Header Gasket Questions
 

So I am buying my friends OFT and Borla Unequal Headers and was wondering about the gaskets. I was informed that i should replace them when i change my headers. I ways also told that i shouldnt use grimmspeed gaskets because of possible leaking? anyone have experience on headers or opinions on grimmspeed headers. I rather ask norcal86 instead of everyone as a whole.

Thanks.

I've used OEM header gaskets and grimmspeed gaskets on a JDL header, I've noticed no difference in either one. Grimmspeed is thicker and seems higher quality.

Just make sure you re-tighten the 6 bolts after you run them through a heat cycle cause they will leak. I torqued mine at 35 ft/lb

Definitely replace them when you install the new headers. Don't know about Grimm speed gaskets, but I've had good luck with OEM, just make sure they are torqued down to spec and you won't have any leaks

The thing is, ive contacted a dealership for OEM Brackets and its going to be a long while until I can get oem brackets. Also i am not experience in installing the headers, so I am taking it to a high reputation shop in my local area to get them in, so i want to get gaskets asap.

If you're going to have a shop do the work, have them get the gaskets for you. They definitely have better sources for gaskets at a better price in which they might pass down to you. Gaskets are pricey. IIRC, list price was $15~20 a pop.

My guy told me its best to contact my dealership, im just unsure if im willing to wait a month for the pair of gaskets, do you also know if i need to replace the other gasket too? or just the 2 header gaskets?

Got my parts here: http://subaruonlineparts.com/

Not sure how long it took to get em, but definitely not a month.

i have a pair unused oem header gaskets. lmk im be in the city on mon~thurs

A month is too long, my dealership was able to get it shipped to them the next day, and it was about $20 for both.

By running them through heat cycle, do you mean just driving it hard and then re-torquing them?

Yes, just do a bunch of pulls or drive the piss out of it. Mine we're leaking pretty badly after one HPDE

Drop by the SF/Bay meet on tuesday? Ill most def be there and down to buy those gaskets off you :]

When I did it with Grimmspeed gaskets, it leaked like a seive. Sounded like a chainsaw under the hood, and smelled like the 60s. With OEM gaskets, no issue.

Literally every other gasket in the exhaust system had a small leak, as I found later via smoke test. I recommend replacing every seal you touch, and ordering an extra one or two of the donwstream gaskets: I had to stack a couple in order to completely stop the leakage.

Gosh, it's almost like components from different manufacturers shouldn't go together :bonk: