I installed the Helix downpipe today mated to the stock catback(Prodrive axleback) and I'm stuck with a exhaust leak at the top side of the flange. I happened to have two sets of gaskets and I attempted to double up and just as expected that didn't help at all. I didn't have this problem when I installed a HKS downpipe on my WRX to a stock catback so I didn't really expect to have a problem this time around.

I'm looking for suggestions. I really don't want to purchase a 3" catback to resolve the issue. Do you think if I took it to a muffler shop they might be able to do something aside from using liquid gasket without costing much?

I kinda had this problem with my cutout in my qtp downpipe.. however i had to get some adapters to get them to work from Advanced Auto.. and it involved some mig welding and sawzaling the stock exhaust and some exhaust clamps.

Is it leaking because of this angle?
http://server5.uploadit.org/files/zamarry-Helix03.jpg

Originally posted by 2jz-gte
Is it leaking because of this angle?
http://server5.uploadit.org/files/zamarry-Helix03.jpg

That's intresting. I didn't even notice until I went out and looked after I saw that picture. Yes, mine is the much like the picture but I didn't look as bad. Is there more information to go along with that picture?

That was just a picture I found on NASIOC where someone had installed the Helix downpipe(wrx). From the angle in that pic, there is no way a gasket is going to seal properly. I was just trying to see if that was your problem as well and if it is a problem in general with the helix brand dp.

I'm not that convinced that the angle itself is the problem but it may very well be part of the problem.

I think the biggest factor in this setup not sealing well is that the Helix is ~3inch at the flange and the factory is ~2.5inch at the flange but mostly the factor is using a very funky donut gasket setup. I might look into trying to use the OEM donut gasket but I don't that's going to solve it.

I'm most likley going to go with a 3inch catback but I'm going to check with a local muffer shop for some clean non-destructive solutions.

the piping on the stock exhaust is 2.25 " :-/

Does anyone have the Prodrive midpipe(resinator pipe)? I'm wondering if that might solve the issue. I'm pretty sure our local dealership have that part so I might swing by on Monday and have a look.

I'm running a 3" Helix dp and I don't have any leak with my stock exhaust, after dp.. Also, I noticed the pic that was posted up top was more tilted upwards compare to mine.. I know it doesn't leak because I pour some water from the connection of the resonator and the dp while the car is running(cold start), and no bubble whatsoever.. No drop of boost reading too.. Before the installation I sprayed some high heat gasket sealer, that was especially made for turbo flanges..

Here's the pic of my DP.. Oh yeah, I used the spring loaded nuts too..

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/i=wMzY4MjcyNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D

i had a leak with my helix dp, i just got some exhaust leak wrap stuff from advance auto ,worked great.cost 2.99. it was a temp fix until i got my hks cat back(which fit perfect to the dp BTW),but it could of been on there forever, it was really strong, it actually held the mid pipe on after i took off all the bolts.

Originally posted by EJ25T


Here's the pic of my DP.. Oh yeah, I used the spring loaded nuts too..

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/i=wMzY4MjcyNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D
Just wondering why did you choose to go with the factory spring loaded nuts n bolts instead of the ones that are supplied by Helix?

Originally posted by NeverT00fast
Just wondering why did you choose to go with the factory spring loaded nuts n bolts instead of the ones that are supplied by Helix?

good point, due to the flexing theres the leak

Originally posted by NeverT00fast
Just wondering why did you choose to go with the factory spring loaded nuts n bolts instead of the ones that are supplied by Helix? Mine didn't came with nuts and bolts...:confused: I don't have any leak, so no complain here..

Originally posted by EJ25T
Mine didn't came with nuts and bolts...:confused: I don't have any leak, so no complain here..

Did you use the donut gasket?

i used the donut gasket, plus 2 reg gaskets and it still leaked until i wrapped it

When I mated my Perrin downpipe to my stock catback, they said to use the stock doughnut gasket but turn it around. Maybe that will do it?

Tim

I just installed the helix Dp mated to stock midpipe on my WRX and am experiencing the same problem. Because of the angle (helix pointing up) there is a leak at the top of the flange. I used the stock doughnut gasket and the gasket supplied with the Helix DP with no solution. I think I am going to have my muffler shop fabricate a custom midpipe (between the helix and the prodrive axel back) to alleviate the problem.

Originally posted by lstepnio
Did you use the donut gasket? Yes, one from after the dp( I sprayed it with high heat selant) and I installed a new one from the turbo..

Just wondering why did you choose to go with the factory spring loaded nuts n bolts instead of the ones that are supplied by Helix?

I used the Spring loaded bolts also because the bolts from helix snaped the heads off. I don't have a leak either and I used just the doughnut gasket but i modified it a bit before I tightened the bolts.

I have a question, is anybody running a prodrive axel back with a intermediate pipe that is not stock? My question is did it get louder when you use the aftermarket pipe compared to the stock one with the resinator in it? If so how much louder did it get and does it get annoying?

I have the Helix dp on my WRX and I also have the same leak, I have it mated to a Cobb catback and the Helix points upwards where it connects to the catback. I have heard of alot of people having the same issue, maybe some of the pipes are a little "off"... :confused: