Abstract: The use of gasket assemblies to compensate for thermally induced gasket movement between a cylinder head and an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine is becoming more important in increasing the life of the engine components. The ability to compensate for the thermally induced movement increases the life of the exhaust manifold, connecting bolts, and the gasket assembly. The subject gasket assembly has a first substantially flat plate which has an outer side and an opposite inner side and a second substantially flat plate which has an outer side and an opposite inner side. The plates each are formed from a material having a generally high coefficient of friction. A first layer of material is attached to the inner side of the first plate to define a first plate assembly with the material having a generally low coefficient of friction.