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Has anyone ever seen anything like this? This is a 2000 SS with stock internals; exhaust setup is ARH 1 7/8s with emissions fittings, new GM MLS gaskets, OEM header bolts, 3" x-pipe into Moroso Spiral Flow mufflers, dumped. The headers were purchased used from another member in good condition, without repairs, patches, or any indication of weakness in the now-damaged area. I can attach pictures from the original sale for reference if they are of any value.
My first thought was that a falling object could have contacted the primary and melted its way through, but nothing in the engine bay is out of place; no bolts are missing, all plugs are in their proper place, and nothing is anywhere close to being able to contact that primary.
I also have not yet located the chunk of metal that's obviously MIA - I will need to pull the x-pipe to shake it out to determine whether it lodged itself somewhere prior to the mufflers.
Does anyone know if ARH will sell me a passenger side header only?
Last edited by fruitsalad; 09-16-2014 at 10:51 PM.
Looks like where a secondary air pipe would be located, it also appears to be the correct size as well. Could it have potentially been welded, poorly, that you didn't initially see.
I agree looks like the air tube broke off there. I'd give it a check and if you find the tube then give Nick at ARH a call they are stand up guys and always stand behind their product
All the header companies say if you have the air fitting and don't use them that they will break off. Yours are clearly attached so that argument doesn't hold water, but they did offer to fix them?
Engine harmonics cause the weld to weaken and break, apparently.
Originally Posted by thunderstruck507
looks to me it was caused by a weld that got zero penetration
pretty weld does not = good weld
Originally Posted by KCS
Ditto. That looks like a poor weld and a poor excuse.
This is what my limited research has led me to believe.
Originally Posted by maroonls1z
All the header companies say if you have the air fitting and don't use them that they will break off. Yours are clearly attached so that argument doesn't hold water, but they did offer to fix them?
I believe the previous owner of the headers ran them with blockoff plates installed. They did offer repair and return shipping free of charge contingent upon my paying to ship to them.
Blaming the weld is being narrow minded. Look at both ends of the part. The air tube is metal and can often be bent out of the way. If the air tube isnt in its normal resting position, it will be stressing that area for a long period of time, eventually cracking.
Blaming the weld is being narrow minded. Look at both ends of the part. The air tube is metal and can often be bent out of the way. If the air tube isnt in its normal resting position, it will be stressing that area for a long period of time, eventually cracking.
I don't intend to throw ARH under the bus, to be certain, especially in light of their offer to repair the header.
09-16-2014, 10:45 PM
Dime-size hole in ARH 1 7/8 primary - what?! 
