Hi Guys,

Just a quick question...I'm installing my new Speedstar longshots today and I just noticed that the pipes didn't come with new exhaust gaskets (even for what I paid for them). Is it safe to reuse the gaskets in the cylinder head (not disturbed), or should I just cough up 9 buck a piece at the dealer?

I want to thank you in advanced for all the incredible tips on this site. You'all know more than the parts guys at Yamaha.

Charlie Horse
2005 M*

As long as the current gaskets are not damaged (thus allowing leaks) you can reuse them.

Regards, ted

Thanks ted,

There doesn't appear to be any damage or sign of leaking (evidence in black marks on gasket), but I did notice a puffing sound when the motor was hot (it gets really hot here..like 110-115 in the summer). Also on the exhaust flange nuts, should I use anti-sieze compound or leave them dry???

Charlie Horse

Charlie Horse:

Welcome to the forum.

There are a few schools of thought on this one. Remember, the goal is to avoid an air leak between the header pipe and the exhaust manifold.

Here are some options:

1) If the OEM gaskets are relatively new, you can reuse them.

2) You can buy new OEM gaskets (pricey, at $9-10 each).

3) You can buy aftermarket Fel-Pro gaskets, part # 23588, which are typically available at better auto parts stores (NAPA has them in stock) for about $2-3 each. You can also get the Fel-Pro gaskets on-line from Rockauto (best price and fast shipping).

4) Some folks stack the gaskets: You can stack 2 OEM gaskets, 2 Fel-Pro gaskets or 1 OEM and 1 Fel-Pro gasket.

When you're installing the pipes, use Anti-Seize on the stud threads. Also, replace the allen head nuts with stainless steel 8mm nuts. If you want insurance and a pretty look, you can cap the stainless steel nuts with acorn nuts. I did both and I'm happy with the install AND the look!

Good luck!<br><br>Post edited by: 06MidnightStar, at: 2007/06/08 14:23

[b] , I put a set of Cobra Power Pro 2 into 1 pipes on my 04 Roadstar, I re-used the original gaskets, and I have not had any problems.

I've reused the original gaskets when I installed my Hard Kromes with no leaks in a thousand miles. I like the idea of stacking a new felpro on top of the original as mentioned by midnightstar.

This is unbelievable!!!!!!!!!! This exhaust fits soooo poorly. After installing, fiting the bolt line-up and all, found I had a huge exhaust leak on the front cylinder. So I then removed the bracket bolts then snugged up the exhaust flange bolts only to find that the front pipe is 1.5&quot; out at the rear bracket. I immediately called the dealer who then called Yamaha. Yamaha says that they have sold over 200 of these pipes without any problems. Have any of you experienced such a cluster????

Charlie Horse

Make sure you loosen all clamps..the muffler to pipe ones... as you may have to slide the muffler further onto the head pipe....

My Megacone required a little pushin and swearing but the bracket bolts eventually lined up...<br><br>Post edited by: Pop Rivet, at: 2007/06/08 13:47

I agree with POP, sometimes you have to do alittle more work than you would think necessary to get pipes &quot;in&quot; correctly. Pull in the exhaust studs evenly,not all of one, then the other, as it will never line-up. My V/H propipe on my Shadow really took me to task, but I prevailed! BB

Update...There is no way that the rear header will bolt on properly. Once finger tight at the exhaust flange, the rear muffler at the bracket was at least 1.5 inchs off to the right and 1.0 inch down. Pulling it in was putting WAY too much strain on the header. Tried unbolting the connection at the muffler flange, but it wouldn't budge much. Took the exhaust system back to the Yamaha store where there happened to be the factory reps visiting today. The store manager ordered me an exhange and the reps took the system with them. I can understand having to make minor adjustments but this was a little too much. Also the mounting bracket bolts didn't line up correctly, stripping one of the bolts. I even took both brackets along to show the reps that the holes were off by almost 1/8 inch. BTW the rear header and pipe fit perfectly.
Thanks for all the tips. I'll post when the new pipes arrive.

Charlie Horse