Upon having my car serviced by Subaru at the end of December i was informed that my exhaust was 'burst' (didn't tell me where, ) and they quoted me £189 to fix it.

Obviously i want to know exactly what is wrong with the car before i go forking out to have it fixed so i left it for the time being.

Today i had my steering geometry adjusted to the Prodive settings and whilst the car was on the ramps i asked him where he though my exhaust was blowing.

He informed me that there's a section of flexi-pipe where the pipes from one cylinder head come across to meet the others? He reckoned that this was the problem as he could hear the exhaust blowing onto the cars undershield.

He mentioned this was a Subaru only part...


My question is, is he right? Is there a section of flexi-pipe on the header?

 

which model year is your car??
Classic shape Impreza's have a flexi join in the up pipe, they have no flexi sections in the headers, the up pipes are known for splitting..
As it is going to need changing, do yourself a favour and get a solid Up pipe.. these are better flowing and wont cost £189!!
Scoobysport and GGR seem to be the companies of choice for replacement Up pipes, IIRC around the £100 mark.
Rob

 

Sorry, its a MY98 UK Turbo.

It was pointed out to me earlier on that the olive on the downpipe is known for letting go. I have received a picture of the header assembly and think that something has come loose there as this is where the exhaust-fitter was pointing towards when he was telling me about the imaginary flexi-join...

 

Carl, there is a flexy joint in the centre of the standard manifold, protected by the heat shield, there is also one in the up pipe from the manifold to the turbo. Buth are know to split in their corregations...usual tell tale is the spool up of the turbo isn't as strong, and it also won't quite hold full boost...been there myself on a MY98 UK

 

Yeah, that sounds about right. The car does seem to take longer to boost than other classic Imprezas....


By what means did you cure your problem Tim? And how easy is it to access the joint?

 

Doh!!
Didnt know there was a flexi Join on the headers, apologies...
Rob

 

it does blow there as I've welded one together again after replacing the up-pipe for someone (trust me not to check where it was blowing from)

David

 

I would be very interested to know who sent you that and why its on a cav turbo site?

I took that photo in my garage, of p20spd's headers...

anyway weak points are all the gaskets highlighted... and the buldge in the middle is the flexy, under the heatshield.



David

 

Can you post a link to where MY headers are posted on a Cavalier Turbo sight. Fecking confused as to why they would need them

 

I also missed a gasket out..

David

 

Sorry guys, IanW maild me the pic last night to show the design etc. They aren't on the Cav Turbo site, just hosted on the same webspace.

Sorry if i've caused any alarm, the picture will be removed shortly. Thanx for highlighting those areas for me David.

 

No wrorries mate, just wondered why they would be using it on a cav turbo site. Just come to conclusion that you moderate on there and used it to host the picture.

Leave the picture, at least my cars useful for something

 

Hehe, the picture has been removed now anyways. The Cavalier Turbo site is here if you're interested lol!


David, what is the best way to access the headers? Front the bottom by removing the splashguard?

 

LMFAO... if you think you can get at them any other way then I want to see pictures

Yeah remove splash guard two 10mm bolts one in each arch... two on front crossmember under rad, then two clips towards the back about level with driveshafts.. these slide back towards the rear..

then its three bolts on each flange, which are a **** to get to the odd one.. Use new gaskets when putting it back together... I didnt and then had to change mine...

David

 

Jack car up as high as you can, or use a lift

Remove undertray, and then tackle from there. Make sure you use new gaskets (unlike me who was in a hurry) as they start to blow.

I think it is easier to take the headers of as one, like in my picture, and then work on them from there.

Whilst they are off, port them

Steven

 

Excellent, thanks for the help and advice guys.


Think i'll have a look in first and then see what needs replacing and then tackle things from there.

 

Ok, i have received a nice picture of the headers. If someone could point out the weak points that'd be great - just to give me an idea of where i'm looking.....

[Edited by Carl Davey - 1/9/2003 4:23:53 PM]