For aftermarket parts, should I follow the torque specs in the Helms manual or just bolt everything down as tight as I can? My main concerns are the connection between an aftermarket header and 2.5" cat and the connection between the cat and b-pipe. TIA

 

For stuff like that no, not very important. For stuff like head bolts and internals yes. I try to torque almost everything I can to spec, but some times its just a pain in the *** so I make the snaping noise that the torque wrench makes and call it tight

 

I don't think torque specs for those components will matter much. Stuff under the hood is a different matter...

 

I was wondering because when I intially got my exhaust installed, it would make this ticking noise when the car was off or it was at a complete stop. So to try and fix it, I reinstalled it and I think I did a sh!tty job because now, the noise is more noticeable. So my next plan of attack is to torque everything down according to the Helms. If I remember correctly, the torque specs for the header/cat connection and the cat/bpipe are 16lbs/ft and 22lbs/ft, respectively. It just doesn't sound like it's enough to hold everything tight but I'm going to try it out anyways.


[Modified by CPR, 12:07 PM 7/12/2002]

 

The ticking noise you hear is either your cat or b pipe expanding and contracting due to heat.

 

I saw that when I did my install and thought those were dang low.. I tightened those things up good and tight and called it good.

 

I don't think it's the cat because I got the header & cat installed with the stock catback (since I didn't have the aftermarket exhaust yet) and I didn't hear any clicking noises that I do now. I think I have the b-pipe bolted onto the cat too tight and it's not allowing for proper expansion/contraction of the b-pipe. It's annoying the crap out of me since I know that people with the same cat and exhaust don't have the same noise that I do. Sigh...

 

its probably just the metal contracting and expanding as assdime said.
Theres nothing you can do about it. You want the cat and b-pipe to be
very tight together or else you could have a leak.
Live with it or go back to stock.

 

So the torque spec of 22lbs/ft that's suggested in the Helms for the cat to bpipe connection isn't enough?

 

you know, unless you are using the STOCK CAT that figure doenst apply anymore

 

I was thinking the same thing, just tighten it down till it feels tight enough. No biggy.

 

We used to call that "German Torque"...

"Gudentite"

 

HAHHAHAHAaha....ROTFLMAO.....

So Good!

For the record, I always try and follow the helms as close as possible, but I have to point out there are some mistakes with the engine brace, and on the cyl. head I have noticed.....



recalibrate them torque wrenches once in a while too!

 

what about the both to install the aftermakret suspension? is that important?

thanks,
CS

 

Check the heat sheild on your cat. If it's coming loose it'll make that ticking sound.

If that's the problem just have a muffler shop spot weld it back on.