First, let's establish up front that I know dick about cars. But I like driving hard and fast, so I'm going to try to learn. In the process, I'll probably be asking some pretty basic (stupid?) questions.

Anyway, my GSR has developed a horrible vibration in the 3400 - 3800 RMP range. Always happens in that range, never out of that range. This is basically noise, nothing you really feel much. I never noticed it until my wife rode with me and I turned the radio down. Now that I know it's there, it's annoying the hell out of me!

My mechanic says it's a common problem. If I understood his explanation, the tubes from the exhaust manifold are double-walled, and the vibration is coming from there. He said he could replace them, but the vibration would eventually come back. The last one he did lasted less than a year. Said the only way to get rid of it completely would be to go with headers, since they are single-wall and won't vibrate. Have other Integra owners had this problem?

My tech question is: what kind of performance improvement can I get by putting on headers? (I don't want to spend a ton) Would headers be worth it just from a performance standpoint, even without the vibration problem? If I go with headers, what should I get? (bears repeating: I don't want to spend a ton)

Thanks!

 

"...I know dick about cars..."
"...in the 3400 - 3800 RMP range..."

OK, before the wise crackers chime in: yes, I do that it's "RPM"

 

Springfield, I would look at the DC Sports header - pretty good bang for the buck from my understanding.


Edit: what he said (below)


[Modified by phat-S, 11:44 AM 1/11/2002]

 

Found this on a google search....and since it's got a reply from Mr Rice himself, it's gotta be valid! You can find Mr Shultz here on the board.


Exhaust Vibration Noise
From: Bobby Wu
Although there is no TSB or recall regarding exhaust systems on 3rd generation Integras, there have been many confirmed reports of failing A-pipes and muffler heat shields. Symptoms include a resonating sound that appears above 2700 RPM, to as high as 3500 RPM. The sound seems to emminate from the rear hatch, and sounds louder when the seats are down. The vibration sounds as if a metal wire were vibrating against a metal plate, like a cello string vibrating against a metal cabinet. Most service departments seem to be aware of the problem...and fix it accordingly as a WARRANTY SERVICE.


From: Karl Shultz (krshultz@ix.netcom.com)
In spite of the fact that this really isn't perf related, I'll post it to the list, since it *is* a thread. I've had experience with the rattling heat shield (or vibrating or buzzing or whatever) and I have an answer for you guys. It's the a-pipe, or the "collector."

In a shocking display of honesty and knowledge, my dealer, performance Acura, diagnosed the problem immediately. What helped was taking a mechanic on a test drive with you, and pointing it out and saying, "see, that's what I'm talking about."

Don't bother until you go to the dealer and say, "I think my double-walled collector pipe is resonating at 3500 +/- X RPM." When they get done scratching their heads, have them warranty it. If the problem persists, obviously this wasn't the fix. I can just tell you that I had the same problem, to the letter, and replacing the a-pipe fixed it.

And if you guys get this fixed, make damn sure the seals they put around all your neat new pipes seat properly. Mine did not, and the car made a loud, buzzy, and sort of neat backfire-type sound at about 4 grand under engine braking. I took it back, and the mechanic burned his hand from the exhaust leak between the header and a-pipe. Listen carefully.


Also, if you can get the Oct 99 issue of SCC, they did a decent little GS-R header test. http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/ar...oc/toc1099.jsp

 

I had the same thing on my b16 crx. It started at around 3800rpm, then eventually it migrated to around 3500rpm. The only way I could make it stop was by jamming a big screwdriver between the header pipes and yanking. So, I think the double-wall theory is correct.