[paulkramer]

I bought a Strup shorty header for my '02 Acura RSX this spring. I also purchased new OEM fasteners and gaskets.

It's a direct bolt-on, though the bottom end seems to sit a bit farther to one side than the OEM manifold did, and I'm trying to get a replacement under warranty for that reason.

My question though is about the head gasket. It's a two-piece metal gasket, riveted together. I bought a new one, cleaned up the back of the head with brake cleaner and rag before installing the header.

But for a shorty header that isn't much different than stock, the exhaust is loud. I don't know anyone else with the same setup to compare noise levels to.

Since the engine has almost 80K miles, isn't a metal gasket unable to seal between the head and the manifold effectively? Seems like it would be OK for brand-new, nicely machined parts, but after 80K I would think the head might have a few more imperfections in it compared to new.

Anyone have experience with/know about this?