Is anyone having any problems in the long run from using aftermarket headers? Im speaking to the guys that have had them for 15k miles on and that have more than 20k miles on their car. My 05 is just approaching 40k miles and Im thinking of adding them but when I do warranty goes with it, and I just want to make sure nothing is messing up because of these that will void my warranty that people have run into. THANKS!

 

The only thing you should worry about is the location of your 02 sensor. If the headers screw something up, that will effect your warranty, but it's not too likely. If you get an antifouler, that should solve most of your potential problems. I wouldn't expect any problems out of headers.

 

Mostly all CEL's occur due to bad install of the header or the o2 was damaged during removal. I've had 2 incidents with this issue.

 

you shouldnt have any problems with your headers, the only thing i would worry about is the placement of the o2 sensor because:

the stock header has the o2 sensor after the 4 pipes(excuse my language, trying to make it so everyone can understand) have merged and right before the primary cat so that the sensor reads information from all 4 pipes. the aftermarket header.. no matter which you get only reads from one pipe, which can be a problem because say if one cylinder goes bad, and its not the one the header is reading.. you will run into a problem

also, about the cel.. it will happen on ANY header, regardless of install simply because the header flows alot more than stock, and it is telling the second o2 sensor that your cat if malfuncitoning. as long as you get a anti-fouler you should be fine, as that will take away the cel and will run fine. you dont want to run a cel on your car for too long as it can cause damage.

also.. if your worried about longevity, do not get the DC or the OBX or STRUP.. they are all the same design, and all lack the ability to mount to the bottom bracket, which will not only cause rasp, but will cause the header to shake and slowly crack the head.

just my .02cents

 

Ok because I was thinking of getting the Megan racing headers. Thanks!

 

go for it. you wont be dissapointed.

 

"also.. if your worried about longevity, do not get the DC or the OBX or STRUP.. they are all the same design, and all lack the ability to mount to the bottom bracket, which will not only cause rasp, but will cause the header to shake and slowly crack the head."


So here's some potentially dumb questions: Why don't aftermarket header manufacturers design and build headers WITH bracket mounts? Is it because they need to vibrate due to the extra air flow / power they give? I personally have the two piece Monster Motorworks header and S pipe combo and it's raspy as hell around 2500 RPM. I was planning on throwing an 18" resonator on there but would fabricating my own bracket mount be worth while or just a bad idea?...

 

I think I had my DCSports on for about 16k miles. Only problem I had was rust spots slowing beginning to form.

 

aftermarket companies try to do what ever is easiest..

DC, i wouldnt even take their product for free.. worst quality ever

megan, alphawerks, and mmw all have the brackets needed

 

You need to learn about cars. If you install a header without a cat then a CEL is expected. When you plug in a OBDII code reader the code will say catalyst below threshold I believe the code is P0420. If you don't get a cel then consider yourself lucky. And just because you have installed a header and started your car and do not see a cel in a few miles doesn't mean it will not come on. The code usually takes between 250-500 miles.

 

CEL comes on right after the install, unless u have the antifouler trick. And yes damaging a 200 bucks sensor will cause a CEL as well.

 

If you have enough sense to change a header then you definately should have enough sense not to damage the o2 sensor. The cel can still come on miles down the road, just like I was saying in my previous statement.

 

Header wont void the warranty, unless they can prove that is caused the problem. I had a water pump leak in my tc and they replaced it, i have all these parts in my car and they didnt even question it. I just had a few guys ask me hows the torque in the car with the upgrades

 

causes cancer, just like everything else in excess

 

I had a bad clutch slave cylinder on my xB and the damn dealership voided the labor on it because i had an aftermarket header on it. I called the scion customer service hotline and reported the incident. Scion called me back the next day saying they spoke with the dealership for "a long time" and that the labor would not be under warranty. WTF!? The slave cylinder acted up LONG before i installed the header and WTF does a header have to do with the clutch anyways!? They chewed me up because i didn't immediately take the car in when i was having this problem. Well excuse the hell outta me i thought i had 3 years to take care of it. Anywho, just be cautious of the dealership. They will try to screw you over on warranty. Believe you, me.

-End vent.

 

so just so you know, the "they have to prove it damaged your car to void your warranty" is not always true in every case.

 

^^ that's not cool.... they should've still covered it under warranty...

looks like time to take legal action.... but hmm... not sure if having headers in your state is legal either... cause that wouldn't help....

 

The exhaust manifold on the xB isn't like the tC. The header and cat aren't 1 piece. The primary cat is on the downpipe. So changing out the header didn't tamper with the cat.

 

the sensor is fragile it can be broken easily, and i know that the CEL can come back on, all u need to do is to reset the ecu again and it should go away again.

 

Good thing I'm going with the alphawerks.