Are new gaskets required with new headers?
 

Just wondering. Even if it isn't required, is it a good idea to replace the OEM ones?

I bought some OEM Subaru gaskets when I ordered my headers. The idea behind this is simple : the gaskets are cheap. I'd rather not have to deal with any leakage issues with a new header as I want to enjoy it from the get-go. The original ones probably work fine since the car is so new, but WHAT IF it leaks? The headache that follows is just not worth it imo. Even if it's just a 10% chance of failure, why not just make it all go away with a relatively small investment?

:bonk:

You could always choose to install the thinker Forester turbo gaskets as well. They are so cheap why even risk the chance of having an exhaust leak?

It can depend. I reused my OEM ones when I installed my header, but they ended up leaking after about 6 months. Threw some Grimmspeed ones on there and its perfect now.

i need to replace mine too.still using stock ones. replaced the bolts and lock nuts tho.

I'd recommend always replacing header gaskets when taking off the header and always using factory gaskets. We've had some bad luck with aftermarket gaskets.

Is $20 worth 4 hours of your time? Up to you

You already have it off, do it right the first time. New gaskets are cheap.

Replace it w new ones

No "but", "why" or "someone didn't do it"

Just do it

So I am guessing it is a good idea to replace the gaskets.

So new question, which ones should I buy? Grimmspeed made some that are thicker than the stock ones and cheaper, or should I just buy some from Subaru?

All aftermarket gaskets are not created equal. Personally, I'd stay away from anything that's not a multi-layer steel gasket with a stainless fire ring. Feel free to give us a call with questions, but I'll say this: if you have exhaust leak trouble with our exhaust gaskets, an OEM gasket won't help you. As long as you've got quality parts and flat flanges, either gasket should work just fine, so the choice is entirely yours.

Cheers!

Matt Beenen
Engineering

GS- do your gaskets really work better than stock? I want to purchase some

To be perfectly honest, I think that in a lot of applications, new OEM gaskets are probably sufficient. Those applications being the ones where you're not working with aftermarket flanges that are warped from welding and you have exhaust components that are properly aligned. If two flanges aren't meeting flat without a gasket, you've got other problems.

With that said, the GS gaskets are a bit thicker (more layers of steel gasket) and feature a stainless steel fire ring to create the actual seal. A lot of our customers find that our gaskets solve their exhaust leak issues, but it's difficult to generalize about what caused their issues in the first place, so I won't go making assumptions for you.

So, in some situations, the OEM may seal just as well as the GS and in others, you'll find that the additional thickness and different materials in the GS gaskets offer a better seal and better longevity. Either way, at almost double the cost, I personally wouldn't bother with OEM gaskets. Whichever you decide, make sure that you're buying a pair (OEM head to exhaust manifold gaskets are usually sold individually).

Of course, if you have any questions or issues, give me a call and I'd be happy to help.

Matt Beenen
Engineering
(612-379-0000)

I just ordered a borla UEL with @GrimmSpeed gaskets from ft86speedfactory. I figured if they are going to make a package deal out of it, maybe its a good thing to replace while i'm down there, better safe then sorry. It'll be on the car on Monday, i'll let you know how well it works out.