I went ahead and switched out my gaskets today with the SE gaskets. I guess its better to be on the safe side. My PCIII came in today, so now I just have to get it in to the tuner.

 

The orignals are a metal mesh,and best way to get them out is with needlenose pliers.

SE ones fit in snug, but not so tight that there is any difficulty getting them in. I believe they call it a crush fit. It expands as you torque the header against it.

 

Ive heard from a lot of knowledgable people not to worry about replacing them, however, they are crush gaskets and the deform when you torque them. With that in mind i always replace them and besides theyre relatively cheap.

 

If I'm putting on an entirely new exhaust system I always use new gaskets. Since they are crush gaskets they are formed to the profile and size of the header flange that it was tightened against. I'm not sure why the amount of miles on a set of gaskets have to do with being able to re-use them. Installing a new system with old gaskets mayleave voids in the seal and could cause over-torqueing the flange nuts. Besides, like others have said...they're cheap.

 

I'm taking off my exhaust (Big Radius)to do some bolt replacements and I'll change the gasket. For $10 I don't want to risk having to take it apart again.

 

When I installed my V&H Straight Shots, I replaced the gaskets with the SE units. As others have said: cheap insurance.

Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]