Tomorrow morning I'll be receiving a package from Brian Catts consisting of a new exhaust setup. I've been looking for a while, now, and have yet to find a set of crushable copper exhaust manifold gaskets for my VQ. Fel-Pro seems to have them included in a pre-packaged gasket "kit" for this model, but $197.00 seems ridiculously high and even though I'll use all of those gaskets at some point, I don't need them all right now. I know that Fel-Pro packages exhaust manifold gaskets for alot of cars, but I can't find anything for mine. Have ya'all had any luck finding a nice set of coppers in the past? If so, please, let me know otherwise I'm drilling into a sheet of copper and making my own.

 

I re-used all my OEM multi-layer gaskets.

They're just as good..and mine looked like brand new when I used them.

 

I bought New OEM manifold gaskets just in case there was any damage to the original! It's pretty much indestructible, being that it's made from stainless steel in a laminate/multi-layer setup....same with the ypipe to cat gaskets SS laminate style. I've been reusing the same gaskets from the stock(cat) setup w/the Cattman Ypipe and with the Cattman header/ypipe for 7 yrs now, no issues.....

 

Thanks guys. I can honestly say that this will be my first look at my OE Exhaust Manifold Gaskets with this car, so I didn't know what to expect at all. Brian Catts had recommended OE from Nissan, but I wanted to try otherwise (copper) so that I could save some money. The dealership is trying to take advantage of me, again, by charging about $48.00 per side.

 

I noticed your sig says '03. I think the dealership is quoting you the 3.0 gaskets. Courtesy has the 3.5 listed at 12.04 each. I would go with DaveB at South Point Nissan, though. At least the same discount with great customer service.

 

I went to Drexel Hill Nissan just outside of Philadelphia after picking up my boxes and came across a really good guy name Nick Fantini. He worked everything out and we put my order in. The total for both sides, plus overnight service (so I'd have them tomorrow morning), was close to my original quote per side. It seemed like they were quoting me for an incorrect part or model year.
This means that everything is ordered and ready to go.

 

If you want some copper gaskets, purchase the copper gaskets for the flange @ the Header collector and ypipe from Summits or Jegs......by SCE!

 

Hi CMax03,

Do you remember the part numbers of the 2 SCE copper gaskets for the header collectors going to the y-pipe? Plus, the copper gaskets going to the catalytic converter was that also SCE or Nissan OEM? If it was SCE, do you also remember that part number?

Thanks so much. I am gathering all my gaskets for my Cattman headers. I can't wait to install that plus the 3" Cat-back.

 

Do you know if the OE Nissan gaskets are full stainless steel multi-layer crush on the exhaust? If so, I might just go with them.

 

Another option which I've used successfully numerous times is to purchase a can of spray copper from either Autozone or Advance. Spray it onto your stock gasket, helps fill in any possible irregularities in the manifold or head, and otherwise helps to great a better seal. No additional problems or difficulty to remove....great stuff. Can't recall if it helps decrease thermal transfer...but we're talking about the exhaust manifold.

 

Yes, I'm positive....I've done plenty of VQ's....they're all Stainless steel multi-layer (anti-crush) they never distort nor burn thru....can reuse it seems forever.....contact Courtesy Nissan.....

 

Is this a "copper only" type of thing or is it just a bonding spray? Would it be worth using on stainless steel, reusable gaskets?
I just went up to Nissan of Drexel Hill this morning. Unfortunately, everything is set to two and a half inches, so I'm only able to use the exhaust manifold gaskets and maybe the crush ring for the header-to-downpipe seal.

 

Well, it's a copper bonding spray. I've done the search for you so you can get an idea about what it looks like and does. I think it would be worth using on any type of gasket connecting to the heads or block.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=520940_0_0_

I would not suggest it for intake manifold, but only because I believe that would be overkill in such an application....not because it would cause any issues.

 

You rule. Thanks for the info. The product name and code will be a big help when I pick it up.