Had my MAC headers installed this weekend. As soon as I took it out I noticed a loud ticking on acceleration. Both my installer and I attributed the noise to exhaust hitting the primarys/ internal noise amplified by the thin tubing of the primaries. Those with MACs (or others) can you relieve my mind and attest to this?

Michael

 

I hope you don't have an exhaust leak.........

 

What your installer said is possible, but I'd check for leaks at the header/y-pipe connection and the header/head connection. I also have a tick that I've never been able to find, I know it's not an exhaust leak.

 

fuel injectors??

 

Thanks guys,

I will be checking things this weekend a tightening the bolts after a few heat cycles.

It just seems I remember reading about the thin primary's allowing you to hear the exhaust stiking them, along with allowing internal engine noises to be heard.

Michael

 

Course it still bothers me.

The more I listen to it, the more I think it can't be normal. The tick is as loud on the inside as the exhaust note. While digging my car out this morning from the snow, the interior reeked of exhaust fumes. Looks like I got more work to do.

Michael

 

If everythng was relatively clean, you should be able to see where there is an exhaust leak (if leaking where there is clear view). There will probably be some soot where the exhaust is escaping.

Snow?

 

Oh great thats not what i want to hear exhaust ticking sounds im having MAC'S installed too, i really hope in you case its just a leak you can fix, i swear if i have the ticking noise i will SCREAM REAL LOUD please keep us posted what header gaskets did you use and did you check were the header bolts together by the stearing arm just some ideas....

 

after having my headers installed, i also have noticed a loud ticking noise...mine is an exhaust leak from the area where the y-pipe collecter meets with the cat...the clamp on it is pretty shotty, so the only way i could get rid of it would be to weld it together, but then i have to cut everything off, so ive learned to live with it...i dont even notice anymore...

 

Rob,

Yeah, snow yesterday and ice today. Luckly, I work for the State and it's easy to call in. Haven't been anywhere in two days.

Gees97TA,

I used the OEM metal gaskets. Had heard good things about them. You no longer have to worry about the slip tube around the steering arm. It's welded together from the factory. That is if your using the dual cat headers. Otherwise, I don't know.

Siberiankiss,

I hope I don't have to weld either. Don't know if you could get into the narrow spaces to weld anyway. Problem is, I've welded the y-pipe to the I-pipe and there's not much slack. I've got to make it work regardless. With the cat so close to the the collector on the drivers side, it was difficult to torque things down. We ended up taking the heat shield off for more room.

Michael

 

When I first had SLP shorties installed, I noticed a louder than usual ticking noise (besides the RRs). Checked header bolts and sure enough the 0ne of the damn ARPs was 1/4" out.

Best to check them at each oil change and when you get the urge. Not a pleasant chore, but better than blowing out a gasket. JMHO

 

I went with the single cat set up to element the dual cat's, i am also using the OR pipe so i dont know if that will make a difference in exhaust leaks. I sure hope so i dont want to hear that annoying ticking sound. I had edelbrock headers on my 89 iroc 350 tpi and they seemed to make alot of ticking noise's i dont know if that was because of the header brand,maybe cheap gasket or that is the trait of headers just to have that noise. please keep us informed on how you make out ok. My car is in the shop right now geting some upgrades for this spring and one of the upgrades is the MAC headers...

 

Just out of curiosity, how hard is it to change header gaskets after installing headers?

I think I blew out the passenger side. Shouldn't have reused the old stock gaskets

 

It's not hard to change the header gaskets, its just time cunsuming. If you are the type of person to easily get mad I suggest have someone else do it. If you don't mind the time it takes and can follow directions well, then you should be fine. I highly suggest you use Haynes Repair book. You cannot go wrong.

 

If it's MACs you have, then it is most likely the slip tube. Mine leaks/ticks and has for a while, but I'll finally get a chance to fix it this weekend.

Did your installer use a U-clamp or the crappy sleeve clamp that came with the headers? Get a U-clamp and tighten it down GOOD with header sealant smeared inside the joint. I used a U-clamp on mine, but the sealant blew out and I have a tick. HTH