LCE header: OEM vs provided gasket

After finding out my 2000 Tacoma is one of the oddball (but cool lol) federal versions that has a single cat - i'm going with the LCE header over the mini-header as it'll also replace my downpipe to cat and move my torque curve down in the powerband. Saving old downpipe + manifold for smog time.

For those of you who have thrown one on your 3RZ, did you use the "multi layer metal" OEM gasket direct from Toyota or the provided one from LCE? I've read a few posts complaining about exhaust leaks after installing it - but those seemed to be the 2nd/3rd gen guys with really weird clearances if I remember correctly. I don't mind grabbing an OEM one of it guarantees a good seal. Cheap insurance.

I'm also going to re-use my existing studs since they are snug and didn't come out accidentally when I unbolted stock manifold thanks to some pre soak w/PB blaster. I will however get some new OEM nuts so future removal is equally as easy with no surprises. LCE makes a stud/nut kit but i've read multiple posts with pics showing them corroding/rusting over relatively quickly. No thanks.

Thanks!

 

Hopefully our new commander and cheif follows thru and dismantles the B.A.R.

Smog checks a none issue, thing of the past.

 

Agreed! Till then i'll have to save my old stuff lol

 

I put a victor-reinz MLS gasket on last time, cheap from rock auto and 6 layers thick

 

LCE header or something different? lots of layers there!

 

Yeah my first two trucks had 3RZs with LCE headers.

 

Right on, brings that torque curve down as Tooter mentions a lot?

Did you ever use or have issues with the gasket(s) that came with it?

I ironically notice more people having issues with the OEM mini-header doing my reading because of the dual inlet on the downpipe instead of the LCE just replacing the entire system down to the cat. 2 less gaskets to worry about I suppose!

 

It made it torquier to an extent, can't deny the header is stout though, held up my whole exhaust once when the hanger broke off haha

 

Damn! Any issues with exhaust leaks? I noticed i'll be ditching that bell housing bracket on the stock downpipe for support. Don't want any contact with the engine/frame but my motor mounts look good

 

Used a cheap mls gasket for my header, no leaks. Ive had issues with the lower flange leaking where it meets the exhaust pipe. A v band worked great.

The header really wakes these trucks up. Taking out that federal restriction also perks them up a little more. Use anti seize and it will be easier to get it smog ready when time comes.

 

much appreciated! Fresh OEM stud nuts incoming as well. Little PB and old ones came off fine (luckily) but might have been a fluke lol.

 

In my experience, most the non oem aftermarket parts rust.......in double time

like bolts, studs, control arms, ect.....


Mevotech......is mevo rust
....not everywhere, but on the nuts and threads

 

I saw a thread about the cheap LCE stud/nut kid rusting over super fast. Decided to go OEM nuts with existing studs on head

I also saw pic of the ceramic coating on the header getting fucked up less than a year later.

might paint it high temp stuff!

 

I have well over a year on a LCE header and their exhaust, the ceramic coating looks the same as when it was new fwiw.

 

I’ll have to dig up the thread but I did notice it was mostly 2nd gen header guys with some issues since the header tubes are super close together.

One dude used a wrap too which is a no-no. I’ll keep and eye on it and pull it for re-coating if I notice anything.

 

I have a stainless version, can't contribute to the paint holding up. But stainless is holding up, little color change and some occasional fluid drips.

The oem hardware was also reused, no issues there. I think is been on for 8-10 yrs?

 

Did you use OEM Toyota gaskets or gaskets they provided?

 

I used the gaskets that LCE provide fwiw. No issues so far.