Hey all wondering if you can provide any insight, especially people running this header.

Ever since I had this header installed I have been having problems, I don't believe it is the headers fault, maybe just the competence of the people installing it.

So far I was running a modified bracket to hold it in place, people with the header or have switched their OEM headers would know about this bracket. So far I have broke it on three (3) separate occasions, taking it back to the installer to fix. I am thinking excessive vibrations? But the thing is, this header is lighter than stock, so why is it snapping this bracket. Thinking about getting the JDM bracket, apparently same as the bracket of a B16A header on an EK Civic, but I am worried that the results would be the same, a snapped bracket.

Then for the fourth time the actual bracket on the header itself broke off, which was then rewelded. So far I am running the header without the bracket support, which I have searched, that some of you are doing.

I am thinking it might be the installers fault, as they had to fabricate a join between the header collector and the hi-flow cat I am using. After the install I was told that I should have used a donut gasket from an S2000 which would easily connect with the collector and the join would be all good without this 'ghetto' version.

Problem is now, without the bracket support I am always getting a specific rattle sound, different type of rattle sound from when the brackets were broken. This rattle only turns up @ 2400 RPM, above this rev range the sound is gone, below this rev range the sound is not apparent. Which brings me to the conclusion, what the ???

I am deciding when I move to a bigger town or capital city to get more experience Honda mechanics/exhaust fitters to refit the proper gaskets etc. Though I might also do this when I have enough cash to get a good cat-back. Fuji RM01A or Buddy Club Spec IV (anyone use this yet?). Yes I want something silent, apparently here in Australia the RM01A still fails our EPA dB test, I think it clocks 93dB, when the limit is 90dB.

Anyway back to the header, any suggestions? Any help or insight would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

First, don't run it with the bracket....which you found out. I have never ran an aftermarket header using that bracket, yes, even my Toda. Remove the bracket from the block, so your header doesn't hit it.

Are any of the header springs broken? If they haven't broken yet, cut them off, they are just bling anyway....they will just break and bounce/rattle around.

I would try to shake the exhaust to see if you hear that rattle sound, it will more than likely be at the connection or inside the cat.

Good luck, you have a nice header there.

 

I just installed a Toda header myself a few weeks ago w/o the bracket and no rattles. The hytech exhaust rattled and I just had the muffler hanger adjusted and and it's all good now. I don't think the bracket is a big deal because the header so much lighter than stock. I'd check the heat shields underneath the car.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by danelot &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">. I'd check the heat shields underneath the car.</TD></TR></TABLE>

almost always the culprit

 

Regarding the header springs, yeah man they use to rattle like a **** high up in the rev range, got real annoying so I had to remove them myself.

When the exhaust guy saw that I did that he got all narky thinking that the header might separate etc. I tried to tell them that it is just for show, but they think otherwise. Go figure?

Yeah they ran through the exhaust setup with them rubber mallets hitting here and there. There used to be a sound when the bracket was attached and broken. But without the bracket there is no sound.

I heard from somebody else that it might have to do with the connection between the header and cat ... too much pressure either way can be putting unnecessary load on the header. But the exhaust guy assures me this is not the case.

Not sure about the rattling coming from the cat though. The rattle is only really loud @ 2400 RPM. Before that I just get the usual grumble and after that it soothes itself out. Just at that particular point I get that humm or resonance/vibration sound???

Always thought that the bracket would not be such a big deal, but when it was fitted and NOT broken the setup was all good! No sound no nothing. So whatever it is the bracket kept it quiet! But also there must be an underlying problem, cause the bracket kept snapping.

If I had a digi cam I would post some pics, but everytime I had it on the hoist my friend's camera was always stuffed! Bad luck who knows. But I will try and eventually post some pics of the setup and maybe you might be able to spot something.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated and thanks for reply!

 

Ok me no back yard mechanic, so which particular heat shield should I be looking at?

I heard of this heat shield rubbing etc. with other people who have changed their cat-back exhaust. But, all I changed was the header and cat, kept OEM exhaust so far.

Could it be possible that the way it was installed header -&gt; flexi -&gt; cat could be pushing the rest of the cat-back exhaust onto a heat shield?

Also in the US, do you guys use a flexi joint between your header and cat? I hear some of you guys dont even bother with the cat and just run straight through!!! Dont the EPA jump up and down about that?

 

Have someone rev the car to 2400 and lay underneath it and tap a few things until you find out what's rattling. That's what I did for my GSR when I had it and it was the stock cat heatshield...

 

That kind of makes sense. Might actually do that with the exhaust guy if I get the car up on the hoist again!

Thanks again for the suggestion.

 

Take a pic of the joint between the cat and the header and post it here. Possibly something going on with the fabricated joint.

I disagree with the header springs. They really should be there, they allow some movement between the cat and the header (manifold). If you just cinch it down with just the bolts there is going to be no movement and you're gonna break something. The bolts and springs are a wear item and do break, just replace when they do.

 

The header springs mentioned are not the ones used to connect the collector to the cat. Toda comes with springs that make it appear as if it is in two pieces. They're just decoration.

As for which which heatsheilds? I would just put the car up on stands and push the piping and the exhaust at every point. See if their could be clearnce issues.

 

Hey stumpy, when I get access to a digi cam that wont fail me I will post pics of the fabricated join between the header and the cat. Until then I will just have to wait which suxs, cause I want you guys to see.

Regarding the springs, danelot is right. The springs on the TODA are just for show. The springs I think you have mentioned Stump, were the ones on the OEM setup between the header and cat, like a ball and socket join. where the springs and bolt holds it together.

Anyway will keep you posted, just need me to find a freaking camera

 

I know the what springs you are talking about now. My CBR600F4 has those but they are functional springs on the aftermarket pipe, it's just covered with a rubber sleeve. I guess Toda was looking for something to pimp their header.

Definitely take some pics of the setup when you get a chance, I'm sure we'll be able to solve the problem.

 

The Toda header springs are for 'race look only'. LOL. thats what the documentation that comes with the headers says.

 

Hey guys finally got some shots of the 'join' under the car.

A friend did it for me, I had a look and I guess it should give you guys a good idea in terms of the join/position/rubbing etc.

I know this is a newbie question, but how do you post pics on the forum here, or does someone want to host them for me. I can email it to them?

Thanks again.