I would like to know if there is any truth in the thought that a header plate will seat better and keep that seal longer, meaning that the exhaust gasket will last longer if one is to split the header flange into 3 separate units. This would leave the front and rear flange held by two bolts and the center two pipes held by two bolts. I guess that the theory is that it takes the stress out of the flange.

Have any of you any thoughts on this matter?