While it obvoius that header bolts need to be retightened after doing headers for the first couples days/weeks, is the same true about the y-pipe bolts? While the drivers side wouldn't be that bad, I'm sure the passenger side is a biatch.

Also, to anyone running an off road y-pipe, how deep is your sound? I'm not sure whether it normal at the moment or if there is an exhaust leak.

 

I would go ahead and double check all the bolts that you replaced. Also check your spark plugs if you put new ones in. I checked mine about three months after the install (cars not drove that often) but I should have alot sooner. I was noticing something that sounded like an exhaust leak, took a peak and found that my y-pipe to header bolts were missing on one side. Most of the rest of them were loose along with three spark plugs and a couple header bolts. One header bolt was in there by only a thread or two. So I would definetly check everything.

 

i notice u have slp headers- did u buy the install kit and use the provided bolts?

if so prepare to tighten about once a month....

 

I have the SLP headers and used the bolts from the kit and had to retighten them maybe 3 or 4 times over about a month or two but they seem to have stayed tight since then. They have been on for about ten months now and I check them once in a while (drivers side quite often) and haven't found any loose ones in a long time. Passenger side is a bit harder to check all of them so they do worry me a little more but so far no leaks. Damn, now you have me worried. I have a modified wrench I made to get all the passenger ones from the top if I just remove the A.I.R. tubing so I guess I should check them again.

 

No, I bought ARP 1" SS bolts instead. After a couple of days, i've only had to retighten a very small bit. Actually, putting on the headers was pretty easy and straightforward, more so that people make it out of this forum. The only real problem i'm having is that the off road y pipe doesn't seem to mate up that well to the rest of the existing downpipe and muffler. As a result it rattles a little bit, even with the stock clamp over it. Not really sure how to fix that one in that I don't want then welded together so i can put the stock one back in during emissions time.

 

I think 1" ARPs is the way to go. I've had mine on since 1998; and no leaks and no loose bolts.