hey guys, i have a couple questions. first, when accelerating, i hear a ticking noise, gaskets ??

and second, when the car is at idle in reverse i hear a rattling noise that sounds like a vibration.

anyone have any info on my concerns

 

My best guess as to the ticking noise, would be an exhaust leak. A leak at the flange usually sounds like that.

 

have you re-torqued the header bolts??

i did mine about 2 times after driving for a few days.

and what kind of gasket did you use? i was warned not to use the paper one that comes with the headers...and i purchased the OEM style metal one from thunder racing along w/ the headers.

have had NO leaks

 

just got an email from the shop. they said they used the factory gasket. does that mean GM gaskets or the ones that were on the car already ?? how hard is it to install new gaskets ?? i work at a dealer and am going to have a couple of the guys there take a look

 

factory as in "GM factory" or "flowtech factory"???

the pieces that came with my headers were crappy paper pieces. i bought the OEM replacement metal ones

it's not that hard...the work is done...just remove the coil packs (provide more room) and unbolt the headers. slip the new ones in and rebolt it up.

 

I don't have flowtechs but on my headers the paper gaskets were far better then the metal ones.

 

well the SES light came on and now one of the O2's is burnt. i think i am going with some copper gaskets. they used the Gm factory ones

i had read about headers being a pain, but geez

 

went to another shop today and got the flowtech supplied bolts. the shop used the stock ones. they also used the GM gaskets. hopefully the bolts are going in tonight and it solves the problem.

teke, have you has problems with the O2's crapping out ??? how long have you had your flowtechs ?? are you happy with them ???

 

had em on since early April. not sure of the milage.

i've been very happy, the install was flawless, there have been no leaks to speak of and the power gain was great!

 

does your y -pipe rest against the underside of the car ?? mine does. i am seriously thinking of taking them off and selling them. i think the shop that installed them are hacks

 

my ypipe lined up PERFECTLY

on the driver side, where the indentations are for clearance, i have about 1/2" of space

i have that and more around the rest of the ypipe

i have prothane motor mounts which keep my engine movement to a VERY small minimum. so i have NO problems with the headers or pipe hitting the frame.

i guess i was a lucky one where everything slid into place with NO hassles.

 

i have a monthly f-body gathering this weekend and i am going to talk to some of the guys and see what they think. i am going to go back and have them install new gaskets and the bolts that should have gone on there to begin with. i will ask them about the y-pipe.

 

I'm probalby goin to be buying some flowtechs jus wanting to know if theres any good info. or write ups about the install since you said you did it yourself.

 

click on the flowtech link in his sig. his car domain page has the install write up

 

thanks gav....yeah my write up is pretty descriptive.

and you mention bolts "that should have gone on in the first place"....i reused my stock manifold bolts for my install... we'll see how they last