Raising the Bar

Cat-Back exhaust arrived from [no name] and front sway bar from Perrin for the STi. The exhaust looked great out of the box and weighed 23 lb compared to the stock 32.

The good looks didn't make up for poor fit as the downpipe flange was deep enough to swallow the stock gasket. Note how the stock flange leaves a sealing surface protruding while the deep flange on the new unit is actually under-flush.

Below illustrates the joint's function when installed, showing the inadequacy of the recessed gasket when using the new system.

Communication with the vendor is pending, but considering the price a less than helpful response is likely. In that circumstance there are a few options for fitting the new system including:

1. Find a gasket with the same ID and a bigger tapered section to fill out the new flange.
2. Construct shims to sit behind the gasket to allow it to sit deeper in the flange.
3. Procure or manufacture a proper mating flange and cut-weld into the new system.

The sway bar install went smoothly. The new bar is 25mm, 2-position adjustable upgraded from the stock 20mm non-adjustable. Stock end links retained.

Test drive indicates more responsive steering but a retained propensity to oversteer on power.

It was also an opportunity to check out the new camera.