New Headers for my '04 S

[Jaxonalden]

Yo, yo, J.fro,

Yea, I thought about rerouting the line but if you look at the picture I took, the bottom rubber "T" is right in the way. I don't think it will be possible unless I cut the "T" and install a couple of 90 degree bends that will go between the header and the block (oil sump). Not to mention I'm now draining the coolant as well, and if you ever read the procedure on bleeding the coolant after draining...forget about it.

I think I have the tube problem worked out and I'm just waiting for HX Racing to get back in touch with me. I sent my condolences on the earthquake that hit the country, I don't think they were affected.

I'll keep updates as they happen.

[frederic]

Originally Posted by Jaxonalden

Yo, yo, J.fro,
Yea, I thought about rerouting the line but if you look at the picture I took, the bottom rubber "T" is right in the way. I don't think it will be possible unless I cut the "T" and install a couple of 90 degree bends that will go between the header and the block (oil sump). ....

Hello.
Just to let you know that I bought the same headers from eBay, and that I didn't have this issue with a 2.5l tiptronic... The 2.5 configuration got 2 cooling line, but one on each side of the oil pan. So if you have a ZF tiptronic transmission, I think that you could buy the cooling lines from a 2.5l and your problem will be gone...
BTW bleeding the cooling system is not that hard, I had to do it because of a broken header stud next to the water pump.
Good luck

[Jaxonalden]

Thanks for the heads up Frederic, I'll check it out. I checked a couple of distributors of headers and the majority said their set would not fit and a couple said "only on 2.5l cars". Now I know why, thank you.

[pacific986]

I finally got over to Integrated Performance today to get the headers installed. It took Alex a little over an hour to install. And what a nice guy! Really a no nonsense experience. He even bagged up my old headers and gaskets and put them in the packaging the new ones were in and put them in the trunk for me.

The result. An obvious increase in throttle response. A slightly throatier sound.

I went into this mod a bit apprehensively because I considered the car near perfectly balanced in all respects. A while back I had a WRX wagon with a high flow cat and and APS exhaust. I got addicted to the sound and the great benefit from the exhaust modification alone. That is: sound and throttle response. (eventually the ECU got reflashed too and then it was unbelievable performance too).

From what I've read on this and other forums, the header replacement was the most economical way to get some more satisfaction out of my Boxster driving experience. So for about $300 bucks including the gas to drive to Gardena for the install (headers, tax, shipping, labor, a couple gallons of 91 octane) I am satisfied.

If I start to get a CEL and cannot resolve that, I will probably put the stock headers back.

Like I said, it's tough to mess with near perfection. If the CELs don't start, I think this was one notch in the right direction. Especially for the cost of one new rear Pirelli.

I'll try to get some photos posted soon.

[blinkwatt]

If your ride is an 00'+ you will get a CEL,if it's 97'-99' your good to go.

[heyjae]

In the 4 years I had headers, I never got a CEL until recently and it turned out to be an O2 sensor and MAF problem. Once replaced, the CELs went away.

[Jaxonalden]

Great to hear Pacific986, I can't wait for the pictures. CEL's can be cleared; I wouldn't necessarily swap back to stock because of that.