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Anyone have problems with headers cracking?

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Old May 8, 2006 | 10:34 PM
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Default Anyone have problems with headers cracking?

I had my car on a hoist the other day and noticed what looked like carbon near the tabs located before the collecter on both sides. Upon closer inspection, I found that the headers were cracked in that location on both sides. Is this a common problem?

Thanks

-Rick
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Old May 8, 2006 | 10:40 PM
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I have been noticing a little noise under the car in that area lately. Guess I will have to get the car up tomorrow and check mine.
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Old May 9, 2006 | 01:13 AM
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Are those headers stainless steel. If so, SS is prone to cracking when it heats up and cools down often or rapidly. Could happen.
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Old May 9, 2006 | 01:10 PM
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Any guys who have had headers for many years will tell you that (unfortunately) headers are a "consumable item". They crack and wear out. Some are thicker and last longer, but if you want "forever" then go with the ourginal cast iron manifold. Sorry.
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Old May 9, 2006 | 01:27 PM
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If you're talking about the tabs that attach to the bell housing. Yes, they'll crack. The tech, who did my install, said don't use them for that reason. It seems that Stainless has a higher rate of expansion than mild steel when heated, thus the cracking.
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Old May 9, 2006 | 01:50 PM
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Default headers cracking

One of the reasons I went w/ceramic coated steel for my headers. Three more reasons-lower cost, no patina, and run cooler.
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Old May 9, 2006 | 06:14 PM
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Originally Posted by 63Corvette
Any guys who have had headers for many years will tell you that (unfortunately) headers are a "consumable item". They crack and wear out. Some are thicker and last longer, but if you want "forever" then go with the ourginal cast iron manifold. Sorry.
I agree with that, however these headers are only about a year and a half old and the car is stored 6 months out of the year. I know Borla has a "Million Mile Warranty" and they manufacture the headers for LG. Does anyone know if LG has a warranty of any kind? Maybe I'll contact them.

sxe60: It did crack at the tabs the connect to the bellhousing

-Rick
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Old May 9, 2006 | 06:36 PM
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Originally Posted by SilverC5Vert

sxe60: It did crack at the tabs the connect to the bellhousing

-Rick

Just get a good shop to cut them off and weld the cracks. Problem is that the header pipes enlongate from the exhaust heat and put a stress on the tabs and they eventually crack.
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Old May 9, 2006 | 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by sxe60
Just get a good shop to cut them off and weld the cracks. Problem is that the header pipes enlongate from the exhaust heat and put a stress on the tabs and they eventually crack.

Maybe it would work somehow to use a heavy spring and washer and not cinch it down all the way so it can move, but it is still supporting the weight.
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Old May 10, 2006 | 08:09 AM
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Well, this is just great
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Old May 10, 2006 | 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by SilverC5Vert
I agree with that, however these headers are only about a year and a half old and the car is stored 6 months out of the year. I know Borla has a "Million Mile Warranty" and they manufacture the headers for LG. Does anyone know if LG has a warranty of any kind? Maybe I'll contact them.

sxe60: It did crack at the tabs the connect to the bellhousing

-Rick
Please contact LG and they/we will take good care of you.
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Old May 10, 2006 | 01:44 PM
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Rick, they should not be cracking this soon. David, Thanks for excellent customer service. That's what sells your product. It's cool that you monitor the forum. I wish others (GM) would do that more often
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