Huge Exhaust Problem, Need advice
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (15)
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Junction City, Kansas
Huge Exhaust Problem, Need advice Here is the issue. My wife has a 2001 WS6 that is stock minus an air lid. I just bought OBX stainless headers from "Trendgear" on Ebay. The kit has the headers, three piece y pipe, two high flow cats, band clamps, and some bolts for the cats. Well the kit was missing the bolt set and the piping didn't fit without some dremel tool help and prying. But that isn't the biggest problem. Right now every thing is installed along with a TSP rumbler cat back and the drivers side header hits the steering knuckle when the wheel is turned. The point that is hitting is the bolt closest to the fire wall. I believe that is the number 5 cylinder tube. I am attaching a picture so you all know what I am talking about.
I have already emailed the company on ebay and waiting for a response. I don't know if I should just pull it out, try and get it exchanged, beat it up so that it doesn't hit anymore, or cut my losses and buy different headers and y pipe. Let me know what you all think please. See picture below.
I have already emailed the company on ebay and waiting for a response. I don't know if I should just pull it out, try and get it exchanged, beat it up so that it doesn't hit anymore, or cut my losses and buy different headers and y pipe. Let me know what you all think please. See picture below.
I can't tell from the pic. but if only the threaded end is hitting, and not by much, maybe you can trim the end of the bolt enough to clear.
You also may be able to put a small dimple in the pipe with a ball hammer with out beating it up
Good luck with it.
You also may be able to put a small dimple in the pipe with a ball hammer with out beating it up
Good luck with it.
You should definately try to get ahold of them! I wouldn't think exchanging them with the company would help though since there's probably a jig they use to bend/weld those pipes so it's gonna hit no matter how many sets they send you. But complain to them the problems you've been having. And as for the steering knuckle hitting the primary... it sounds like you've worked awfully hard to get those pipes in there, so you may as well keep them instead of cutting your losses now. Even if you just have them temporarily. I wouldn't mess with the steering knuckle since it's a huuuge safety concern, but I'd simply put a dent in the pipe like ryan said. Cover it up with a couple heavy rags though so you won't scar the polish too much.
Yeah no offense but OBX are headers you don't hear to much about. I would file up with ebay and paypal to get your money back and start over again. I would say leave the steering knuckle alone though. Try that route and then maybe put a small dent in it if you have no luck with ebay and paypal and end up keeping them.
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (15)
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Junction City, Kansas
I don't think ebay is going to make these guys give me a refund. It will just be a negative mark on them. They have pretty good feedback. It is the head of the bolt and the threaded part that both touch as they spin around and hit the header tube. I think the better financial option would be to see what the company wants to do, if anything, or beat a dent in it myself. I hate having to do that but I have over $500 in the system with shipping. That doesn't count the better gaskets I bought, clamps, time invested, etc.
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (15)
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Junction City, Kansas
I was just researching these headers again and there is a thread titled "obx headers install." There is a picture in there of the tube and knuckle spacing but that guys didn't hit. It give you all an idea though what I am dealing with with good up close pictures. I have 53k on the car and it has never been wrecked. The next option is to possibly remove the steering universal joint and try to beat the header primary on the car first. If that doesn't work then I'll definately have to pull the header.
Trending Topics
Well, I think for $50 buck and a hell of a lot work you can fix this by swapping your motor mounts for soem prothane mounts. Chance are the stocker are sagging a bit. But like I said it's a lot of work I jus tput Pcesetters on mine and alot people talk about how hard the are to get on and having to notch the k-member, but I did the mounts and they slipped right on and plenty of clearance everywhere.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (15)
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Junction City, Kansas
I have heard a lot about the pacesetters having to knotch the k member. I don't see it. Those were on my previous camaro and all I had to do is smack the sheet metal at the bend where the pedals are at and they slid right in.
just dent it man, and be done with it. that small dent isnt going to hurt a thing. Just liek said above, use a ballpien hammer, and give her a smack. Just dent it enough that it clears.
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (15)
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Junction City, Kansas
Didn't waste any time today waiting on the company I bought the headers from. I couldn't get in the car enough to beat the primary in while still installed. So I spent the day pulling the driver's side off and dented it. These aren't the best fitment cats or y pipe but the headers fit good. Thanks for all comments.
