I am tired of messing with the gasket that seals the downpipe to the turbo. Has anyone successfully done without this gasket completely and without using a v-clamp?

I'm not sure by my guess would be NO!!! I would not recommend it!

I tried it, and had exhaust leakage thrugh the V-Clamp. So I fiddled with that damn gasket for 30 minutes to get it just right.
Be patient!

My thoughts behind even asking this question is that the turbo exhaust side is very hot and that will in turn heat the down pipe flange. If the studs are tightened enough, then its just metal on metal contact which should expand enough with the heat and form a tight seal.

Has anyone confimed that this will happen?

um no.

If you started with a brand new turbine housing and a brand new down pipe...... maybe. The SRT-4 is equipped with a gasketless downpipe, and since they are bolted up cold, the heat causes it to warp and expand creating a seal. But then again , I don't know if they use a certain type of metal in the exhaust parts.

Originally posted by marius
If you started with a brand new turbine housing and a brand new down pipe...... maybe. The SRT-4 is equipped with a gasketless downpipe, and since they are bolted up cold, the heat causes it to warp and expand creating a seal. But then again , I don't know if they use a certain type of metal in the exhaust parts.

YOU NEED A GASKET!

I had ended up using 2 gaskets on mine due to the fact that the flanges were not connecting flush, which caused a bad exhaust leak with only the 1 gasket I put in there the first time. Even if your flanges bolted up flush, I am almost positive you will need to have a gasket, otherwise you will have an exhaust leak.

If the flange on the turbo and the flange on the downpipe are made from the same alloy and the flange on the turbo is precisely machined to somehow mate with the flange on downpipe, then go for it. Otherwise, you definately need a gasket.

Ive seen it done in person with and without a gasket. I run a gasket. If you run no gasket it will seal somewhat, however it will leak slightly between two of the bolts at one point or another.

Use a gasket.

On my custom RS setup, I had a T3/T4 turbo. It had the 5 bolt flange. Unfortunately it didn't come with a flange, so I had to make one. Another problem was that there wasn't a gasket that came with it. So, I used this high temp silicone. It was an orange goo that came in a copper tube, like tooth paste. Check it out. Didn't leak for me. Also, Honda guys are running without gaskets around here. I dont know if they're leaking though. They aren't my best of friends.

I stopped using a gasket there (Hahn kit) about a year ago. I clean both surfaces with alcohol and let dry. Then I apply a liberal coat of mega-copper RTV. Tighten everything up and wipe off the excess. I let it cure overnight before running the car. It burns up into a crust, but still seals. Works for me anyways.

Corbin

'95 ESI-T
Now with more power and fewer leaks



Gimme fuel...Gimme fire...Gimme that which I desire

Yeah I've seen a couple people use RTV there. Looks like absolute crap, but does work for a while.

I used two pepboys header gaskets there and my problems ended.

Yeah that orange silicone is good to like 600*. I would say put a nice flat smooth bead of it down on the downpipe, let it dry for 24-48 hours and then when you tighten the dp to the turbo it will seal up and you wont have a mess. I've never done it but it's worth a shot.

when i hole burned in my gasket
rather than fighting the downpipe to get it off i used a manifold repair paste called inferno to seal it up
it has a 2000 degree melting point
and when its first put on it gets stronger as it gets hotter

put it on the crack in the gasket 3 weeks ago and no leaks yet