I ordered a set of Berk high flow cats in the fall. Unfortunately I didn't get them until the car was already garaged for the winter. I am planning on installing them in the spring. I ordered a new set of gaskets for between the headers and the cats, as well as between the cats and exhaust.

The gasket that goes between the headers and cats has two different sides. Which way should the gasket go?

I can post some pics when I get home if that will help describe what I mean.

 

I believe the side with the raised ring goes on the header side.

 

Can't you reuse the stock gaskets that are by the headers and cats?

 

You could but when I first installed my headers I developed a very small leak on the passenger side between the header and cat. I had to change the gasket on that side. Since I am installing high flow cats I want to replace all the gaskets when I install them. That way I don't have to worry about a leak. They only cost about $50.00 for all 4. I think it is worth it.

 

Oh, I bought the berks hfc also, but I tthought i read that you could just go ahead and use the stock gaskets but maybe I should just go ahead and purchase new gaskets for it also then.

 

Doesnt matter.

 

+1 ^^

 

Here are some pictures of both sides. I find it hard to believe it doesn't matter but maybe it doesn't. If it doesn't matter why would Nissan make the gasket like this?

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/DSC03128.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/DSC03127.jpg

 

The rule of thumb is to never reuse gaskets, no matter where on the car. In exhaust applications, a micro mm gap between the gasket is enough to allow rust to set in and grow from.

OP, when you remove your OEM gaskets, just eyeball them to see which side the gasket is facing.

 

I can't do that because I've already removed them before when I installed the headers. I didn't notice back then that the gasket was different on both sides.

I think I will just look at both the headers and cats and see if one of them lines up against the circle side of the gasket better.

 

Thanks for the photos. Still I see no functional difference which way the gasket fits.

 

i cut mine by hand with a gasket sheet.... it doesn't matter.