Well, I was trying to get a picture because I have a question. The kit came with these little washer things and I wasn't sure if they went inbetween the flanges like I set it up or in front of the nut. Reason being I have a leak on the drivers side, it's either at the header flange at the head or at the collector. I'm thinking the pipes need to be screwed closer together than those washers will allow....

Also, I look under and there's ******* surface rust. wtf. I guess that salt ruins anything. When I got these they were not like that.

 

Replace the doughnut in between them first. The setup you have is correct. They are spacers to keep you from crushing the doughnut to much.

 

the doughnut is brand new or at least was when i put it in,

 

Looks to me like they are using some cheap *** stainless materials!!!!!

 

You're sure it's a leak and not just valvetrain noise? When I installed mine I thought the same thing and replaced the donut gaskets and header gaskets, noise was still there. I even sprayed soapy water around looking for the leak and never found it, everyone I've talked to says it's normal due to the headers thinner walls.

 

I think the dynatechs are probably made of 304 SS, which can rust under the right conditions. It's typically just surface rust as you described. The passive layer probably is just damaged or contaminated.

316 SS actually stands up to road salts and ocean spray better.

 

Some valve train noise is common, I know of a few late model GM trucks that have some header tick, mine included........

 

Is the rear bolt still missing where the flange meets the head?

As for the rust, it's perfectly normal, it won't go all of the way through, it's just surface rust.

 

yeah, the bolt is still missing. $1200 to fix that (cost of ported heads).

These things I just didn't know about when I bought the motor. You think you're getting a pretty good deal for $1200 but when all the crap that's wrong with it is added up it's actually cheaper just to spend more and get a good motor from a reputable place.

 

If you find black residue, then you have a leak - otherwise don't worry about it, it's fine.