Registered: May 2009
Location: Tennessee, USA
Posts: 4

Got everything out of my 96, but when fitting the new EX header, it is rubbing on the crossmember under the motor. Anyone else run into this issue?

I already "fine tuned" it with a hammer as I did with a Volvo header years ago, but it still a bit tight and I fear hitting/rattles. May ship it off with a buddy to an exhaust shop to have the lower pipe "tweaked".

Thanks.

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Garrett

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Registered: Sep 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 97

I did the ebay header because my stock one was cracked, and it installed easily.
I didn't have your issue, but I will say that I did not attach the lower bolted bracket underneath the car, myy stock downpipe bracket was rusted in half, and once you get all the other bolts tight, there's no need for the lower bracket.

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Registered: May 2009
Location: Tennessee, USA
Posts: 4

That was the same reason for me to replace mine.

I have installed and had headers made to both improve performance and/or replace a broken manifold. None have fit without some sort of modification, etc.

The motor-to-exhaust braket on the downpipe was broken on my Ody also, and has been welded in the past...to break again. Ditto with the small bracket on the block holding the manifold. All of this was broken on a 1998 Ody I previously replaced the manifold. On that one, we used an aftermarket manifold that looked like something cast in our backyard. Sloppy master/sand casting work for sure!

Weak links I guess. I did locate an exhaust shop that can kink the pipe for me supposedly.

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Garrett

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Registered: Aug 2009
Location: Grayslake, Il USA
Posts: 51

I finally installed my headers that I bought recently from surewinproducts. I also wanted to replace the front engine mount, but I couldn't break those bolts free, so I'll have my local mechanic install the new mount. At least I could confirm that it is indeed broken.

I have pictures posted on Picasa: http://picasaweb.google.com/ghmassa...feat=directlink

The box showed 7lbs shipping weight, I put the old header into the box and weighed it- 20lbs!

What's the consensus on the lower bracket? Mine did not line up, so I left it off. I may go under again next weekend and try to adjust the hanger brackets to reduce the stress on the header. Like Spule, my lower bracket was welded by my mechanic when he replaced my cat converter. But I have no rubbing with the cross member.

Took a short test drive, subtle little buzz. I'll see how it does in traffic this week.

Here's the final result!

Attachment: p1000809b.jpg
This has been downloaded 20 time(s).

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1996 Sebring Silver Isuzu Oasis LS 184,000m
clear corner lights, vent visors
jdm grill, jdm rear spoiler, white tails
Previous rides:
70 Super Beetle (used)
80 Gold Accord LX
86 Mazda 626

Last edited by kernel on 10-12-2009 at 02:20 AM

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Registered: Sep 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 97

After a few miles the header will change colors. Looks pretty good after 100+ miles

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Registered: Aug 2009
Location: Grayslake, Il USA
Posts: 51

quote:

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Originally posted by yakuza
After a few miles the header will change colors. Looks pretty good after 100+ miles

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Like Hondaguy's photo!

Btw- do these exhaust valves look ok? They're a light gray, the rest of the exhaust port is black. I'm not a mechanic, I just play one on occasional weekends!

Attachment: p1000801a.jpg
This has been downloaded 25 time(s).

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1996 Sebring Silver Isuzu Oasis LS 184,000m
clear corner lights, vent visors
jdm grill, jdm rear spoiler, white tails
Previous rides:
70 Super Beetle (used)
80 Gold Accord LX
86 Mazda 626

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Registered: May 2009
Location: Tennessee, USA
Posts: 4

Well, with some heating with a torch, a hammer, and a really hard tweak with a prybar, I got the headers on.

Bought a new doughnut (it didn't fit on the header downpipe all that well either) and now all is quiet....as for a header.

While the headers appear to be durable and "well made", fittment does leave some to be desired. But then, the headers I have installed or had made in my past had similar problems.

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Garrett

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Registered: Apr 2008
Location: Lake Elmo MN
Posts: 131

Make sure there isn't any constant pressure at the springbolt connection. The exhaust hangars can be tweaked to fill any gap you may have.

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1st gen owner and lovin it!

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Registered: Aug 2009
Location: Grayslake, Il USA
Posts: 51

I had to redo my headers. One of the studs connecting the down pipe to the header had stripped when I installed it, and the gasket blew out. Surewin sent me a replacement gasket and stud. I got that re-installed this weekend.
Gee, my new donut doesn't fit too well either, but with the springbolts installed it's quiet too.
This time, I actually got the hanger bracket to fit, but I had to install it diagonally- one bolt to the engine and one bolt on the hanger!

I'm taking the car to a friend's shop to have the exhaust hangers adjusted (and the muffler hanger bracket welded back on). There's too much side to side strain where the cat attaches to the down pipe, and almost an inch gap before the springbolts are put on.

As for the 'fitment issues', keep in mind that these are Accord headers! The only header I had with no install issues was on my '70 Beetle!

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1996 Sebring Silver Isuzu Oasis LS 184,000m
clear corner lights, vent visors
jdm grill, jdm rear spoiler, white tails
Previous rides:
70 Super Beetle (used)
80 Gold Accord LX
86 Mazda 626

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Registered: Aug 2009
Location: ALL BLUE
Posts: 90

I decided that since the F22 won't stay in my van for much more than a year, that I'd try out a different eBay brand to see if the quality is any different. (If it sucks, I'll chock it up to "taking one for the team".)

Anyways, I've got a '97 Odyssey EX with the typical nasty exhaust leak through my exhaust manifold.

Here's the product I chose to try:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...em=140356766765




When it arrives, I'll comment on installation/quality/fitment/finish/long-term wear.

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* free hugs *

1997 Honda Odyssey EX - Black Currant Pearl Clearcoat
2001 Honda Civic EX - Rallye Red

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Registered: Sep 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 97

What is our option for replacing the remainder of the exhaust, after doing the header?
Seems the rest of the piping is rusted beyond repair, and hard to find..

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