How couldn't you get them tightened all the way down? I was able to get all of mine tight with a long open end wrench.

 

I had a brief e-mail conversation with Speed Inc, and one of the things they said was that the AS&M had some "collector leak issues" on the passenger side, and that they couldn't guarantee a leak-free installation...

This is the first I've ever heard of a problem with AS&M headers... anyone else...??

 

i think it is time for you to get a new mechanic. stock mainfolds are in no way in comparison to longtubes. if you get headers, don't used the paper gaskets, use good ones. and tell you mechanic to go take some more classes on cars. I bet your mechanic drives a jetta.

 

The original owner of my AS&M's (I bought them used) checked them with a straight edge when he bought them new, and the flanges were not flat. He had them planed before he installed them. Add his 2+ years to my 6+ years and the headers have close to 9 years of operation on them with no leaks, and the HPC coating is just starting to get to the point where its showing rust at the weld spatter on the primaires, near the flange.