DIY DP Gasket (M2 DP)

[mikelevi]

I had to replace my broken V Band clamp tonight. To my surprise, the gasket between the DP and the V Band was completely incinerated. Doing a little research, I discover that Header Gaskets are rated for the same temps as V Band gaskets.

So I drove down to Autozone. They only have 2.5" Header Mr. Gaskets.

I then go to Advance Auto. They have the 3" Mr. Gaskets as well as 3" Fel-Pro (5.99) which look a little better (steel core laminate).

When I get back to the garage I trace out the outline of the old gasket, pop it on the ban saw and cut it.

This thing feels so much better than what comes with the M2 DP on ebay.

I center it in the new clamp, torque and reassemble.

No leak, and no wait for an overpriced ordered V Band Gasket. Should hold up as well.

Figured I'd share if anyone finds themselves in a pinch!

[crazyp]

what is a vband gasket? Unless Im doing it wrong...........

[zenger]

Originally Posted by crazyp what is a vband gasket? Unless Im doing it wrong...........

this

[karl-hungus]

you have nice hands.

[mikelevi]

actually, those aren't mine. I brought in a hand model for that shot.

[EdgeAutosport.com]

You don't put a gasket in between the v band clamps, that's the beauty of the v bands.

[mikelevi]

I've seen on other posts/sites although many say a gasket is not required many people experience leaks in between. I say rather safe than sorry.

Originally Posted by eric@edgeautosport You don't put a gasket in between the v band clamps, that's the beauty of the v bands.

[EdgeAutosport.com]

Originally Posted by mikelevi I've seen on other posts/sites although many say a gasket is not required many people experience leaks in between. I say rather safe than sorry.

IMO that defeats the purpose of the beautiful flanges, they are machined like that for a reason. I didnt even think you could fit a gasket in between the two to be honest

[mikelevi]

thanks for the info! The M2 came with the gasket so my assumption was that is was needed.

[crazyp]

when I had a M2 I always wondered WTF that gasket was for. on aircraft none of the vbands take gaskets so thats how I looked at it. But your right it does seem to be a vband gasket after searching teh interwebz

[p057]

its in there because the clamp sucks and doesnt fit properly.

then the gasket sucks.

so you're forced to fix a problem to fix another problem that shouldn't exist.


Thanks ebay!


PS: RTV copper is 10000% better and can get more uses out of the tube of leftovers when done.

[dooderek]

i need some worm clamp gaskets anyone got?

[mikelevi]

Update: After I made the DIY Gasket, I purchased a really solid new 3" V Band clamp from Amazon. When changing clamps the Gasket I made did the same thing, burned through on one side. Its because the V Band clamp that comes with the M2 sucks big floppy donkey dick. I didnt even bother making a new gasket for this new V Band clamps. You could tell that it is much better, and I dont believe this one will need a gasket.

My Recommendation is buy a new V Band Clamp, dont waste your time on a new gasket. With the M2 Clamp, you'll just continue to burn through.

[Karmat]

Originally Posted by mikelevi Update: After I made the DIY Gasket, I purchased a really solid new 3" V Band clamp from Amazon. When changing clamps the Gasket I made did the same thing, burned through on one side. Its because the V Band clamp that comes with the M2 sucks big floppy donkey dick. I didnt even bother making a new gasket for this new V Band clamps. You could tell that it is much better, and I dont believe this one will need a gasket. My Recommendation is buy a new V Band Clamp, dont waste your time on a new gasket. With the M2 Clamp, you'll just continue to burn through.

Did you end up running the clamp without a gasket? Results?

[mikelevi]

Originally Posted by Karmat Did you end up running the clamp without a gasket? Results?

Yes, so far its been leak less. Although I've been having one hell of a time controlling the leak from DP to Exhaust pipe. I ended up just using my OEM Gasket again but there is still a slight leak.

[Karmat]

Sounds good. Ordered a clamp last night good to know that I don't need to get a gasket.

I also have a leak between the exhaust and the downpipe in the top portion of the connection. Wonder if a magnaflow exhaust would remedy the issue.

[Speed_j23]

Originally Posted by mikelevi Yes, so far its been leak less. Although I've been having one hell of a time controlling the leak from DP to Exhaust pipe. I ended up just using my OEM Gasket again but there is still a slight leak.

Originally Posted by Karmat Sounds good. Ordered a clamp last night good to know that I don't need to get a gasket. I also have a leak between the exhaust and the downpipe in the top portion of the connection. Wonder if a magnaflow exhaust would remedy the issue.

The problem is OEM gasket sucks for anything other than on complete OEM exhaust. Just order a 3 inch vibrant gasket; that's what I have with no problems running 3 inch do and OEM CBE.

[mikelevi]

Originally Posted by Karmat Sounds good. Ordered a clamp last night good to know that I don't need to get a gasket. I also have a leak between the exhaust and the downpipe in the top portion of the connection. Wonder if a magnaflow exhaust would remedy the issue.

I wonder if I can justify the cost of the Magnaflow setup to my wife in order to fix this leak? I will say from clips the catless DP and Magnaflow combinations sounds really good. I went with stock CB because I HATE excessive drone.

[p057]

Originally Posted by mikelevi I wonder if I can justify the cost of the Magnaflow setup to my wife in order to fix this leak? I will say from clips the catless DP and Magnaflow combinations sounds really good. I went with stock CB because I HATE excessive drone.

i left stock CBE, no gains to be seen from replacing it. cops leave me alone, and when i start it up in the morning it sounds sexy. compliments from the ladies at work when i take them out to lunch. "omgz you gots V8 in there?" lawl.

[redboat]

check my gasket today, it was toast. I'l be ordering a new V band clamp, I'll also get this for extra insurance

V-Band Sealing Gasket, 3", Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) - 034Motorsport | Performance Parts for Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen

[GroceryGtr]

old ass thread, but wanted to update it as it came up on a recent thread I replied to and figured someone might reference this one. Seems people forget there are 2 styles of vband flanges...

the reason the ebay dps come with a gasket is because the majority use the old school flat/universal vband flanges instead of the male/female specific flanges. The male/female flanges have a lip that fits inside the other end making for a leak proof fit eliminating the need for a gasket. The cheapy ebay versions are just flat surfaces that mate together, no lip, hence the need for a gasket. So its not necessarily the cheap vband clamp(dont get me wrong I would still replaced it asap), but rather the flange style that causes most of the leaking issues.

Edit: I've been told there are a few new offerings on ebay that have the new lip style flanges... my advice would be do your homework. Flat styles shouldnt necessarily be a dealer breaker, just understand they require a quality gasket and clamp to seal correctly.