Sealant for new Supersprint exhaust/drone?

[7500rich]

Sorry if this has been beat to death already, I searched but couldn't find anything.

I installed my new Supersprint header back exhaust this past weekend and it went pretty well considering it is the very first exhaust I have ever installed.

Anyway after some searching prior to install I came to the conclusion that I didn't need any sealant on the joints since it was a brand new system. I did use the supplied gaskets (seemed like pressed together steel wool) on the header connections

All the joints are good and tight but I think there are leaks between some of the various sections.

So moving forward I think my options are either:
- unbolt everything from the mufflers to the test pipes and re-install with sealant on the joints, or
- is there some sort of sealant I can apply to the joint overlap not without unbolting everything?

Second question is whether or not a leaky exhaust would cause drone? I opted to but the F1Race mufflers due to them being designed to not drone on DCT cars like the standard Race mufflers (I have a manual BTW, still not big on drone). My system drones a lot at around 1750 to 2250 RPM. Could this be due to the leaks, or should I have been expecting drone from the get go because I ordered the test pipes without resonators or cats, and the x-pipe is also resonator less.

Thanks

[7500rich]

Forget to add, if you recommend sealant which brand?

Thanks

[Epoustouflant]

I am running the full catted exhaust with F1 mufflers and resonated X pipe on my 6MT.

3,000 to 4,000 rpm is so exotic sounding - truly amazing.

There is a bit of drone between 1,750 to 2,250, I find that zone avoidable as soon as you are out of first gear.

[7500rich]

Did you install the exhaust? Do you know if any sealant was used on the joints or are did they compress properly?

[tinman831]

A leaky exhaust will cause a slight ticking noise but doesn't cause drone. The drone is due to the material the exhaust is made out of among other things.

[Epoustouflant]

Originally Posted by 7499rich

Did you install the exhaust? Do you know if any sealant was used on the joints or are did they compress properly?

I had the system installed professionally but I was there to assist as well. We did not use any sealant. The hardware provided by Supersprint was top notch except the 02 bung caps which is the same stainless steel grade as the pipes used and as such easily threaded the bungs.

[7500rich]

K relieves my concern about not using any, was worried I would have to take it all apart!

Showed it to a couple guys from work today and they think it's installed fine.

Sound is coming around as well, not nearly as loud as when first installed, not sure if sound is changing or I'm just getting used to it, either way I am loving it!

[s85e90]

I have supersprint rear and used no paste. It's just clamps. No need for paste

[7500rich]

I agree paste not needed. Exhaust is sounding better and better every time I drive the car!