Spuds' Vroom Machine

[Spuds]

So, I've been still hearing a hissing sound on throttle. Went looking for leaks. I found one (I think ?) at the donut gasket, probably because I just reused the original. Maybe it's time for a catback since I gotta get a gasket anyway

Also, the fix for the undertray didn't hold. Thinking of trying out JB Weld fiberglass wrap to hold it. Or maybe I should just give in and get another one.

[Spuds]

So it turns out the front pipe flange is very pitted where the donut gasket seals, or doesn't seal in this case. Cleaned it up as best I could with a file, but getting it actually flat is going to take precision grinding/machining. I of course did the logical thing and tried some high temperature rtv. Waiting for that to cure, hopefully it works.

[cmiovino]

Originally Posted by Spuds

I of course did the logical thing and tried some high temperature rtv. Waiting for that to cure, hopefully it works.

It should. Mine wasn't that bad, but my Borla catback wasn't sealing with the stock donut gasket. Tried a replacement, new Felpro one. Same issue. Tried adjusting the spring bolts around, etc. Nothing worked.

I used Permatex red gasket maker. Slathered the donut gasket in it, tossed it, clamped it down, and waited 24 hours. Perfect seal.

I was actually under my WRX today and the previous owner installed a Cobb turboback over 10 years ago. Glanced to see if there was any gasket maker. Sure enough, there were traces of it.

If I ever do any exhaust installs in the future, I'll be using some sort of gasket sealer. I've sort of always been against it because the gasket should seal itself, right? But it just works. At least a little pinch doesn't hurt.

[Spuds]

Well that worked for about 2 minutes. Or there's another leak. It's really not that bad I tell myself. I'll figure it out eventually.

The other thing I did was make another attempt at repairing the transmission cover undertray. Used some jbweld fiberweld in segments /layers. It was about as frustrating as I remember composite layups being from 15 years ago but it seems like it will work. Hardens well with a strong bond, drillable, cutable, sandable which is good cause I had to do all that to make stuff fit. Rated for 400°F, should be fine on the left center hole, a bit away from the exhaust. Stuck some gorilla tape around it because it seemed like the thing wmto do. Next time I just try to order a replacement...