking up gaskets helped . still had to dent the water pipe a little and grind the large bolt on the block for the coolant .

 

[92AWDHX40]

I would use one gasket, hes asking about how many right? or am I unclear about what hes posting?

 

[Boomdeeze]

i have done that with no problem . my 57 trim turbo was to close to the block and water pipe so stacking up gaskets helped . still had to dent the water pipe a little and grind the large bolt on the block for the coolant .

How many gaskets did you stack? And which ones?

I also found a interesting company that makes a gasket that is 1/8" thick.

Remflex Exhaust Header / Manifold Gaskets

I could buy two of those as they compress up to 50% so i could torque until I get my desired space. Or has anyone heard of this one?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/php-66064/overview/make/mitsubishi

I can't find the thickness of the Percy gasket.

 

[phunny]

A simpler way would be to have the manifold machined at an angle to angle it away from where it is hitting.

 

[Boomdeeze]

A simpler way would be to have the manifold machined at an angle to angle it away from where it is hitting.

Didn't think of that but then I would have to get all the holes drilled to accept the studs at an angle. To what point will it make the flange weaker and more prone to warp?

 

[njc1064]

Why not just use another exhaust manifold flange as a spacer? Places like RRE or other fabrication shops will likely have them in stock.

http://www.roadraceengineering.com/evo8-flangesandgaskets.htm

 

[FalleN4ng31]

Why not just use another exhaust manifold flange as a spacer? Places like RRE or other fabrication shops will likely have them in stock.

This. You'll still need more than one gasket, but you won't have to worry about three or more gaskets crushing / shifting over time.

 

[njc1064]

you could always have the new flange welded along the seam where it meets the current exhaust manifold flange, eliminating the need for more than one gasket.

 

[RamenPride]

Why not just use another exhaust manifold flange as a spacer? Places like RRE or other fabrication shops will likely have them in stock.

RRE Flanges and Gaskets

I was thinking the same thing. Stacking gaskets seems like an exhaust leak waiting to happen.

 

[Boomdeeze]

I guess I could buy that flange and get it shaved down to my desired width which would be as thin as a gasket. I would still need a gasket on each side but have to pay $100+ for the flange and then the cost to shave it down.

 

[northernawd]

Why pay the extra cost to shave down the spacer? I just got a spacer for my 20g and ram horn manifold and it worked great. Also keeps the heat off your water pipe and block a little bit more.

 

[Boomdeeze]

I only need 4mm. If I space it out too far, I may hit me support beam which is why I would get it shaved down. I may just try the gasket method and see if it leaks. Anyone tried either technique I mentioned? 3 OEM 4 ply gaskets, 1 OEM 4 ply sandwiched between two copper gaskets with sealing rings, or the two remflex gaskets squished to desired width?

 

[farmer890]

How did this work out for you?

 

[Lou98GSX]

Hagns Racecraft makes a steel spacer for spacing out turbos you can check that out . You put an exhaust manifold gasket on then the steel spacer and then another gasket and bolt on the manifold . I think the spacer is a 1/4 inch thick .

 

[Boomdeeze]

I ended up selling the manifold before I ran it. I would recommend getting the flange adjusted or using a built spacer with a gasket between the head/spacer and the spacer/manifold.