I also found this http://dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240785&highlight=aluminum+timing+cover

Just a data point here.......since the early 90's and many DSM's I've never had a manifold to turbo bolt back out. The trick, as always, is proper reassembly. I think this is more a case of improper bolt torque and re-use. You need to use new bolts and new gaskets every time you reassemble and torque them to stock specs. Run the car to operating temp, let it cool, and check torques again. I've used the RRE 7cm gasket and had no issues. That's on everything from a stock engine to my '95 AWD, which is a 12 sec car, to my Archer Talon track car.

schemauer said:

Just a data point here.......since the early 90's and many DSM's I've never had a manifold to turbo bolt back out. The trick, as always, is proper reassembly. I think this is more a case of improper bolt torque and re-use. You need to use new bolts and new gaskets every time you reassemble and torque them to stock specs.

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When I bought my Eclipse, it came with a blown gasket. Mike the Mechanic fixed it, but we were plagued with bolts backing out and gaskets blowing all season. Since we put in Underadar's titanium gasket and safety wired the new studs, no problems. Maybe the original exhaust manifold, studs, etc. were all just tired iron.

Rich

I used to back out the turbo bolts constantly but then i got new washers for them. Don't know who all knows but the washer are actually dome shaped when they're new. This way they flatten out as you torque em and then the have enough tension that they cant back out.

Actually, I have the same experience (though I don't road-race my car yet). I had a big problem with my bolts backing out repeatedly over several months. I replaced them with brand-new bolts and the 2g double cup washers and they've held for over a year. I'm not sure new bolts and washers are needed every time you pull the turbo, but they do have a limited lifespan before you need to replace them. Unless you're really cheap I'd at least replace the washers with each install job.

stealthTT said:

SlowOldPoop had that problem except his ended in a cut timing belt and bent valves. His turbo to manifold bolts would loosen up and he'd leak exhaust. The exhaust melted the timing belt cover until it puddled down, resolidified, and made a knife that cut the timing belt. We installed a CarbonTrix hood vent, an underradar gasket, installed a bracket on the downpipe, and safety-wired the bolts to protect his new 2.3 motor and head. The fixes worked great all last season.

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I just found this while doing a head swap, I was like how in the heck did my timing cover melt. Welp I found a 2 of the 4 turbo to manifold bolts loose and was doing some serious street racing a while back, like street car take over stuff. DSMtuners still kicking ass at providing good info.

And Then I found this, chicken or egg, did the gasket blow and then bolts loosened up or did the bolts loosen up then gasket went? That is a solid metal gasket as well.