ive been running remflex for a while now. they always seal. really happy with them. if its not leaking dont worry about it. melting paint and header wrap stink and will continue to for a while. ive had my car through a bunch of heat cycles and i can still smell the header wrap some times. what is your wastegate set at? if its 8lbs or less i woulnt be to afraid of romping on it a little just dont stay in it long. that orange hose blew on ya? what kind of wideband did you go with?