I can feel a little air leaking before and after the cat when my car is at idle. Is this a big deal , am I losing power? I would think im not losing any cuz the air still comes out of the exhaust. I have a TBE by the way.

 

Yes, get it fixed. Part of having a good exhaust is having proper air flow. If you have multiple leaks in the middle of the system, then your exhaust flow will be all out of whack, which would affect power negatively.

 

We put the metal gaskets and tightened as much as we could and there are leaks still. Do you think i can use some of that high temp gasket maker? I think that would seal it for sure.

 

It may and may not work. I have a leak between the DP and 02 housing. The gasket didn't work for me.

 

Not only does it sound retarded, but it also messes with your o2 sensors. Causing you to run rich unneccsarily (waste of fuel).

 

is it the stock cat or what?

 

i have the same issue. small leak between my mid pipe and test pipe. i am running the mechanical O2 fix so no cell. i am going to fix it because of the sound, but not sure if i can take my sweet time or not (read: im lazy) will i screw anything up if i leave it be for a bit? how big of a power loss could it be?

 

Theoretically you'd make more power (less backpressure). Realistically the rear o2 sensor would read a lean condition and add fuel thereby decreasing low end power.

 

I don't think the rear o2 sensor adjusts the a/f.

 

Anyone know if I can get one of band clamp locally at pep boys, napa, or something. I have the BR TB and one of the clamp have loosen up to the point where it will not tighten up.

I don't think I can substitue it with the regular exhaust clamp.

 

Napa and WeaverAutoparts both have band clamps.

 

just get it welded at a muffler shop.