I noticed that my XB started to sound a little like a hoopty one day. It sounded like a leak somewhere under the hood.Had it checked out and I was told that the exhaust flange gasket was bad. Told me it would be $30.00 for the part and $90.00 for the labor. (AutoZone has 2. One for $4.97-ring and the other for $11.99-connector). I bought a magnaflow catback muffler system($496.00 free shipping not a bad deal) since I have been wanting one for a long time. I was going to have everything done at the same time. The shop that diagnosed the problem stated that they do not put parts(muffler) on. I would have to buy it from them in order to have it installed by them. So I went to another shop and the guy stated that it was not an exhaust flange gasket leak, it was a header leak and I would have to buy a new set of headers from him of course $275.00 DC Sports 4 to1. I asked him how did he know that it was a header leak and he stated that he put his hand by the flange and did not feel any blowing pressure and he did not see any indications (black film) of it there. (He did not see any from the headers either). I am thinking about taking the whole exhaust system off and reinstalling from the exhaust flange on back. Does anyone have/had this problem before and if so WHAT DID YOU? DO?

 

I have had the exhaust leak sound. Granted I was turbo'd and the gasket leak was due to the super heat. New gasket and maybe the bolts need to be replaced. I'd see about just getting a new gasket from the header to exhaust. At least check it out yourself and post back with pics. Blown gaskets should be pretty obvious. At least they were in my case.