Just a "Quickie" on TPIS headers
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Redding Ca
Just a "Quickie" on TPIS headers
I just had my new TPIS headers installed by a local muffler shop on my '88. 
From a couple days ago, I downloaded the thread asking "why TPIS Headers?" and took it along as well. 
I know headers are always a Bitxxch to install on late model cars (my '87 Pont GTA was a SOB!) and I never wanted to go through that again. 
Anyway, the shop was very complimentary about the installation and fit. Still very tight, close clearances, but they fit. One tube needed slight grinding for the flange bolt to fit straight. Also the flange was slightly off center so the flange holes needed drilling, but no biggee.
Their comment was most header fits (other brands on non-C4's) are far more difficult because of poor engineering and it is easy to pick at problems. On the TPIS system, there was good clearance for everything, including the starter and steering box. I was particularly concerned with the starter, however thay said no heat shield necessary, but I will do it anyway (prior experience on another car)
They would have liked to see a better engineered AIR tube, but it still worked out. The car runs and sounds great. In about 10-days, my new 406" goes in. 
I'll update CF with stuff as it is worth mentioning. I am a happy boy
From a couple days ago, I downloaded the thread asking "why TPIS Headers?" and took it along as well. I know headers are always a Bitxxch to install on late model cars (my '87 Pont GTA was a SOB!) and I never wanted to go through that again. Anyway, the shop was very complimentary about the installation and fit. Still very tight, close clearances, but they fit. One tube needed slight grinding for the flange bolt to fit straight. Also the flange was slightly off center so the flange holes needed drilling, but no biggee.Their comment was most header fits (other brands on non-C4's) are far more difficult because of poor engineering and it is easy to pick at problems. On the TPIS system, there was good clearance for everything, including the starter and steering box. I was particularly concerned with the starter, however thay said no heat shield necessary, but I will do it anyway (prior experience on another car)
They would have liked to see a better engineered AIR tube, but it still worked out. The car runs and sounds great. In about 10-days, my new 406" goes in. I'll update CF with stuff as it is worth mentioning. I am a happy boy
Last edited by GeosFun; Jan 13, 2006 at 01:17 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Redding Ca
I have the Y-pipe set up. That one needed some fitting work. They would have liked to see a better system than the clamps that come with the system because of extreme close fit and hard to get a tool on them to tighten them. But they did like the way the headers, Y-pipe and clamps tucked up relatively high for possible ground clearance issues for guys who might lower their cars. They thought there was some room to spare that could have made that part a bit easier.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Redding Ca
Your clamps look easy. I wonder what they were referring to? My car was already off the rack when I got there. When it is up on the rack to start the engine swap, I will look closely and take some Pic's too. Yours shows the clearance around the starter and oil filter very well.
Last edited by GeosFun; Jan 13, 2006 at 01:54 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 24
From: Orange County NY
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13
There are quite a few people (myself included) who have had trouble getting that Y pipe to fit properly - it takes some persuasion. I'm very happy with the headers, though.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville AL
The band clamps in that picture are excellent pieces. I got mine from napa.
The U-bolts that were originally used on mine are the biggest pieces of garbage ever and they hung down far enough to scrape the bulge at the top of my driveway. They didn't even keep the pipes tightly attached. They did, however, bend the ever living crap out of the pipe to where it doesn't make for a flush fit anymore.
The U-bolts that were originally used on mine are the biggest pieces of garbage ever and they hung down far enough to scrape the bulge at the top of my driveway. They didn't even keep the pipes tightly attached. They did, however, bend the ever living crap out of the pipe to where it doesn't make for a flush fit anymore.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Redding Ca
My band clamps that came with the headers look like the ones in the photo, so I am not sure what the problem was. maybe the muffler guys were referring to some other clamps. And, yes, the Y-pipe needed some massaging to get on.
Please keep in mind, I am not complaining about anything in the TPIS system, just passing along info. naturally it is the little picky things that get discussed making them sound more important that they were. Frankly, I was surprised the muffler guys were as complimentary as they were. Compliments from mechanics are refreshing. It was still a pretty big job before it was completed.
Please keep in mind, I am not complaining about anything in the TPIS system, just passing along info. naturally it is the little picky things that get discussed making them sound more important that they were. Frankly, I was surprised the muffler guys were as complimentary as they were. Compliments from mechanics are refreshing. It was still a pretty big job before it was completed.
Last edited by GeosFun; Jan 13, 2006 at 04:17 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,303
Likes: 714
From: Bartlett IL
Originally Posted by GeosFun
I have the Y-pipe set up. That one needed some fitting work. They would have liked to see a better system than the clamps that come with the system because of extreme close fit and hard to get a tool on them to tighten them. But they did like the way the headers, Y-pipe and clamps tucked up relatively high for possible ground clearance issues for guys who might lower their cars. They thought there was some room to spare that could have made that part a bit easier.
I've had them for 3 years on my Xfire. They're great headers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 26
From: Winchester VA
Cruise-In V Veteran
Do you have auto or manual? That may have played some part in the tighter fit than what is pictured.
I agree with the shops sentiments.
One thing I did learn, and this is for those considering purchase or R&R on an existing set, is to leave the headers very loose, put on the y-pipe, then go back and tighten header bolts. Also, do not be afraid to WD40 the collectors/y-pipe connection to further ease installation.
I played hell fitting the y-pipe when I tightend the header bolts first, "lube, twist, push, pull, hammer,... repeat 100 times"
I agree with the shops sentiments.
One thing I did learn, and this is for those considering purchase or R&R on an existing set, is to leave the headers very loose, put on the y-pipe, then go back and tighten header bolts. Also, do not be afraid to WD40 the collectors/y-pipe connection to further ease installation.
I played hell fitting the y-pipe when I tightend the header bolts first, "lube, twist, push, pull, hammer,... repeat 100 times"
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Originally Posted by 89sleeper
Heres a veiw of mine from the bottom side
Wouldn't want to do that on headers though, maybe you can cover the gap in the bandclamp with some galvanized steel sheeting, put it under the clamp before tightening. I tried the same with a budweiser can... but heat+ moisture + dissimilar metals, that can didn't last long.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Redding Ca
Do you have auto or manual? That may have played some part in the tighter fit than what is pictured.
I have an automatic. I saved the stock exhaust manifolds and pre-cats/Y-pipe. The muffler shop welded a flange on the main cat and new and old Y-pipes for easier on-off R&R's. Cal's bi annual emissions testing includes a visual inspection and the TPIS has no EO# because of missing pre-cats. So I get to do this every other year. So sad because I have no doubt the car runs clean as is. I didn't say that. I'll deny everything and demand proof! 
Must've been my evil twin. 
I have an automatic. I saved the stock exhaust manifolds and pre-cats/Y-pipe. The muffler shop welded a flange on the main cat and new and old Y-pipes for easier on-off R&R's. Cal's bi annual emissions testing includes a visual inspection and the TPIS has no EO# because of missing pre-cats. So I get to do this every other year.
So sad because I have no doubt the car runs clean as is. I didn't say that. I'll deny everything and demand proof! Must've been my evil twin.
