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Do LT headers amplify valve-train noise?

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Old Jan 19, 2004 | 09:12 PM
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Default Do LT headers amplify valve-train noise?

I just picked up my car w/ the re-ring and Kooks 1 3/4ths w/ cats installed. It sounds great, but I notice alot more valve-train noise. Is that a normal thing for LT headers? When I roll into the throttle it's there. Car runs fine and I guess it'd make sense for those big pipes and collectors to make it louder. Could I have an exhaust leak?
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Old Jan 19, 2004 | 09:27 PM
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Default Re: Do LT headers amplify valve-train noise? (Cobra4B)

It is probably not valvetrain noise. Headers are noisier than manifolds. It is probably normal (unless you have a header leak).
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Old Jan 19, 2004 | 09:30 PM
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Default Re: Do LT headers amplify valve-train noise? (VortechC5)

Cool thanks... it really sounds like "header" noise...
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Old Jan 19, 2004 | 11:17 PM
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Default Re: Do LT headers amplify valve-train noise? (Cobra4B)

After I put coated mid-length headers on my LS1 T/A, I had a much more pronounced valvetrain noise. I usually did not hear under acceleration from in the car, but it was definately audible with the hood up or idling in a confined area. This noise also got a bit louder when I did the H/C package on it. I think this was due to the higher rate valve springs.

Todd
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Old Jan 19, 2004 | 11:25 PM
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Default Re: Do LT headers amplify valve-train noise? (BLK 98WS6)

If what you are hearing is getting faster with the RPM of the engine, its the sound of the exhaust pulses hitting the collectors. It can also be the valvetrain too, becasue with the factory manifolds being thicker they obsorb some of the noise that GM didnt want you to hear from the engine. With the headers being not as dense and the cast iorn factory manifold, they transfer more noise.
HTH
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Old Jan 20, 2004 | 08:50 PM
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Default Re: Do LT headers amplify valve-train noise? (Stang Killer)

That's exactly what it sounds like...
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Old Jan 20, 2004 | 09:10 PM
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Default Re: Do LT headers amplify valve-train noise? (Cobra4B)

If anything the headers should help cover the valve train noise.

If it is ticking your headers are leaking. :D
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Old Jan 20, 2004 | 11:40 PM
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Default Re: Do LT headers amplify valve-train noise? (Stang Killer)

If what you are hearing is getting faster with the RPM of the engine, its the sound of the exhaust pulses hitting the collectors. It can also be the valvetrain too, becasue with the factory manifolds being thicker they obsorb some of the noise that GM didnt want you to hear from the engine. With the headers being not as dense and the cast iorn factory manifold, they transfer more noise.
HTH
:iagree: :yesnod: :thumbs:
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Old Jan 21, 2004 | 12:35 AM
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Default Re: Do LT headers amplify valve-train noise? (Dugmole)

If anything the headers should help cover the valve train noise.

If it is ticking your headers are leaking. :D
It could also be the check valves in the AIR tubes. I ran in to that problem when I put headers on my WS6 when I had it. Just fab'd up sort of a restrictor plate(smaller hole) and intalled it between two gaskets on each side. Seemed the check valves didnt like the change in the exhaust pulse and started to 'flutter'... sounded sort of like a leak.

Easy to tell with a mechanics stethascope.

Now with the C5 and Kooks, what I am hearing is the exhaust pulse more clearly.

Mike

Mike
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