In mid-install of headers on my 08 A6. Drivers side fits fine, passenger side is hitting the frame. Not just where the seam sticks out, but above there too. The O2 sensor near the collector is also hitting.

These are the headers:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-p...e-headers.html

I've seen some mention moving the engine to one side when this problem occurs. Can't seem to find the post now when I need it.

Anyone have any tips on how to move the engine? Where to loosen, and where to pry?

I've already flattened the seam with a BFH. I can cut it if need be, but I think it will clear ok if I can move the motor over.

I will still have a problem with clearence on the trans cooling lines, but maybe I can fix that.

 

Doesn't sound good. Looking at the title of the link, "Titanium" really amuses me, what a misleading statement. It's 321 stainless that has a little titanium in it for stabilization. I hate misleading advertising like that. Also, these look like Chinese "copy" headers. That's probably why they don't fit. The finish and workmanship looks fine from the photos, but I'm betting that the quality control of how they fit in the tubes could be inconsistent.

If it were me, I'd take them off and send them back for a refund or a replacement. You can beat the heck out of the headers and probably be fine, but you'll need at least .5" of clearance to avoid rattling (that will drive you crazy!). The good news is that even a large dent in a header pipe really won't affect the performance much.

And by the way, I've never heard of anyone moving the engine over. I just don't think there is any play in the motor mounts. Good luck and hang in there. Probably the best thing is to just take them off and send them back. Otherwise, mark where they are hitting, take them off and beat in the pipe by 1/2".

 

Think I solved the problem.
WIth the passenger side header out of the way, I loosened the nuts on the bottoms of the motor mounts and got a 2 x 4 on the top side and wiggled it a bit . This seemes to have moved the engine over enough. I'll keep at it and see how it goes.

 

I would think that if the header dose not line up than your Xpipe and rest of the exhaust will not line up either.

 

Why not call the guy you bought them from?

 

i just put on my Kooks headers and no clearance issues at all. Are you sure you shouldn't send them back? Seems like maybe they are defective.

 

I have a call in.

 

Midpipe seems to fit fine. I quit for tonight, but I think I will get it done tomorrow.

 

I just found the thread about moving the engine. It was about LG headers, so I take all the comments about quality with a grain of salt. I'll see if I can get everything worked out tomorrow before considering such drastic measures as returning them.

 

Tim will get you hooked up.

I love how people automatically jump to conclusions and type silly comments about something they know nothing about.

We have a good rep on the forum and would not ruin it by selling bad headers.

I installed headers on my own car and yes they can be tricky. They do take a little work. It's probably something you just overlooked/didn't notice. I learned that laying them down and coming back later helps. Either way we'll get it fixed.

Please allow us to fix the issue fix the issue before posting. Things blow out of control quick on stuff like this.

 

If it bugs you that uneducated people jump to conclusions, it bugs me that you advertise these headers as Titanium headers. Please change the title of your advertising post. Stating that you are selling Titanium headers is misleading at best, deceitful at worst. You do state they are made from 321 stainless steel, which is an excellent material, but it only has .4 % (that's 4 parts out of a 1000!!!) titanium. Sorry, but it appears to me that maybe you are the one that "types silly comments about something they know nothing about."

However, I am impressed that you stand behind your products. Good work.

 

"Titanium Series" I believe the title says NOT Titanium Headers, it's a name for the product line not a description of what they are made out of... Considering the number of Header Systems available I think it's a good approach to highlight the 321 as well as an attention getter...

Maybe JW can add a line at the beginning of the first post to ease your concerns as there is no way that I'm aware of change a Title. I've misspelled enough of em to know!

 

Wally I just sent you an EMail, come hell or highwater we'll get em in. They will go in! Sometimes you just have to take a break and walk away...

I just got done test fitting the C5 Prototype on my car which uses the same design and I believe is an even tougher install (Damn Batwing Oil Pan!) then the C6. I had to remove the starter and jack the right side of the engine as far as it would go to get the Passenger side in... I don't know exactly what's blocking you but we'll get it!

I've installed numerous Headers and it always amazes me how vastly different some Vettes can be one from another even though they roll off the same assembly line! And I'm sure there will be some variances between each Header as well, there is a large human element involved here and even with a perfect jig I'm sure some movement can occur.

I do know for a FACT that these were fitted perfectly neutral on the test car, although that doesn't help you right now I just wanted to ease any concerns that these are some.... what did glennhl say "Chinese "copy" headers". I was involoved in the design and know for a fact they are US made.

BUT all that isn't getting your Headers in... I'll EMail you my phone number and might pull in an expert if needed also.

Tim

 

He said it for me.

I don't see a need to change anything. It clearly states Titanium Series which is the name for them. It also says titanium added. We never state titanium headers. We don't need to trick anyone to make sales.

Also if you have a problem with anything I sell come to me direct. Posting bad things about someone's product behind the keyboard doesn't help anyone.

I noticed a couple comments were deleted so it makes it look like Glenh was the only one we were talking to. Not the case.

 

Do you think your Gold Series credit card is made of gold? I did not think the headers were titanium. I read the information. It was very clear.

 

Thanks Tim. I replied on the other thread and in direct email. I only started this one for some help moving the engine over.

 

IMHO properly designed and properly assembled headers should not require a BFH, a 2x4 to pry with and moving the motor to get them to fit. I am a bit surprised that we think this install technique is considered normal.

 

The seam I used the hammer on is a common problem. If you search the forum you will find references to it in installs of any of the top brands. Also, as stated earlier, I found the info on moving the motor in an LG thread. I think the variances from car to car make these things unavoidable. Some cars, everything fits right off the bat, others, not so much.

 

The first set of prototype headers that I got to test fit had some minor fitment issues. I "ATTEMPTED" to persuade the header to fit! Let me tell you,,,that material is a LOT tougher than the normal stainless steel that Ive worked with in the past on other headers.

I have Stainless Works headers on my 02 ZO6 and that material is easy to manipulate. So, what ever element that is mixed in with the Stainless Steel, it sure does provided durability.

Bill Curlee

 

I've installed brand "K" on 4 different Vettes and 1 GTO. None of these required any bending, prying or hammering. None had any interference fit issues. Each set literally slipped into place. One did have a bad flange that was quickly acknowledged by the manufacturer and vendor and a replacement was quickly dispatched...along with apologies from both the manufacturer and supplying vendor.

The manufacturing tolerance "variances" you allude to are not in the construction of your Corvette but you can continue to believe that if you wish. What's next?...an acetylene torch?

I'm willing to bet a case of beer that the car is not the problem (unless it has been wrecked) and put my money on the fact that you either have a tweaked set of headers (quality control issue) or your install technique is bad or some combination of those two.