After installing a CATECH ported TB I noticed that my headers were cherry red. When I started up the engine the first time after installing the TB my RPM's was around 3K. I let it run that way to let the computer learn about the new TB. I also had my ATAP going. I was looking over the LTRM (+5)and STRM (0.1) which looked good. I take a look at the TB to double check I installed everything and the headers were RED! I'm pretty sure it's not the TB as I recently went through an inspection and the smell was the same with a MMS TB. Any ideas?

TIA
-Allen

 

a freind of mine had this same trouble and it turned out to be an exhaust valve hanging up. this builds a LOT of exhaust pressure and heat. how does the car run? getting any pre-ignition. someone who has a better idea, please chime in. i have heard a lot of different type of answers for the glowing hot header.

 

Your check valves iun the AIR system are prolly burnt up

 

no; the check valves function is to prevent exhaust gas flow back into the air pump should the pump pressure drop or be turned off.
Unlikely to be the cause

 

Thanks for the reply's. The car runs extremely well. Each tube glows the same, so I don't think I hurt any valves. On a side note, the ceramic coating on the TTS headers still look good after their glow in the dark impression.

I had something similar happen on my 67 big block after a cam change. Seems I had the timing retarded way to much. Don't think thats the problem here.

-Allen

 

I used to have a hopped up mustang and when ever I drive it down the freeway, the headers always glowed red... Just keep the wires off of them.

 

You are running lean.

 

[quote]Originally posted by Pro Stock John:
<strong>You are running lean.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I'll second that ! Running lean will cause your headers to run red.

 

How long was your car sitting idling at 3000 RPM? It could just be that with the idle so high, and no air flow around the engine/headers, they just got hot. Headers are known to glow red when a car is sitting stationary with the engine running for a while, especially at higher engine speeds. Do they glow after driving it around? If they glow all the time, it is probably leaned out like the others have said...

 

I was doing a idle relearn so it was about 10 minutes or so. Your probably right that there was not enough air going around them.

PSJ, have question for you. Without the MAFT my LTRM is +25. What could be making it so lean?

Thanks
-Allen

 

Allen-

I just looked at your mods.

Ported MAF ends will cause your combo to run lean. The pcm cannot compensate more than 25% + or -.

I personally would not be happy with my Ltrims going over 10%. IMO, 10% is okay, because you still have some headroom.

Lean is mean. Lean makes power. But you can also get detonation. I bet the plug tips are white. Might even see some speckles from detonation.

For sure keep using that MAF T or do what you have to do to keep the Ltrims from pegging like that.