Strange noise after new headers installed
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Glen Gardner NJ
Strange noise after new headers installed
My dad has an 06 Z with 7K on it. He bought used headers from a member here. After waiting a couple weeks they finally got them put on. They were LGM and ended up having to get new 02 cause they werent long enough.
But they got installed and now there is a strange noise that he described as almost an exhaust leak but he said it was hard to describe in person. He said at idle it is fine, but once he starts driving at a certain rpm he gets a strange sound almost like the engine is sputtering.
We have an appointment at carteck but thats not for another week. Any ideas? I would imagine it has something to do with the exhaust.
But they got installed and now there is a strange noise that he described as almost an exhaust leak but he said it was hard to describe in person. He said at idle it is fine, but once he starts driving at a certain rpm he gets a strange sound almost like the engine is sputtering.
We have an appointment at carteck but thats not for another week. Any ideas? I would imagine it has something to do with the exhaust.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,097
Likes: 5
From: Brentwood World's first A6 in the 9's (including N/A, blower, turbo and nitrous cars) 9.950@139.267 CA
Have you tried retightening the bolts yet? When I installed mine I had a problem where I was also getting a noise that sounded like an exhaust like (while making a hard left turn) and it ended up being loose bolts.
What happenned in my case was that the headers would flex and separate from the engine ever so slightly during a turn but just enough that some exhaust managed to escape.
Good luck either way,
Christopher
What happenned in my case was that the headers would flex and separate from the engine ever so slightly during a turn but just enough that some exhaust managed to escape.
Good luck either way,
Christopher
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
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From: Brownsville Tx
It could also just be the sound of the valvetrain. If its like a rapid ticking sound, that's what it is. The headers are thinner than the stock manifolds so the sound is able to get through. Not sure if this is what you are hearing, but if it is, that's normal.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Ohio
I'll second that, the valvetrain is quite loud if LT's are installed.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Glen Gardner NJ
Yea the bolts have all been double checked.
So your saying I would hear more valvetrain noise after I get headers installed? It didnt make that sound before.
Also when the baffles are closed and you hit the rpm rrange where you hear it, it is much less noticable but when its open its more profound.
Im going to try to drive it a little and then have it checked over for tightness again. There are no sounds at idle though
So your saying I would hear more valvetrain noise after I get headers installed? It didnt make that sound before.
Also when the baffles are closed and you hit the rpm rrange where you hear it, it is much less noticable but when its open its more profound.
Im going to try to drive it a little and then have it checked over for tightness again. There are no sounds at idle though
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,711
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From: Middle of No where AK
It definetly sounds like your valve train and some added exhaust noise. the headers are thinner and they make a lot weirder noises than your used to on you stock manifolds. I would make sure and check for a leak just in case though. Also if your running stock exhuast this will be a more profound sound due to the fact that you can hear the headers over the exhaust. I installed lg's with stock exhuast while I was waiting for my cat back system and I had weird sounds like that.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix AZ
I agree that headers wiill make more noise. They will also add more heat to the engine compartment. I wrapped the top of the drivers side rear to keep it from melting my steeering shaft bushing. Which makes me wonder - If you wrapped the whole header before you put them on the car, it would reduce the heat AND possibly the noise?
