xt2005bonbon Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 I changed almost all exhaust gaskets a couple of weeks ago with OEM ones and it is still leaking a bit and stinks at the manifold to uppipe gasket . I've been reading on the interwebz that these uppipes are prone to leak at that location because they are solid. Some says solution is just to use a flex one. Some experimented with various gaskets but I can't find a clear cut solution.. Thoughts ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12sechatch Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 most of the time you'll be able to locate an exhaust leak as there will be black soot 'seeping' out of the leak location (assuming it is in a weld). If you know the leak is in the gasket/joint location, just get yourself a grimmspeed 2X thick gasket, or a Remflex crush type gasket. I have had great luck with either, but prefer the Remflex typically. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xt2005bonbon Posted May 30, 2014 Author Share Posted May 30, 2014 most of the time you'll be able to locate an exhaust leak as there will be black soot 'seeping' out of the leak location (assuming it is in a weld). If you know the leak is in the gasket/joint location, just get yourself a grimmspeed 2X thick gasket, or a Remflex crush type gasket. I have had great luck with either, but prefer the Remflex typically. Yeah I troubleshooted the leak and it is indeed at the gasket/joint location (again). The old gasket was like 'eaten' away at one corner btw... Leaking at the same spot. Then I may give it a try to remflex. Will look them up.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FJuan Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 That's one of the disadvantages with the soild UP. Here are a couple of ideas that have worked for me. 1. Use 2 oem gaskets 2. Using 1 oem gasket, take a flat head screwdriver and flare the gasket, seperating each layer. This will allow the gasket a more crushable area when tightening the bolts down. My wife's balls are delicious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RallyMachine Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 3 bolt up pipes <3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FJuan Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 To add one more, which I've done on another exhaust connection, is to sand down the tight side of the matting surfaces (flanges). Placing the 2 flanges together (w/o a gasket), determine where the highest gap is. Then sand down the low side allowing more room for the flange to mat up better. My wife's balls are delicious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 Never had a problem with my Invidia solid up pipe to stock manifold. Have you verified the surface is flat, on both the manifold and up pipe ? I did have a smell leak at the Invidia DP to stock midpipe till I had Mike (m sprank) send me the grimmspeed 2x thick 3" x two bolt gasket. https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=grimmspeed%202x%20gasket m sprank may have a cheaper price, check with him before you buy. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xt2005bonbon Posted May 31, 2014 Author Share Posted May 31, 2014 Thanks for the input guys. I may try some of your suggestions. Mine's been leaking where the arrow is pointing on the attached pic btw. Max Cap, no I have not verified if the mating surfaces were flat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JmP6889928 Posted May 31, 2014 Share Posted May 31, 2014 I had an Invidia UP and it was so far off at the manifold that it would never seal. I made custom gaskets out of maleable copper .093" thick, made them out of header gasket material, combined 2, 3, even 4 gaskets, and because the pipe was so poorly made, it would never even line up correctly. Invidia stood behind it...NOT EVER ! ! I took about a dozen photos of how badly it was made (about 1/8" on one side and 1/4" on the other) at the flange and they basically shrugged it off and said they would sell me a new one at 20% off. Like I would ever buy another thing from them. My advice is to dump the piece of crap, buy a Grimmspeed or even a stock STi, put it on, not have leaks anymore, walk away dusting off your hands, and boost on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted May 31, 2014 Share Posted May 31, 2014 Wow would not have thought Invidia would treat you that way. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xt2005bonbon Posted May 31, 2014 Author Share Posted May 31, 2014 Yeah, that's not very good customer service.. I hope I'll get it fixed. Annoying stink.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xt2005bonbon Posted July 7, 2014 Author Share Posted July 7, 2014 Update... I bought a 2x thicker than OEM Grimmspeed gasket, installed it, and so far so good. No more stinky cabin and quieter exhaust now . Hopefully, it'll stay that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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