[mmmmtorque]

This weekend I installed a set of Gibson shorties on my 05 RC.... It brought back many memories of past header installations and made me remember the time I swore I would never install after market headers again Overall it wasnt that bad..The stock manifolds came out without a hitch, the drivers side header went right in. Now the passenger side......

Two of the header pipes were routed right over their mounting holes. Which made the only possible way to tighten the bolts was to come from under the engine. Luckly I have a 79" wing span and could reach up while laying under the truck and tighten them with a box end wrench. There was a third bolt partially blocked but was able to get it tightened down in 5-10 mins and some creative wrenching involving complex yoga movements. Finally to top it off...one of the Gibsons Y pipe collector holes lined right up to the O2 sensor on the Cat. Luckily I have several sets of sockets and universal joints and was able to tackle it without removing the sensor.

Anyway...after the install....

Instead of gaining (projected) 25HP and 55ft lbs of torque...It feels more like I lost 25 HP and 55ftlbs.

Additionally is sounds like there is less back pressure on the Magnaflow muffler and has a more subdued sound.


Any thoughts ? So far I am pretty dissapointed and if I cant figure out what the issue is, may put the stock manifolds back on.

I still have a couple of small exhaust leaks on the Magnaflow but were there before....Couldnt detect any major issues with header leaks.

Any help or pointers would be appreciated.

 

[SRT QC]

hmm, you were that disapointed with the headers? i was thinking about getting them for my truck, but i definitly have some reservations now.. I'm not sure what i should do ...

 

[Marc T]

Get the VEC2 and have someone tune it for you. It will wake up nicely!! Mine did!!

 

[Roktman]

I like the Gibson`s I put on and had none of the problems you mentioned.I noticed a SOTP increase with mine.I am doing the VEC 2 later this month.

 

[6pakattack]

What is this vec2,and who can I cotact about one?

 

[dodgeguy]

I love my truck just the way it came from the factory but I am 52 years old and have spent two fortunes on chasing horse power over the years. As I read all these post about adding this or changing that it reminds me of my teenage years and my drag racing hero that lived down the street who always gave me the same answer each time I approached him about the latest speed part in Hot Rod magazine "Treat it like a sore d**k don't f**k with it!" I know it's crude but I think it applies to many of these so called improvements to trucks that cost more than 50 thousand dollars (Quad cab). Just some free advice.

 

[Roktman]

What is this vec2,and who can I cotact about one?

Here you go: http://www.roeracing.com/default.asp

 

[Likestospeed]

Please excuse my ignorance but is there a pre-programmed smart card you can buy or does it have to be programmed by a tech or yourself. Thanks in advance!

 

[SNKPWR]

Did you disconnect the battery to reset the computer? I have been told this can make a big difference.

 

[mmmmtorque]

Did you disconnect the battery to reset the computer? I have been told this can make a big difference.

Yes, disconnected the battery for the installation. I am taking it in for its first service tomorrow, as well plan to go through it again with a fine tooth comb looking for any exhaust leaks, loose wires, etc....

 

[mmmmtorque]

Well, after welding the Magnaflow and determining I got a somewhat suspect tank of gas, I believe I am back in business. There may be just too much flex in the exhaust and add in a few regular bumpy roads and those Magnaflow clamps just cant reliably do the trick unless you weld them or use some high temp silicone.


BTW....All those about to or are thinking about putting on a K&N CAI. Do it! It sounds sick as hell inside the cab ! The exhuast note is almost perfect now. Not to mention a few added ponies