SEB, not 100%, but mine came with the down pipes....i think they are different diameters...
i did not buy anything except the gaskets. you will need to figure out what to do with the center stand (i just jb welded the bumper off the CAT on the old exhaust to my stand and let it rest against the exhaust).
Did you get a complete header with the rear cylinder downpipes included? If so, those inner gaskets should have been there and still serviceable. I don't think the vtec clamps will be large enough to fit around the larger pipes but don't know for sure as I had a complete 5gen system. The vtec mid-pipe (up-pipe) gasket and clamp will connect to the new header collector just fine. I got away with using the vtec exhaust port gaskets without any leaks. FWIW
When I changed mine, one of the clamp bolts snapped off. Might suggest picking up a couple of heavy SS gear clamps from your local auto store. Otherwise, sounds like you have everything I had. Downpipe gasgets were 'really' fragile and had to treat them with kid gloves.
FotoMoto, Dec 22 2008, 01:16 PMDid you get a complete header with the rear cylinder downpipes included? If so, those inner gaskets should have been there and still serviceable. I don't think the vtec clamps will be large enough to fit around the larger pipes but don't know for sure as I had a complete 5gen system. The vtec mid-pipe (up-pipe) gasket and clamp will connect to the new header collector just fine. I got away with using the vtec exhaust port gaskets without any leaks. FWIW
I got a complete header and Power Commander from a member here a while back for $400.
I can't remember right now if the gaskets were still in there or if the clamps were on there, come to think of it. I'm pretty sure the clamps are not there...
I'll be using generous amounts of PB Blaster before touching anything with a wrench! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif)
Thanks for the help! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)
1. Make sure and replace all four copper gaskets where the header(s) go into the cylinder heads. Remember the '98 catless headers are larger diameter (41 vs 43) so the headpipes will not seat the same in the heads. 2. The catless headers clamps from the rear cylinders to the main body are different than the VTEC's. Got to remember you're going to a larger exhaust pipe. 3. I would recommend replacing those special silvery looking gaskets where the rear head pipes join into the main body pipe. Those gaskets is some senses are fairly delicate in that they are "layered" and you can booger them up real easy. 4. Don't use stock Honda bolts on the clamps. They will rust in a matter of minutes. Get some stainless steel bolts, drill the heads so you can safety wire them, and then use liberal amounts of anti-sieve when installing them. I did this to my VFR and ST1300 both.
I ran it this way for a year and it worked great (including a one hour dyno run that didn't melt it). As you can see, I have now removed my center stand.
This pic doesn't show it well but you I used a longer bolt on the mid-pipe clamp and stuck a rubber end cap on it from the hardware store similar to a door stop concept.
FotoMoto, Dec 23 2008, 12:28 AMThis pic doesn't show it well but you I used a longer bolt on the mid-pipe clamp and stuck a rubber end cap on it from the hardware store similar to a door stop concept.
Seb: No real need to replace large rear downpipe gaskets, Vtec clamps will not work(size). You can even use heavy duty hose clamps as was mentioned, because the set I bought didn't include them. Copper gaskets are the same size and can be had at any brand cycle shops if you bring one in. To get my Vtec rear clamps off, I tried a new product from Canadian Tire that supercools the bolt/thread to contract and break the rust free. It seemed to work. Since I'm reinstalling my gutted '05 header, I just used the rubber stopper and simply metal taped it to the kickstand where it touches the exhaust for now. The paint is High temp with ceramic in it so we'll see how that stands up. Anyone have a 36" stove? I baked the rear pipes, but the rest is too big for my (wife's) 30"!!!!!! The heat once installed will cure them, but pre-baking is the most consistent as per instructions. Greg
Why didn't you paint them red? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
I'm in the process of repainting mine with DEI high temp paint. DEI are the folks that make the fiberglass exhaust wrap. I "cured" the rear head pipes by turning up my heat gun to high and just sticking it to the end of the pipe and letting it run for about 10 minutes. I'll probably do something similar for the front section.
The ultimate cure will be to get the system completely reinstalled and crank the bike up and let it run for a while. Being the overly anal, nit picking, perfectionist engineer that I am, I think I will weld a bracket on the front pipe so it can be bolted to boss on the underside of the engine that is there for headers with a cat. The bolt and boss are fairly easy to get to once the center stand is removed.
Why didn't you paint them red? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
What the truck type of red were you thinking of? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/goofy.gif) I'm in the process of repainting mine with DEI high temp paint. DEI are the folks that make the fiberglass exhaust wrap. I "cured" the rear head pipes by turning up my heat gun to high and just sticking it to the end of the pipe and letting it run for about 10 minutes. I'll probably do something similar for the front section.
The ultimate cure will be to get the system completely reinstalled and crank the bike up and let it run for a while.
Being the overly anal, nit picking, perfectionist engineer that I am, I think I will weld a bracket on the front pipe so it can be bolted to boss on the underside of the engine that is there for headers with a cat. The bolt and boss are fairly easy to get to once the center stand is removed.
Don't really need to if you're using a non cat header system. The rear downpipe clamps and the exhaust joint will hold everything up, if I understand you correctly..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) Pete
I still think they would look better if you painted them red.
I agree that the bracket is not necessary but I am the King of Overkill.
So I'm assuming you gutted your header. Did you take the innards to the junk man and get anything for them? I had the catalytic converter stolen from my company Isuzu Rodeo about a month ago. Cost my insurance company $1784 to have it replaced.
BTW, that' some nice rattle can work. How did you prep the surface?
ihilker, Dec 23 2008, 12:45 PMYep take it off and do my center stand bolt mod so you can quickly put the center stand on for oil/tire changes ect... + cleans it up and looks nicer.
And your center stand bolt mod is?
End of thread · 22 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 9 Jan 2009
