Loud whistling noise after downpipe install....leak?

AutoSpeedWRX · 09-25-2003, 11:22 AM

I installed a new downpipe and now i can hear a reall loud whistling noise coming from around the turbo. When i get on the gas it kinda sounds like "a spooling turbo". Do i have a leak, should i buy all new gaskets and do all the work over again. Help im scared.

frank

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postban · 09-25-2003, 11:33 AM

You will definetly be hearing LOTS more turbo now. Probably what it is.
Are you catless?

Much more "whistle" or spool sound if that is the case.

Mine is the same way

______________________________
Current mods: UP/TBE/UTEC/IC Hoses
02 WRX Wagon Silver 214WHP~220WTQ Stage 2+ WRX PICS/ WRX VIDEOS
03 Cobra Convertible Sonic Blue 417RWHP COBRA PICS/VIDEOS

02R6 · 09-25-2003, 01:50 PM

Mine did the same thing after I installed my downpipe. It's sounds great. Chances are, that's what it is. You could try putting your hand around the seal between the dp and the turbo and feel for any air.

AutoSpeedWRX · 09-25-2003, 02:55 PM

djerickd · 09-25-2003, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AutoSpeedWRX
i can hear a reall loud whistling noise coming from around the turbo.

Does it sound like "WOO-WOOO!"?

T-WREXX · 09-25-2003, 05:44 PM

a good way to test for an exhaust leak is to let the car idle and walk around the car and listen from different angles. if you still hear that sound at idle you may have an exhaust leak, otherwise it is just your turbo spooling that you hear.

TexRex2002 · 09-25-2003, 07:31 PM

An exhaust leak on the downpipe often sounds like a hissing, even at idle. An up-pipe leak whistles (screams) like crazy, especially under load, as the pressure gets pretty high in there. Since you hopefully didn't unbolt the turbo, it's unlikely that it is an up-pipe leak. You didn't accidentally loosen the turbo and then torque it back down, did you?

The turbo spooling whistle in my experience is made louder by intake modifications, and is most heard in like a parking garage with the windows down when the car is kind of cold. It sounds a little bit like an 18 wheeler taking off from a stoplight: a real high pitched whistle that follows the load closely, definitely a whistle that a 100,000+ rpm turbine might make. If it sounds like you or me whistling "Dixie" or something (badly), you probably have an odd downpipe exhaust leak.

When I really get on the gas the turbine whistle is usually drowned out by the air intake "whoosh," and the exhaust note, but that's just my car...

Hope this helps a little.

2002WRX_5speed · 10-16-2003, 01:59 AM

I am not sure if it is a leak or not but I hear a whistle around 2000 RPM. When I let go of the gas pedal, it goes away and of course when I step on the gas pedal, I hear the whistle again.

Is it the turbine spinning? or leak in the uppipe? I have not checked the uppipe yet for a leak. Oh, when WOT, it sounds like I have a leak but I am not sure if it really is or just a sound of more air flowing to the pipe. I hear a surge of air--sounds heavy. Can someone diagnose this problem.

Here is my setup:

ScoobySport DP
Stock Uppipe
ScoobySport Midpipe
Scorpion Exhaust

Wade-O · 10-16-2003, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 2002WRX_5speed
I am not sure if it is a leak or not but I hear a whistle around 2000 RPM. When I let go of the gas pedal, it goes away and of course when I step on the gas pedal, I hear the whistle again.

Is it the turbine spinning? or leak in the uppipe? I have not checked the uppipe yet for a leak. Oh, when WOT, it sounds like I have a leak but I am not sure if it really is or just a sound of more air flowing to the pipe. I hear a surge of air--sounds heavy. Can someone diagnose this problem.

The whistle is your turbo and is normal after doing a downpipe. You just removed a ton of "insulation" (heatshields) from the factory setup, and at least 1 cat. The noise is now amplified and unimpeded. The "leak" you think you are hearing at WOT is most likely just the wastegate flapping.

2002WRX_5speed · 10-16-2003, 02:31 AM

thanks.....makes sense. Maybe a Cobb Stage 2 will fix the problem

Mr. Fancypants · 10-16-2003, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 2002WRX_5speed
I am not sure if it is a leak or not but I hear a whistle around 2000 RPM. When I let go of the gas pedal, it goes away and of course when I step on the gas pedal, I hear the whistle again.

Sounds normal. Like someone said above, when you start it up one morning, just feel around the area downpipe --> turbo and see if you can feel air leaking out. But what you describe really sounds normal with a new DP.

EDIT: well my response is a little late

DemiGod · 10-16-2003, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by djerickd
Does it sound like "WOO-WOOO!"?

AutoSpeedWRX · 10-16-2003, 11:07 AM

KInda Funny this post lasted so long. I wasnt serious, i was making fun of the fact that there is a new post like this twice a day.

TopKatz · 10-16-2003, 11:27 AM

It sort of sounded that way...

maybe based on the fact that you got a bunch of people to respond honestly to this post you should refrain from trying to make a point in such a subtle way?

How about instead of adding to the problem of duplicate posts, you post on a thread you know that there are ansers to, and explain to the newbie how to find them?

just a thought......

Wade-O · 10-16-2003, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AutoSpeedWRX
KInda Funny this post lasted so long. I wasnt serious, i was making fun of the fact that there is a new post like this twice a day.

Some of us don't spend a lot of time here, because of all the smartass elitists on this board. Boy, you really taught me a lesson

OvRclockR · 10-21-2003, 02:15 AM

I installed a bosal downpipe and vishnu uppipe last weekend. I dont knoow how to find an exhaust leak. It sounds fine to me but I would like an expert to confirm. I'm gonna go to a subaru meet soon and ask fellow suby owners around and see what they think.

mexicanpizza · 10-21-2003, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wade-O
Some of us don't spend a lot of time here, because of all the smartass elitists on this board. Boy, you really taught me a lesson

Remember...one smartass elitist, but 10 people genuinely trying to help! Don't go...STAY!!! WE LOVE YOU!

BlackEye · 10-21-2003, 09:13 AM

"I am afraid that the deflector shield will be quite operational!"

No, speaking from experience the COBB stage 2 cannot make mechanical noise dissapate.

The whine from the turbo will still be there, and some wastegate flutter depending on the downpipe.

Sorry

Russ

Rickyh · 10-21-2003, 12:29 PM

I did a catless downpipe a few days ago. I had an exhaust leak from the dp/turbo flange. It could be heard at idle and you could feel it when you put your hand near the turbo. I just removed and reinstalled the dp this am and it is gone. There is still a whine/whistle when at boost, but nothing at idle and no air leaking. And yes it seems like a lot of people who have been here a while are quick to call people such as myself noobs. I say screw em

BYE V8 · 10-21-2003, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by djerickd
Does it sound like "WOO-WOOO!"?

nah man!! "dats only in da mornin..people should be up cookin breakfast or something by then..."

Sorry I couldn't resist

Maicca · 10-21-2003, 04:55 PM

"..but Bub Rubb and Lil Sis say it's all for show........"

KanosWRX · 10-22-2003, 10:36 AM

I have a scooby sport DP as well, hooked up to a Prodrive Midpipe. I know for certain I have a leak at the DP/Midpipe Flanges because I took out the gasket to replace it and I could see where the gasses were escaping because of the soot. I really have no clue on how to solve this, I even tried gasket sealant, which worked for about 30 min, then the leak came back. Mine sounded more like a fluttering noise once I got past 00 mpa and started building boost.

tubbytreat · 10-23-2003, 04:04 PM

I have a ScoobySport uppipe and am having the leak there between my exhaust manifold and my header or between my exhaust manifold and uppipe. I took it to my local Subie dealer today to have someone look at it and he suggested I crank down on all my gaskets to ensure a nice tight seal.

I am wondering if my SubyDude gaskets will be ruined and need replacement now. Any ideas on how to determine if I need new gaskets?

wrx1321 · 11-01-2008, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wade-O

The whistle is your turbo and is normal after doing a downpipe. You just removed a ton of "insulation" (heatshields) from the factory setup, and at least 1 cat. The noise is now amplified and unimpeded. The "leak" you think you are hearing at WOT is most likely just the wastegate flapping.

hi sir im new to this site i was reading tjis and i had a hks downpipe installed a few days ago and i hear same sound like a whistle ir flutter wen im on 2000 rpm is this really normal im just curios but on idle i dont hear that sound thanks for d good advices

wrx1321 · 11-01-2008, 10:22 PM

a flutter sound during 2000 rpm n coming from my turbo how do i know if i have turbo to downpipe leaks

09-25-2003, 11:22 AM	#1
AutoSpeedWRX Scooby Newbie Member#: 15334 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Mt. Laurel, N.J. Vehicle: 2002 Wrx Sedan 11.????	Loud whistling noise after downpipe install....leak? I installed a new downpipe and now i can hear a reall loud whistling noise coming from around the turbo. When i get on the gas it kinda sounds like "a spooling turbo". Do i have a leak, should i buy all new gaskets and do all the work over again. Help im scared. frank * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

10-21-2003, 09:13 AM	#18
BlackEye Scooby Newbie Member#: 36203 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern California Vehicle: 2003 WRX Platinum Silver Met.	Oh... "I am afraid that the deflector shield will be quite operational!" No, speaking from experience the COBB stage 2 cannot make mechanical noise dissapate. The whine from the turbo will still be there, and some wastegate flutter depending on the downpipe. Sorry Russ

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09-25-2003, 11:33 AM	#2
postban Scooby Newbie Member#: 37871 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Wyandotte, Michigan Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon 03 COBRA uber:modded	You will definetly be hearing LOTS more turbo now. Probably what it is. Are you catless? Much more "whistle" or spool sound if that is the case. Mine is the same way ______________________________ Current mods: UP/TBE/UTEC/IC Hoses 02 WRX Wagon Silver 214WHP~220WTQ Stage 2+ WRX PICS/ WRX VIDEOS 03 Cobra Convertible Sonic Blue 417RWHP COBRA PICS/VIDEOS

09-25-2003, 01:50 PM	#3
02R6 Scooby Specialist Member#: 22157 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Westerville, OH Vehicle: '02 WRX '04 350Z Cause We Are The Aquateen	Mine did the same thing after I installed my downpipe. It's sounds great. Chances are, that's what it is. You could try putting your hand around the seal between the dp and the turbo and feel for any air.

09-25-2003, 02:55 PM	#4
AutoSpeedWRX Scooby Newbie Member#: 15334 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Mt. Laurel, N.J. Vehicle: 2002 Wrx Sedan 11.????

09-25-2003, 05:44 PM	#6
T-WREXX Scooby Specialist Member#: 40835 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Allen, TX Vehicle: 2002 Impreza WRX For Sale Silver	a good way to test for an exhaust leak is to let the car idle and walk around the car and listen from different angles. if you still hear that sound at idle you may have an exhaust leak, otherwise it is just your turbo spooling that you hear.

09-25-2003, 07:31 PM	#7
TexRex2002 Scooby Specialist Member#: 36303 Join Date: May 2003 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Houston Vehicle: 06 Evo IX silver	An exhaust leak on the downpipe often sounds like a hissing, even at idle. An up-pipe leak whistles (screams) like crazy, especially under load, as the pressure gets pretty high in there. Since you hopefully didn't unbolt the turbo, it's unlikely that it is an up-pipe leak. You didn't accidentally loosen the turbo and then torque it back down, did you? The turbo spooling whistle in my experience is made louder by intake modifications, and is most heard in like a parking garage with the windows down when the car is kind of cold. It sounds a little bit like an 18 wheeler taking off from a stoplight: a real high pitched whistle that follows the load closely, definitely a whistle that a 100,000+ rpm turbine might make. If it sounds like you or me whistling "Dixie" or something (badly), you probably have an odd downpipe exhaust leak. When I really get on the gas the turbine whistle is usually drowned out by the air intake "whoosh," and the exhaust note, but that's just my car... Hope this helps a little.

10-16-2003, 01:59 AM	#8
2002WRX_5speed Scooby Newbie Member#: 6895 Join Date: May 2001 Location: CO/N Cali/Australia/Japan Vehicle: 2002 02 Impreza WRX PSM	I am not sure if it is a leak or not but I hear a whistle around 2000 RPM. When I let go of the gas pedal, it goes away and of course when I step on the gas pedal, I hear the whistle again. Is it the turbine spinning? or leak in the uppipe? I have not checked the uppipe yet for a leak. Oh, when WOT, it sounds like I have a leak but I am not sure if it really is or just a sound of more air flowing to the pipe. I hear a surge of air--sounds heavy. Can someone diagnose this problem. Here is my setup: ScoobySport DP Stock Uppipe ScoobySport Midpipe Scorpion Exhaust

10-16-2003, 02:31 AM	#10
2002WRX_5speed Scooby Newbie Member#: 6895 Join Date: May 2001 Location: CO/N Cali/Australia/Japan Vehicle: 2002 02 Impreza WRX PSM	thanks.....makes sense. Maybe a Cobb Stage 2 will fix the problem

10-16-2003, 11:07 AM	#13
AutoSpeedWRX Scooby Newbie Member#: 15334 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Mt. Laurel, N.J. Vehicle: 2002 Wrx Sedan 11.????	KInda Funny this post lasted so long. I wasnt serious, i was making fun of the fact that there is a new post like this twice a day.

10-16-2003, 11:27 AM	#14
TopKatz Scooby Specialist Member#: 36793 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Malden Vehicle: 04 WRX Silver	It sort of sounded that way... maybe based on the fact that you got a bunch of people to respond honestly to this post you should refrain from trying to make a point in such a subtle way? How about instead of adding to the problem of duplicate posts, you post on a thread you know that there are ansers to, and explain to the newbie how to find them? just a thought......

10-21-2003, 02:15 AM	#16
OvRclockR Scooby Newbie Member#: 20671 Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: West Hills, CA Vehicle: 2002 Wrx sedan Black	I installed a bosal downpipe and vishnu uppipe last weekend. I dont knoow how to find an exhaust leak. It sounds fine to me but I would like an expert to confirm. I'm gonna go to a subaru meet soon and ask fellow suby owners around and see what they think.

10-21-2003, 12:29 PM	#19
Rickyh Scooby Specialist Member#: 40453 Join Date: Jul 2003 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Metairie, Louisiana	I did a catless downpipe a few days ago. I had an exhaust leak from the dp/turbo flange. It could be heard at idle and you could feel it when you put your hand near the turbo. I just removed and reinstalled the dp this am and it is gone. There is still a whine/whistle when at boost, but nothing at idle and no air leaking. And yes it seems like a lot of people who have been here a while are quick to call people such as myself noobs. I say screw em

10-21-2003, 04:55 PM	#21
Maicca Scooby Specialist Member#: 29143 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: 千葉県 Vehicle: 2000 IMPreza Camo	"..but Bub Rubb and Lil Sis say it's all for show........"

10-22-2003, 10:36 AM	#22
KanosWRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 17904 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: NOVA -> HI -> NOVA Vehicle: 010 STI Black	I have a scooby sport DP as well, hooked up to a Prodrive Midpipe. I know for certain I have a leak at the DP/Midpipe Flanges because I took out the gasket to replace it and I could see where the gasses were escaping because of the soot. I really have no clue on how to solve this, I even tried gasket sealant, which worked for about 30 min, then the leak came back. Mine sounded more like a fluttering noise once I got past 00 mpa and started building boost.

10-23-2003, 04:04 PM	#23
tubbytreat Scooby Newbie Member#: 37092 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fairborn, OH Vehicle: 2002 WRX Sedan Midnight Black Pearl	I have a ScoobySport uppipe and am having the leak there between my exhaust manifold and my header or between my exhaust manifold and uppipe. I took it to my local Subie dealer today to have someone look at it and he suggested I crank down on all my gaskets to ensure a nice tight seal. I am wondering if my SubyDude gaskets will be ruined and need replacement now. Any ideas on how to determine if I need new gaskets?

11-01-2008, 10:22 PM	#25
wrx1321 Scooby Newbie Member#: 193146 Join Date: Oct 2008 Chapter/Region: South East Location: jax fl Vehicle: 07 wrx wrb	a flutter sound during 2000 rpm n coming from my turbo how do i know if i have turbo to downpipe leaks