having a couple issues

[HiImBrian]

I just removed the spacer I had between my exhaust manifold and the head to get rid of any possible exhaust leaks there may have been. I also replaced the 8 studs in the head and put on new nuts. My first problem is that I hear a wicked exhaust leak whenever I give it gas and rev over 3000 rpms. There is a slight crack in my exhaust manifold (which I will soon replace) but it seems to be coming down a little deeper. Would a tiny crack like that be that big of an issue? I'll check more into this when I get back home.

The other thing I noticed when driving to work this morning is when I down shift to slow myself down I hear a louder than normal crackling coming from the rear end of the car. This doesn't sound like the usual backfire gargle I've usually got which is why I am concerned.

thanks,
-brian

[asshanson]

Did you use new gaskets?

[HiImBrian]

The only gasket I would have needed to replace would have been the one between the manifold and head. That gasket is only a matter of months old and looked to be in new condition.

I did loosen up and clock my turbo. Is there a chance that something in there might be loose? idk why that would be an exhaust leak though. Maybe I'm missing something.

[asshanson]

Did you feel around the turbo/manifold for leaks? Or at the o2/downpipe for leaks? I could actually feel the exhaust coming out of mine when I put my hands down there - car cold of course :) You should be able to hear/smell it at idle I would think, not just at higher RPMs. Do you hear it at low throttle, WOT, all the time?

Do you have a wideband? Is it reading different than before?

[HiImBrian]

Yea last night was the first night I drove my car around and it only stays cool for so long. Unfortunately, it was getting late and having a loud car means I should probably leave the neighborhood to rev it a bunch and hear/feel for things. I thought I could feel a very light touch of air coming from the crack in my manifold. I guess the best thing would be to replace the manifold and just swap out new gaskets for everything while I'm in there.

[AwdGSX13]

i would just start it when its cold and idle, and feel for the leak as stated before. If its loud enough to hear you shold be able to feel the leak.