Exhaust stink inside car - Cheap fix

[4bagels]

Most of these things have already been discussed by the experts over the years, but I wanted to pass this along if anyone is searching for a cheap cure...

Ever since putting on an aftermarket cast manifold and T3 turbo, I've had pretty significant exhaust odor getting inside the car. I'm trying hard to write this with my remaining brain cells It would come in via the ventilation (unless on recirc mode). It would also get worse if I cracked open the windows or sunroof. I checked the flex pipe, and it was fine.

To find the exhaust leaks:
1. Shoved the hose of a shop-vac into the tailpipe, and ran it in "reverse", so it would blow air into the exhaust system. Since mine has dual exhaust tips, I stuffed a rag into the other tip. I like this method rather than running the car to pressurize the exhaust because this way it stays cool, and doesn't affect step #2, below.
2. Took a spray bottle full of water and a little liquid soap and started spraying all of the suspect areas, including the exhaust manifold, the turbo, the wg area, both ends of the cat, the flex pipe, couplings, etc., looking for any spots that would cause bubbles, and I definitely found them, all within 5 minutes of work!
3. In my case (results may vary) the mating surfaces between the cast exhaust manifold and the turbo, as well as the mating surfaces between the turbine and internal wastegate (5 bolt setup) had become warped, and that's where my huge exhaust leaks were. Everything else was basically fine.

To fix the exhaust leaks caused by the warped surfaces:
1. Disassemble the parts. In my case that was the turbo's exhaust turbine casting, and the internal wastegate casting.
2. Take a sheet of glass (from any hardware store), which is very flat, and place that on a flat surface (workbench, etc). Then lay a sheet of 60 grid sandpaper face up on the glass. Now the time consuming part: Take the warped piece, with even pressure, keeping it straight, carefully sand it over and over. At first, you'll see the shiny parts that are getting sanded will probably be just certain areas, which are the high spots. Keep sanding over and over until finally the whole surface is shiny and flat. Blow out any remaining dust.
3. Reassemble the parts.
4. Enjoy the fresh air (hopefully!)

[Quattro 4 Life]

this sounds like a pretty good method. i have similar problems with smell so i'll have to give it a try. thanks for the info!