I just finished installing my gt spec headers on my rex. i bought and installed new manifold gaskets and decided i could reuse my header to uppipe gasket because I did my uppipe and downpipe about 6,000 miles ago. I inspected the up pipe gasket before I installed the headers.
my problem is i'm getting a screeching sound at 5k (driving the car hard) so i know theres a leak, I think its where the upipe and headers meet. as of right now I can not hear it leaking from idle, so its only present at wot. the bolts are all torqued to spec. headers to the block at 29 ft pounds and upipe to headers at 26 ft pounds
my question is should I tighten the uppipe/ headers beyond spec? or will that cause my leak to worsen?
thanks in advance

05 wrx
by the way here is my mod list
Sti uppipe
Gt spec headers unequal
Helix catted downpipe
greddy evo 2 catback
spt intake
ngk irridium plugs
cobb stage 2 91 oct

 

you should reinstall it with new gaskets.

 

now you get to do it again beacause you didnt buy gaskets

 

yeah i know I should have used a new gasket between the headers and uppipe. Should I consider reinstalling the whole uppipe part of the install.
because per perrin instructions :

1) manifold to uppipe (2 bolts)
2) manifold to cross over pipe (2 bolts)
3) manifold to block (3 bolts)
4) turbo to uppipe (3 bolts)
5) uppipe to turbo brackets (2 bolts)

I did get new gaskets for the manifold and the uppipe to header gasket looked flawless. I think my problem lays where install order. because the uppipe should have been tightened to the headers with the uppipe loose from the turbo. yes?
that was the way I installed the uppipe and no leaks.

tomorrow I'm reinstalling the uppipe and see how it goes.

 

The GT Spec V2 header has a 3 bolt flange (Header to up-pipe joint) as well as a proprietary up-pipe. If you are using the stock STI up-pipe, it must be the version one or a similar design like the Gruppe-S. The version 1 header was prone to leaks between the header and the up-pipe.

I ran into the same thing thing when I installed my GT Spec Header...but my situation couldn't be helped...spur of the moment...a friend wanted to swap right then and there...

I ended up ordering all new gaskets...and doing the job twice. All of the old gaskets leaked by the way...it sounded really bad...couldn't believe they all leaked...

Here is the order in which I tightened the bolts....

1. Header to up-pipe
2. up-pipe to turbo
3. header to block

on the V2...the three bolt flange is good for stopping the leaks...but one of the three bolts nearest the driver is really hard to get to...real pain...

Also, you may want to try and purchase some of the, for lack of better words, "PUFFY" gaskets...it's kind of thicker with perforations all over...it really sealed mine up well...they also recommend spraying on the copper gasket spray by permatex...onto the gaskets...letting them sit until they get tacky, then installing them...good luck...

 

thanks for the info island style. yes it is the gt spec header ver 1. I fixed my problem by uninstalling the uppipe portion and torqing the uppipe to headers first then tighting the uppipe to the turbo. works great no leaks. I have yet to test it cold though
thanks again
over all I like the gt spec headers, my only beef is the exhaust note changed. somehow i dont think it sounds are deep anymore
anyone else have this result with headers?

 

Mine changed in sound as well, a higher, smoother pitch...you'll get use to it...

I"ve tried the header with lots of exhausts (B&B, HKS High Power, HKS Carbon Ti, TurboXS RFL-Ti, Cobb, APS 3.5", RS*R )...

It sounds great especially with the APS 3.5" TBE, to quiet it down, I did have a Cobb axleback modified to fit on the APS Mid-Pipe, looks stock and sounds meaner...

I recently took the APS off and put an RS*R tbe exhaust on...believe it or not, the RS*R is louder than the APS, but with a more distinct low tone...it sounds mean...

To give you an idea of how it sounds...these guys (3 Chevy Trucks at 3 different times) gave me a look and a thumbs up...it sounds like a big block chevy at idle...heh heh they have no idea under the hoodscoop lies a 2.5l...

If you want that deep rumble, you will have to go with something lower toned like the RS*R , Invidia Race, Tanabe Ultra Medallion...exhausts that accentuate the boxer rumble...Have fun!