I've notice this irritating hissing/buzzing noise after installing my obx header and i'm just wondering if its normal or if i have a leak. By the way i reused the gasket. I'm thinking about reinstalling the header with the gasket that is included with it. Should i use some kind of sealant?..and what are the torque specsof the header bolts? Any input appreciated.

 

I would def say it's the gasket....Try to find some studs rather than bolts and use the new gasket or buy a new OEM one....

 

If it came with a new gasket I would have used it. Anyways this is what the Protege service manual says for torque specs on the exhaust manifold.

64-89 N-m {6.5-9.1 Kgfm,48-65ft lbf}

 

there are two gaskets for the headers, i also had the same problem. i fixed it by buying both. the one from the block and the one that connects to the exhaust piping. there was a major, major difference in performance and especially in sound. you'll love it after you fix it. just takes some time.

 

I found out that the donut gasket blew out. Apparently the shop that help me hook up the header to the mid pipe put in the wrong gasket. Now they replaced it with a heavy duty metal one and there is no longer a leak and doesnt sound like a beater anymore. Would of been nice if theHeader came with a new donut gasket. I wasnt able to reuse the one that was my stock manifold.