355 Valve guides/exhaust headers-ongoing problems??

Consensus seems to be that, once done properly, issue is fixed for the long run. Never any guarantees, but it wouldn't be considered a recurring issue (such as the cat ECUs or CV boots for example).

Less consensus on the following, but some knowledgeable people seem to agree on this too: if the car has many years and miles on it without exhibiting any symptoms from potential guide failure... Then it likely won't be an issue in the long run either. As always - take all forum advice with a big crystal of salt!

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I'm not being a smart ass and I've never said this before but rather than rewritting history, search the forum since this topic will yield hundreds of threads with very useful information.

 

No kidding!

 

I have 34000 km on my 99 and all are still OEM...guides, cats, headers...and I drive it...etc.....if that makes you feel better

 

99s typically had metal catalysts from the factory, where as the earlier cars had ceramic that crumbled apart from the engine pulses. 99s also had the updated guides, which are much less prone to failure. The only concern you should have is with manifolds...which typically start to let go closer to 40,000km to 50,000km...so you are okay for a bit more.

99s are definitely the car to buy from a reliability standpoint.

 

Had I known this, I would have gotten a '99, between this and the valve guides alone.

Mark

 

The key is 99s are more likely to have the proper valve guides, but they ended up in every year. There was a 99 Fiorano that had to have its valve guides replaced.

 

Just consider your headers a "wear item" as none of the factory units will give extended life.

Plenty of aftermarket vendors now, to fill the gap with better parts.

 

The five valve motor is comparatively expensive to work on, once it goes bad with a cylinder liner or rings (which is where the header leaks and valve guide issues come home to roost).

But if you are looking at a sorted example they are a well liked model for the "driving feel" as well as the engine song!

Go for it!

 

This is quite a reach for a diag but I have this black grease showing up on my left bank again. It's small but I imagine growing in size from the same place it was before. Not nearly as bad as the picture here shows. Should I be concerned? Had the 30k done 5k miles ago in September. Runs great but I detest leaks. I have it scheduled in for the dealer to look at but they are a week out. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

here it is
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I just realized I may have jumped in on someone else's thread. My apologies.