XS-power headers leaking?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 256
Likes: 3
From: West Texas
XS-power headers leaking?
I noticed in the thread about the best header gaskets two people commented that their XS-power headers didn't seal well against the heads. Has anyone else with these headers had that experience? I was thinking about participating in the group buy since the headers I have now leak pretty bad but I don't want my new set to leak obviously.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 238
Likes: 4
From: Jenison Michigan
I have had XS Power on 2 cars now..Love them. Had to switch to a different gasket on the first set, the 2nd set i have (currently on car), was a test set for this revision. No issues. Put them on in Aug. drove for 3 months before putting car away. Hooked up to Corsa, they sound sweet.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 372
Likes: 2
From: Richmond BC
I've had xspower headers for the last few months, used new oem gaskets, no leaks. Prior to installation I laid a straightedge across the flanges and there was no warping. The flanges looked pretty beefy as well. Before installing the xpipe I torqued down the headers so there was nothing applying a leveraging force to the flange that could possibly misalign it from the head. No leaks from the outset.
I don't have the experience with any other headers to compare to, but I found they slipped in without too much trouble and they made my car sound like a proper sports car with the TIs. For the money, and my tastes, I think they are good value. Nobody has yet to ask me what make they are, I guess the mostly don't know the difference.
I don't have the experience with any other headers to compare to, but I found they slipped in without too much trouble and they made my car sound like a proper sports car with the TIs. For the money, and my tastes, I think they are good value. Nobody has yet to ask me what make they are, I guess the mostly don't know the difference.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
So I bought the last set of XS Power Headers in November... Just got them installed in conjunction with other work beyond my ability (rear main seal). I picked up the car earlier this evening and can smell the new 'hot electronics' smell. The first thing that comes to my mind is an exhaust leak (the second thing is that I'm burning up wires!!!). The shop that installed the headers couldn't get a good seal on the drivers side using the supplied copper gaskets, so they used the GM gasket there since it had a raised lip. They did not swap out the passenger side gasket... Not sure where the suspected leak is yet...can't really look until Saturday if the weather holds out. But for the OP's questions, the supplied exhaust manifold gaskets did not work for me. But it sounds nice...
I had the Hinson motor and transmission mounts installed, and tunnel plate, as well as the headers done since work was being done. I think the ride is better with the tunnel plate upgrade. Also had a tune - but that's another thread...
I had the Hinson motor and transmission mounts installed, and tunnel plate, as well as the headers done since work was being done. I think the ride is better with the tunnel plate upgrade. Also had a tune - but that's another thread...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
Op
I just got my Texas Speed headers in, the first thing I'll do is check flanges for warping and have them milled if so (easy for me, I work at a steel shop).
Can you not just remove your existing headers and have the flanges milled at a local machine shop? Loads cheaper than buying new headers (and potentially having the same issue anyway).
Can you not just remove your existing headers and have the flanges milled at a local machine shop? Loads cheaper than buying new headers (and potentially having the same issue anyway).
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 256
Likes: 3
From: West Texas
I just got my Texas Speed headers in, the first thing I'll do is check flanges for warping and have them milled if so (easy for me, I work at a steel shop).
Can you not just remove your existing headers and have the flanges milled at a local machine shop? Loads cheaper than buying new headers (and potentially having the same issue anyway).
Can you not just remove your existing headers and have the flanges milled at a local machine shop? Loads cheaper than buying new headers (and potentially having the same issue anyway).
So I want to get rid of them and put something of higher quality on.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 874
Likes: 107
From: Detroit MI
There's been multiple iterations of the XS headers, and possibly different production venders with each one. I imagine they've only gotten better over time, but I could be wrong. I think it's still worth taking the chance, there's many people that have had good experiences with them, and hopefully the most recent revision will be the best yet.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
Along the same lines...
Less of a hijack, more like a same problem different brand...
Just checked my brand new Texas Speed header flanges. One bows about .040", the other more like .060 or. 070" from tips at mid point. What would most consider a maximum allowable from flat? I'm thinking .010 or maybe .020 max. Thoughts?
Just checked my brand new Texas Speed header flanges. One bows about .040", the other more like .060 or. 070" from tips at mid point. What would most consider a maximum allowable from flat? I'm thinking .010 or maybe .020 max. Thoughts?
Racer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 405
Likes: 10
Im excited my headers should be here in a few days. I do have a question or two. (Note im having the headers installed at a muffler shop)
I see you recommend using gm gaskets. (Im picking them up tomorrow )
Do you recommend reusing the existing bolts? Or should i get a set of header bolts (locking?)
What will happen if i dont connect the passenger side air tube (i have a 97)
Will it throw codes or fail a sniffer test?
Sorry for all the questions
I see you recommend using gm gaskets. (Im picking them up tomorrow )
Do you recommend reusing the existing bolts? Or should i get a set of header bolts (locking?)
What will happen if i dont connect the passenger side air tube (i have a 97)
Will it throw codes or fail a sniffer test?
Sorry for all the questions
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,135
Likes: 258
Just buy some nice Percy's gaskets. They are thick aluminum layers that crush and seal wonderfully; also reusable.
Seals my XS headers just fine. The copper ones that it came with leaked; and the holes were not 100% true to flange and heads; so the bolts bound a little on install.
Seals my XS headers just fine. The copper ones that it came with leaked; and the holes were not 100% true to flange and heads; so the bolts bound a little on install.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,440
Likes: 2,184
From: Buffalo Texas
I installed the third version of the XS headers this spring the flanges were perfect and they came with a triple layer gaskets and have had no issues !!!(re-torqued them after 300 miles) the collectors kept needing tightening until I double nutted them !!!