ok guys,
I am about to install a header on my S5. I am confident RB will send good instructions to make this a straight forward install but, I am wondering if there is anything to pay attention to or check in doing so- exhaust sleeves or whatever.

 

I didn't have any trouble...its kind of a pain to fit it up in there but thats to be expected with any exhaust install.

 

PBblaster is your friend. Also, disconnect all of the exhaust starting from the back (i.e. Catback, cat, precat, header).

 

Want to make the install ridiculously easy? Remove all the exhaust studs and install the header with bolts.

 

^^^^ how will that be easy? youd have to hold the header with one hand and then find the bolt hole to thread the new bolt... just leave the studs... put on gasket... let studs hold up header on its own then use both hands to thread the nuts... what i did and it was easy... use pbblaster as drft 180sx said if your car is rusted to crap down there which im positive it is, i didnt and it was the only hard part to installing them.... actually getting the factory headers off was a pita because the cats were welded on to the flange so i had to pull the whole damn exhaust off the car to work on it... NOW THATS A PAIN IN THE ***!!!

GOOD LUCK

 

replace the studs for new ones always agood thing take of aux ports work from underneath if you have acces to alift pretty easy.

 

...trust me...I probably put on and remove a LOT more headers than you..lol

 

So what do the exhaust sleeves do that I've heard about?

 

the exhaust sleeves can not be touched with the motor still intact. you can not remove them, nor would you want to.
(take it your car is N/A)

 

yeah it's an S5 NA and I don't want to remove the sleeves but just wondering what they do.

 

Trust me, I have put on and removed a LOT more headers than you, be it RB or custom fabbed, and I can't see why you would ever want to remove the studs. Its harder to install and hold in place, harder to line up the gasket, easier to cross thread and risks damage to rotor housings... not that studs are stronger.

 

^^ thank you, somebody sees the logic in what i was saying, ive put on 3 and this is how i have done it and had no difficulties... but i can also say until i try that other method i cant say it is harder however it does sound harder

 

removing the studs would probably be a task in it's own- Thanks makenzie but I will be using the studs and PB Blaster

 

taking off the old manifold will be harder than bolting in the header, especially if you still have all that heat shielding on there.

 

meh...I guess it's just personal preference. I've always found it easier, and have never had any problems lining things up.

 

its an easier fit of course. might make it easier with a friend to hold up the header for you, but thats how i did my IMG on my hawnda... its how ive done alot of cramped installs.

 

Well it is not as bad as I thought it'd be to remove the manifold and all. It took me about an hour and a half today, now I just have to wait untill the header gets here Thanks again

 

i just got my RB headers a couple days ago but can't put them on untill i get a new gasket from RB, which UPS says will be monday... i'm not looking forward to laying under the car, one hand holding the headers up while the other bolts it on! though it isnt nearly as heavy as the presilencer that i put on...

 

I believe I will put the header in from the bottom and hang it on the studs then tighten the nuts from the top side-at least the ones I can get to.
I bet that header looks all nice and shinny and you're ready to heat it up- I can't wait mine should be here today or Tuesday
Where are you going to get some shielded wire for the O2 or will we need any?

 

^ i need some, sensor doesnt reach its hole, i need like 6 more inches. i think my only choice is getting a universal wire and splicing it, then covering it up correctly.

 

RB sent a wire with the kit which I'm not sure it was shielded or not but I used it. There aren't any electricals over on that side anyway right? Did you not have this in your header kit?
My 7 got dropped at the exhaust shop today and should be picking it up tomorrow Driving that $hit was barely louder than driving with an open manifold but it sounded a little cleaner- echoing under bridges was cool and I didn't turn many heads(surprised) considering I was driving in rush hour. I did get to mess with a guy in an eclipse he gave me a look like WTF??

 

i bought my headers used (for a couple months, they look brand freaking new) for 135 shipped. i'm thinking i should email RB and see if they can sell me that kit seperate, i really need it. i'm not exactly sure of the downside to having the o2 sensor unplugged, but i'd rather have it done right.

thats the best, driving under bridges. so goddamn loud, everyone looks at you going WTF is THAT?! some older guy in a van was stopped next to me at a red light and was staring at my car for a good 2 minutes. finally he says to me "hey man, you got an exhaust leak? i have never in my life heard a car sound that loud at idle, and i do muffler repairs on vehicles." i couldn't help but laugh my *** off. i tried explaining to him the rotary and the exhaust, but he wasn't getting it.

 

Go see a commercial electrician/ commerical fire alarm system: they will have shielded cable. It basically looks like some tin foil wrapped around normal wire, and that's virtually all it is.

You shouldn't really need to use shielded wire, though: its really only necessary in the harness where pickup from the surroundign wires would be an issue. Without wires in close proximity, there should be no problems.

By running with no O2 sensor, you are losing the ability for the car to go into closed lopp operation and costing yourself both fuel economy, and if existing, causing needless damage to your catalytic convertor. No engine damage will be occuring.

 

man I bet RB would sell you that kit they have really good customer service and good to work with. It comes with ACV blockoff plate for the S4, 2.5" gasket, wire with plugs on it, instructions- misc. items. I don't know if you already got the manifold gasket, I used one.

My car sounds pretty freakin' quiet with the stock mufflers but does have a bit more power
Good luck