Ok yesterday I had a bad exhaust leak because my new header would not bolt up, basically not to confuse any one, the header was higher then the cat so it would not sit right. So I started the car up when it was cold out and I could see an exhaust leak, actually 2. One from the back of the cat to. So I took the car into midus cause I did not have the tool to fix the header/cat leak. They fixed it up nice, could not feel any air flowing out. Well I drive my for the first time with no exhaust leak and the new header on. Well my exhaust sounds alittle more raspy, I thought there was still an exhaust leak.
So I took it back and asked them if they checked the back connection of the cat, the guy said he did and he went on to say if the mounts are bad, the engine will rock back and the springs bolts will move. I stoped him and said no, the mounts are brand new. There 500 dollor mounts ( ok 400 shhh) Anyways, the big question is, do I have a small exhaust leak, or could the header effect the sound of the exhaust. By the way I went with the 4-1 header if that makes a difference.

 

My friend is rockin' a b16 w/ a dc 4-1, and a dc catback, it is so loud and raspy that you cant even hear vtec. So that sound is normal. Enjoy.

 

Thanks for the reply, I also like to add. I have a gutted cat and the sound I'm hearing I never heard before I installed the header.

 

yes a header can make it sound raspy-mine sounds that way as well.