RE: Shorty headers install - Dodge Dakota Forum

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MOTRSPRT
Dodge Dakota
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1/22/2005
15:29:40

Subject: RE: Shorty headers install
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The headers are installed now. The problem with not getting the Y-pipe lined up with the driver's side header was minimal to the stupidity I encountered by using Pacesetter's bolts. They were a half inch too short, thus making it impossible to get both sides threaded and turning. So, I reused the stock bolts and it went together in about 10 minutes...DOH!!
As for making a heat shield, the clearance to the brake booster is about 1/8". I don't think I could get anything in there, but I will take a look at it later.
The results are that it seems to pull a little harder while cruising at 50 mph. When it kicks down a gear, it begins to pull harder than before, or so it appears.
Thanks.

Kris

MOTRSPRT
Dodge Dakota
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1/24/2005
17:12:50

RE: Shorty headers install
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After a couple days driving with my new headers, I do have one exhaust leak. There is one pipe whose bolt hits that pipe when you tighten it, thus preventing any measurable torque on that bolt. I got it as tight as I could, and it leaks. So, when I have my 3" exhuast completed I will ask those guys to retorque all the header bolts and show them this one in particular.

Before I did any of this, I used my G-Tech Pro to do some preliminary data collecting. I don't have those #'s with me at the moment, but it gives me an idea on how much improvement I am getting with these mod's. The next step is to collect some #'s with just the headers installed for now, then after the full exhaust is done.

Kris
2K 4x4, 5.9L, 3.92 gears, Autolite 3923's, Hypertech programmer, Pacesetter headers, cold air intake, 20" chrome wheels, polished ss step bars, Altezza tails, relocated IAT

MOTRSPRT
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2005
21:44:45

RE: Shorty headers install
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Update: 9 days ago I had my exhuast completed at a local shop. I bought a 50 series stainless steel Flowmaster, new catalytic converter, and tip. The shop installed the items with 3" piping from the stock Y-pipe. The grumpy old man did a pretty good job.
With the 50 series muffler, it is pretty loud. I was hoping for a little more muffle in the sound, but I knew I'd like what I ended up with. Bad news is that the header exhaust leak is now worse. The grumpy old man took his stethoscope and found a leak in the header where the header pipe actually comes out of the flange. So, I'm screwed there. I researched this site for Pacesetter headers and most have had issues with them. Well, one more issue with mine. So, that particular cylinder is not working at it's highest power range since it sees little back pressure. I'm not going to do any G-Tech Pro testing until I have new headers or put the factory units back on :(

I want to use this post to ask for opinions on headers. I don't have a huge budget for this, though. I would also like to get a decent Y-pipe, so if anyone can recommend something to me, I'd appreciate it.

Kris
2K 4x4, 5.9L, 3.92 gears, Autolite 3923's, Hypertech programmer, Pacesetter headers, Flowmaster 50 series, Catco converter, cold air intake, 20" chrome wheels, polished ss step bars, Altezza tails, relocated IAT

Bigdad
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2005
13:48:39

RE: Shorty headers install
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Use hightempRTV

MOTRSPRT
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2005
18:50:16

RE: Shorty headers install
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Well, the bad leak is coming from where the header pipe actually enters the flange. Instead of welding around the outside, they welded around the inside and not a very good job at that. RTV silicone will not keep the exhuast sealed in this application.

android287
GenIII