100plus

Hi guys,

How difficult is it to remove the headers? Do we need to drop the engine to do so? Was thinking of swapping out my X51 headers for some Evom's headers.

Cheers

okbarnett

just get under it and take them off. its easier to remove the bumper to do any exhaust work.

OZ951

If all the bolts are in good condition it's straight forwards, if you have corroded header bolts be prepared for a bit of a nightmare.

onefastviking

Keep the X51's, they are better.
If you don't believe me then dyno before and after and report your results back.

100plus

Ok, so what do you suggest? Keep the x51 headers and change the cats? I already have got fabspeed mufflers on.

pmkazz

I agree with this! Also, you run the risk of breaking manifold bolts. I had to drill four out and it is a PITA...

pmkazz

I believe the Porsche exhaust manifolds are fine. Not sure of the Fabspeed mufflers or any muffler change for better performance as when you change the exhaust system you tamper with the power curve (e.g., you may notice a loss in low-end performance and a slight gain in high-end, 5000+ rpm). However, when I changed my Cats to 200 cell Cargraphics I did notice both low and high end performance increases. When I added the Cargraphic sport mufflers I lost low end. Sounds good though..

Edgy01

Being that you live in Singapore, my money's on you having a problem with the bolts. With such high humidity perhaps they have seized. The X51 headers are just fine.

When the bolts are new it's a piece of cake.

jesterful

Me and my exhaust manifolds have had a long battle with each other. I decided I wanted to re gasket the exhausts and change the manifolds as they were looking quite rusty (UK weather).

The right side were moderately annoying, I had to bash a socket on to 4 and with a bit of effort they came out. The other 2 were more difficult, I had to weld a bolt onto one and managed to get it out. The last one was very troublesome, I ended up using a dremel to grind the head off the bolt and was then able to slip the manifold off and luckily twist the remaining piece of stud out.

The left side.... Oh my god.... No socket on earth could remove them (3 sheared in half). Welding didnt work at all. I grinded off the head of the remaining 3 bolts (12 hours work) and then with a lot of force slipped the manifold off over the little studs. The studs wouldnt come out at all (i tried EVERY trick in the book). Eventually the car was sent to a specialist engineering shop, who used a carbide drill bit to drill the studs out and then the holes were helicoiled. The labour cost 800 pounds (1300$$). These guys work on lots of very very old classic cars and they said this was the worst job they have ever had.

So.... I got new gaskets, new manifolds and new bolts and put the whole thing back together (all OPC parts and bolts). 2 months later everything was completely rusted again... I was so angry that porsches parts were so awful. I ordered stainless steel bolts, stripped it all apart again and replaced everything with new stuff. I also applied lots of copper grease and lots of rust proofing where i could.

So after the best part of probably 1500 pounds im no better off. The only advantage I have is that If i ever want to remove my cylinder heads I will have an easy time.

Rusted manifolds are the worst job ever... Think very very carefully before you proceed.

bfutch

Removing the exhaust and replacing with headers is a piece of cake as long as the header bolts come out. When putting the bolts back in, remember to use Phillips Milk of Magnesia! Use the regular flavor, no mint. This is the best anti seize as it is used in aircraft engines!

speed rII

Removal was easy... Putting the headers back was not, I broke 8 of the 12 bolts...
And for anyone doing this job, DO NOT TRY TO WELD THE BOLT'S.
Bolt's will get hardened and special drils are needed to get those of.
Just drill those if they broke, normal drils will work if no welding etc. is done.