stupid question - exhaust gaskets

[e30rapidic]

been so long since I took the motor apart...oops

exhaust gasket has a metal side and a textured side. Which side of the gasket goes against the head and which side goes against the exhaust? Couldn't find anything online regarding this.

edit - heres a pic

[ck_taft325is]

Gasket material (black) against the head and steel on the headers.

[e30rapidic]

Gasket material (black) against the head and steel on the headers.

thank you sir!

[ck_taft325is]

Very welcome ;)

G'luck!

[Jand3rson]

I had this same question when putting my headers on tonight, and I asked 4 different people that I know are proficient in 24V motors. Two told textured gasket side against the head, one told me metal against the head, and Jordan told me that it doesn't actually matter.

[e30rapidic]

I had this same question when putting my headers on tonight, and I asked 4 different people that I know are proficient in 24V motors. Two told textured gasket side against the head, one told me metal against the head, and Jordan told me that it doesn't actually matter.

I've put the S52 gaskets on since this...both sides were metal. So I guess it doesn't really matter after all.

[willworkfore30s]

my m42 car has metal on both sides.

[10Toes]

I would say gasket side out. One surface is smooth machined aluminum and one is cast iron, I think the cast iron would be harder to seal (require the softer gasket), but either way would probably work fine.

[Jand3rson]

Mine are Victor Reinz, BTW.