Do I need to clean the mounting surfaces before installation?

Yes. Clean both the turbo flange and downpipe mating surfaces with a wire brush or gasket scraper to remove any old gasket material or carbon buildup. A clean surface ensures proper sealing and prevents exhaust leaks.

Should I use sealant on this gasket?

Aluminum gaskets work best dry or with a light high-temp gasket compound. Check your turbo kit's instructions — some setups benefit from a thin coat of gasket maker, others don't. Avoid over-applying sealant, as it can squeeze out into the exhaust.

Will this gasket work if I'm upgrading turbos?

This gasket is sized for T3/T4 flanges only. If you're switching turbo sizes or flange types, verify that your new turbo uses the same 5 bolt T3/T4 pattern before ordering.