spacemanspif Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 The passenger valve cover gasket on Mrs. Spif's 05 GT is leaking on the catted up pipe and causing an oil burning smell inside when the heat is on the fresh air setting. Apparently it is not a big surprise that these cars have valve cover gasket leaking problems. Guessing that the passenger side is more prone to leaks due to the heat of the up pipe being so close to the valve cover. So my question is if an STI non-cat up pipe or aftermarket $150 Invidia pipe could be installed to extend the life of my gaskets? Invidia pipe would probably be wrapped in header wrap since it does not have heat shielding like the Subaru factoey option. Supposedly the previous owner already did the valve cover gaskets and the car only has 65,000 miles, 20k miles between valve cover leaks seems a bit excessive... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesA Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 20K between valve cover gaskets means the job was done wrong! There is no way you should have to re-do that job so soon. There are also spark plug tube seals that can leak, maybe that is the cause. Or the turbo drain hose... You really should replace the catted uppipe ASAP since they are a known point of failure that could ruin the turbo and possibly damage the engine. I think using an OEM uppipe from an 07+ LGT or other Subaru is a good idea because it is a nice quality component that looks stock, has heat shields and has a flex section. Also, it is pretty inexpensive to pick up a take-off uppipe. The heat of the turbo is more known for shortening the life of the inner CV boot on the passenger side. The heads are water-cooled so that is going to limit how hot the valve cover gaskets will get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relative4 Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 You should definitely install a catless up pipe right away, to avoid premature destruction of your turbo and engine. Possible extension of valve cover gasket life would be a minor side benefit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spacemanspif Posted February 2, 2017 Author Share Posted February 2, 2017 Thanks gents. I put up a thread in the WTB section for a non-cat version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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