Just installed a header and up pipe on my 2005 WRX, and for some reason I can get the header to seal up to the heads very well, the car has 2000 miles on it, I reused the stock gaskets, they leaked. I spent $40 at subaru to get new exhaust manifold gaskets and it seal for less than a day. I started the car up this morning...yeah its leaking. Any tips on how to get this to stop leaking?

Mind you I spent all morning yesterday looking for the softer gasket materal, but no one seems to have the exhaust manifold size except for the stock stuff from subaru. The Header is from Stone Mountian Racing, I bought it used. The flanges look pretty flat. Anything else I can try before I pull it off and go back to stock?

Trent

 

i would say that the subaru gaskets should work fine. no gasket is really going to stop that leak your having from your ex. mani. b/c the surface or flange that bolts on is un even from crappy manufacturing - call the company, send it back get another otherwise just get a nice manifold and your troubles will be solved.
(unfortunate but cheap stuff sux)

 

Haha..yeah I agree that I should get a better header, but I got the thing to work, a little grinding to get things smooth. No leaks so far, its been leak free for a week now. Good times I say! Thanks for the input!

 

good job bro that's the way - just make that sucker fit how it should and you shouldn't have any more problems!

 

I learned the lesson a long time ago..."there is no such thing as Bolt On"

 

theres a trick to installing anything that involves gaskets

1- install part to torque spec
2- warm up completely and go for a short drive around the block.
3- loosen 5 lbs and retorque all bolts

this is when the gaskets are expanded completely and they get seated properly. ive done this to many cars and it works like a charm. so if u ever do get another leak u know what to do