simog

iTrader: (1)

Hi all,

I have recently had my car into a subaru specialist for gearbox work, but asked him to check out a performance related problem at the same time.

He had a good look and what he found was a blowing up-pipe.

The car just doesn't seem powerful (in comparison to the last two I have owned) and it is the same spec...94 WRX Wagon.

I wondered if the blowing up pipe could cause a loss in performance?

Also, under full throttle, it appears to boost (although a little hesitant) and then I get a small drop like a mild stutter almost like it is fuel starved.

Just wondered, given that in all other respects it has been given a clean bill of health, that my up-pipe could be causing the bulk of my issues?

Changed spark-plugs and coil packs. Maf is fine. ECU tested in another car and fine.

Interested in your thoughts.

MarJay

I've just had my blowing up pipe replaced, and it may be psychological, but it feels like its quicker.

Mine wasn't blowing badly, and apparently it wouldn't have caused any permanent engine damage, but I would take a guess that if there is a leak then the turbo won't get its full pressure of exhaust gases, leading to underboosting. I doubt that it could cause fuel starvation. If anything the Lamda sensor would think the car is running lean.

My issue now is with the damn EGT sensor causing CEL to be lit...

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

Yes, a blowing up-pipe can lose you power and can cause the symptoms you describe

mshill

iTrader: (4)

you will definately loose some performance if you up pipe is blowing, i have a avcr and when my up pipe gasket was recently blowing i was getting 1.5bar of boost at 3800rpm
now it is fixed 3400rpm and 1.6bar, car back to usual sharpness
mark

simog

iTrader: (1)

Excellent, that answers that! Will be replaced next month then. Spent too much on it already with the g'box!!

Thanks for all the replies...certainly puts my mind at ease!

Any ideas on where to get a replacement that doesn't cost the earth?

Jay m A

iTrader: (2)

You wouldn't go wrong with a ported OE one from Harvey, not sure on prices. With uppipes biggest isn't always best - too wide an uppipe can loose you spool

bigarf

iTrader: (67)

you might not need to buy a new uppipe as it may well be that it is just the gasket that has gone,if it was me i would take them off first and inspect the damage before going out and buying something you might not need.if it is the uppipe that has gone and not just the gaskets ime sure any good breakers shud have one as a lot are taken off to fit tubular ones. arf.

simog

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the replies guys, I knew I would get good answers here. Fella at northants subaru said the pipe was the cause rather than the gaskets, so I guess it will be a replacement.

I just want to pick up either an oem replacement or a pattern one which is as close as it gets. Only running a TD04 so I see no point in making any huge changes to it until I can afford to look into new turbo's and supporting mods.

Do you have any contact details for harvey? Would look to buy it first and then get the mechanic to fit. Wish I could do it myself, but a lack of space and tools stops me there, plus not too confident about having to lift the engine the 2 inches for clearance! Would be a little out of my depth at the moment. I am learning as I go, but that is a bit of a step up from the other work I have done!!

MarJay

Ah yes but it is covered in heat shields, so even if you get the pipe off you need to rip it apart to see if there is any damage.

Mine was removed and there was no soot or scorch marks on the gasket surfaces so I guess it had a hole in it. I suppose you could test it with water or oil or something... (Maybe not as it has a cat in it...) Either way you need to remove the pipe.