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TPIS header problem- air tubes 99

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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 06:08 PM
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From: Broken Arrow Oklahoma
St. Jude Donor '09
Default TPIS header problem- air tubes 99

I bought a used set of TPIS long tubes. The 3 air tubes? on each header are broke loose at the welds right at the header pipes. How important are the air tubes? Can you run without them hooked up (welded shut) and block plates? The middle tube seems to be welded shut on both headers from the factory. This could also be from a repair weld that has been done already on a few of the tubes. Anyway should I remove the tubes, grind-drill and re weld back to original? I am afraid if I fix the welds that I will close the hole trying to fill the gap.
Has anyone talked to TPIS about their weld problems before? I have heard of other welds going bad on TPIS threads here. The used set came with a Xpipe and no cats. Oklahoma does not do any kind of inspection at this time. Should I run cats with this system or not. I have heard of the cat simulators, do they work? Last thing, any tricks on a 99frc header install? What gasket part number? THANKS- Steve
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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 06:36 PM
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you will need to tune out the 1415 and 1416 codes you'll get if you weld the air tubes at the headers; the install is easy on a lift, just take some time and attention to detail w/ the wiring; tpis has problems all the time, lg and kooks are best, but that's a whole other topic; w/out cats the gain is prolly <5hp and the fumes will stink, but the sound will be nice and evil
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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 10:19 PM
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From: Dirty Jersey
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Might be worth it to get a new set of headers. The cost of removing the headers patching the hole and then reinstall might be more expensive then buying a new set.
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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 10:38 PM
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unless you have a set of torches and some time it wouldn't cost anything...just a diff viewpoint
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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 11:05 PM
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You can weld up the holes while installed. Low cost, easy fix. You will need to turn off the 1415 and 1416 codes so you don't get a CEL.

After 5 years I had to do the same thing on my RK Sport (copies of TPIS) headers.
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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 11:14 PM
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I ordered mine without the tubes. As for smell, mine isn't any different, but he doesn't have to remove the cats just to plug it. Weld them up and move on. I can't see where a new set of LG's would cost less then patching two holes with a weld. I thought the air tubes were their for startup purposes only, until the o2's are heated or something like that can't remember exactly but I'm sure someone knows the answer.
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Old Aug 24, 2005 | 12:42 AM
  #7  
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From: Broken Arrow Oklahoma
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Default tpis

Thanks for the info. I bought the headers used and they are in a box at my shop. I can use my mig welder and fix the welds or have it done for 50.00 by a better welder than me - hehee I will have to watch close and try not to close the holes off to the tubes when welding. The set is nice and needs to be repaired and recoated since I do not have much in them. I do not mind running high flow cats if they are around 200.00 a set. Can you buy them for that? If not do the plug in cat sims work? Last thing,do you have to pay a tuner to rid of the 1415/1416 codes? Thanks again- Steve
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Old Aug 24, 2005 | 04:44 AM
  #8  
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From: GARDENA Ca, State Of Konfusion
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This was a very common problem back in 00, I can't remember what TPIS did to resolve the issue.
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