New Header Disappointment - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

09-25-2007, 08:15 PM

That sure is weird, my headers make my car sound better (when its open header and my valves are open). Im still thinking you might have a leak that makes it sound bad. But you still havent taken any video......

j.fro · 09-26-2007, 02:42 AM

I might guess that without the cats, the ECU is getting some odd signals and trying to adjust the air-fuel mix. This could be the cause of your sound problem. When my MAF went, the car sounded "off".

blue2000s · 09-26-2007, 07:06 AM

Hey, I like the sound of a Rotary!

JP-s-in st. louis · 09-26-2007, 07:29 AM

Steve

I live in Seattle also, I have been thinking about doing the 2nd cat by pass aswell. Would you care to share with me where you had those done? PM is good!

Thanks
Josh

steve00s · 09-26-2007, 08:59 AM

Josh, I had them done in my garage. Its a very easy swap of the bypass pipe. Loosen up the J pipe in the back, 3 bolts in the front, and install in reverse order. I bought the Fabspeed pipe which is available all over the place. Normally sells for $495 but I think I have seen it for $395 somewhere. If you don't want to do it yourself, its an easy enough job that I'd trust just about any shop to do it. If you want the best to work on your car, I'd recommend Gerber Motorsports in the Ballard area. A peek at their collection of vintage race cars is worth the trip. I'll be at Pacific Raceway tomorrow for DE. If you have time I'd love to see your car.

JP-s-in st. louis · 09-26-2007, 10:41 AM

Steve
I can not make it to the DE I have to go up to Bellingham for the day My car is in the shop having a few things done anyway. I will let you know as soon as the car is back from the shp so you can take it for a spin. I already have a guy who does a lot of my work local out of a private shop. he will be gone over the next month as he is has a team testing at daytona. Yep he works on Porsche cup cars! Oh and he only charges 60 or 70 bucks per hour plus cost on parts. Let me know if you ever need anyone he does a great job.

Josh

steve00s · 09-26-2007, 01:04 PM

I actually live in Bellingham. I state Seattle as more people know where that is. Do you ever participate in any of the other PCA events?

I talked to my mechanic about my problem and am stopping by his shop later this afternoon to try and diagnose. The fit of the header was not perfect and they may have moved something else closer to a heat shield causing a vibration/rattle that may explain the rotary similarities. Also he stated that cats quiet a lot of high frequency sound. At any rate we are going to put it up on the lift and take a look.

As far as the lack of additional power, it really is hard to tell around town. I think I will be able to tell a little better tomorrow at the track. Besides, I was a little preoccupied with the horrible sound and wasn't too focused on the performance aspect.