Is there a specific order to how to tighten the bolts for the Downpipe to Turbo (i.e. the 5 Bolt Oval Section just off the back of the turbo)?

I know the bolts should be tightened to about 26 ft-lbs as the spec, but I don't know if there is a pattern that they are supposed to be tightened in when installing everything (like a star pattern when installing wheels).

So is there a pattern that should be followed or one that seems to work for a tightening order? Should the bottom bolts be tightened before the top bolts or does it matter? I've now had a leak coming through 2 different gaskets since trying to install the downpipe and trying to rule out the possibilities of what is causing the leak.

 

are the bolts that hold the uppipe to the turbo perhaps interfering with the flange/bellmouth?

 

What dp do you have? It could be warped and not make a perfect flush seal..

 

I never really use any specific order when changing my turbo or down pipes I usually just try to kris cross as much as possible like when changing a wheel.
Id check to make sure your down pipe flange Is perfectly flat ( Use a ruler or something you know Is completely flat ) If the flange checks out then try the turbo, If you keep blowing through gaskets then something Is off.

 

AVO Downpipe.

http://www.rallitek.com/AVO-Downpipe...l-Trans/p-4414 - Here's a picture for reference (I have a different model than the one listed, but it's essentially the same one in the 2nd picture).

I checked with Ian and nope, he didn't have any interference from the up-pipe section. Also checked if the divider plate may have been causing a fitment issue and he didn't believe it was causing any issues (since I was reading that some plates may need to be ground down because they are too long and that doesn't seem to be the case here).

This is the specific model (S2102M3GA001)

http://www.subimods.com/02-03-wrx/ex...t-5mt-6mt.html

 

I snug them all before I start tightening them. I never tighten them in any particular order and have had never any problems with leaks. On my personal car I've even reused downpipe gaskets and never had a problem.

 

I cinch up the bottom more, but not all the way, then work around the top, and bring home the bottoms.