Should headers sound tinny?

[Russ]

I recently had a set of DC Sports headers installed and now there's a tinny sound around 2k-5k RPM. It's like valvetrain noise but different. It's not a complex mechanical sound but rather a buzzy resonance. I recognize that headers will accentuate certain sounds which cast iron manifolds absorb but this is getting irritating. It definitely makes the car sound less refined. Is this something to be expected with headers? I'm ready to try a different brand of headers or put the cast irons back on.

 

[snapper]

hmmmmm.

I was going to put a set on as well. But the more I drive the car the more I like it the way it is.

 

[docjohn]

There should'nt be any strange resonance.I have dc headers as well.Make sure that all conections to exhaust and cats are solid.Usualy these noises are traced to metal hitting metal were a gasket should be.

 

[nsxhk]

Sounds like your header is rubbing against something... jack up the car and check.

 

[Chuck]

The front header downpipe can somtimes rub and vibrate against a lower crossmember.

 

[ak]

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4429

You should have gotten comptech....I just kid

 

[matteni]

My headers from DC sports where pressure fitted together. I had a "rattling" sound and had to take them off. I was fidgeting with them and they literally came apart in my hands! They were literally "pushed" together and could be pulled apart!

I had them tig welded together but thought this was a terrible design IMO. I don't know if you have the same ones as me as I bought them used from RM Racing 4 years ago.

 

[NoClgDeg]

Do the headers make that sound when warmed up? Mine only make a sound when they are cold.

 

[Russ]

Do the headers make that sound when warmed up? Mine only make a sound when they are cold.

When the car is cold the sounds is harsher and is very audible when the revs fall between shifts. Once warmed up it's more of a tinny rattle.

BTW how do you like your Dali chip?

 

[matteni]

On my car I heard the rattling sound at idle and it tended to go away when the car was worm.

A couple quick welds ($100) solved the problem forever.

BTW - I love my Dali chip and have sold quite a few for Dali Racing with 1 quick drive. They did an independent dyno day and the dyno does not lie. Really best if you have done the headers and exhaust.

 

[NoClgDeg]

When the car is cold the sounds is harsher and is very audible when the revs fall between shifts. Once warmed up it's more of a tinny rattle.

BTW how do you like your Dali chip?

I love my Dali Chip. The performance difference is very noticable when you are driving in town with the revs in the 2-5 range. If you floor it to redline there is more power at each and every rpm point.

As far as the noise goes, go over the bolts again with a torque wrench. The headers do change the way the exhaust sounds being a little more raspy. The performance trade off is well worth it.

 

[Periokid]

I think you better complain to the installer...

I have heard those guys are hacks!!

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Re: I think you better complaint to the installer...

I have heard those guys are hacks!!

You know how hard it is to find good help LOL

 

[imducati]

sorry to resurrect this thread but my DC headers also rattle when cold and I wanted to know what part was welded to eliminate the noise? Any one have pictures?