>I have really screwed up on this cause the setup is insanely loud.

   yeah, I had the same problem, turned out the flanges on the pipes that
   connect to the head were out of angle never allowing the flange to seal
   with the head.

>I guess I gotta take it all apart, put the metal gaskets in, metal side to
>manifold....

   when i took mine apart, I sent it back...still waiting for some
   resolution

>I need a drink, I just spent 4 hours doing that, and now I gotta take it
>all back apart.

   a drink helps but so does a crow bar...hope you bought it from a
   reputable source OTHER than S&S as their customer service is
   non-exhistent...I am at 12 months waiting for a resolution on a
   merchandise return.

JB