Do your Stillen headers pass inspection?

[ItsEcko06]

So the other day my Stillen headers didn't pass inspection due to the tack welds where the exhaust pipe meets the flange isn't sealed all the way around. They said there's an exhaust leak and to fix it, just tack weld it shut all the way around.

I was actually told by a friend a while back that it would actually help to have it done anyway. So what's up with this Stillen???
I think this fix is relatively cheap, luckily.

[dldjros69]

pics?

[ItsEcko06]

see how theres just one tack weld on each side. they should be sealed all around.

then i got a call from the shop saying my car was too low to get aligned and access the headers! ugh!

[QR25DE]

They certainly should be welded all the way around but from the picture I cannot see any signs of exhaust leaks. You used a new exhaust manifold gasket when installing right?

If they say it needs to be welded for inspection, then yeah needs to be welded. Especially if there is a leak. And your car is too low? What? Take it to a shop that has a lift or get them to put down 2x4s to drive up on so they can jack up the car. Sounds like they are very lazy and don't want any part of this.

[RicerX]

For some reason, I remember my stock '04 Sentra SE-R Spec V's header being welded together exactly like that.

[el_blacky06]

They all come like this for some odd reason. On my headers I have a huge exhaust leak all around the area where is not welded. I could assume that's one reason why they would want you to weld it.

[QR25DE]

The leaks can hinder performance as well, besides the smell of exhaust in the cabin. Fail.

[el_blacky06]

Definitely could plus the noise may annoy you from time to time. Ill post a pic tomorrow morning to show what it could look like if you don't get it welded soon

[Ricko]

I know they are marked as Off-Road use only. So I do not think they will pass smog even if you tack it all the way around. I will call Dean and let him know.

[el_blacky06]

I know they are marked as Off-Road use only. So I do not think they will pass smog even if you tack it all the way around. I will call Dean and let him know.

Yup they do. It also has an emblem stating that for those who don't know.
Ricko- I believe he meant if he could pass inspection visually

[el_blacky06]

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=6pmb90&s=7

This pic shows all the exhaust leak. I got it welded after the car had cooled down from racing it at the track. I could only assume this will happen if you beat the car to the limits

[wade001]

thats ridiculous, u guys spend a good amount of money for those headers and they can't even fully weld the headers? Sounds like they are lazy and don't care IMHO.

[QR25DE]

Yeah it probably takes what, an extra 15 mins to weld the whole way around for all of the ports? :/

[ItsEcko06]

So i got the car back from the shop and they said they found the leak and fixed it but when I popped my hood and looked, they didn't fix the headers where I had explained I needed them fixed, apparently I didn't explain it well. I drove it and noticed a difference in sound so they apparently fixed something but not the original problem. They do good work and didn't charge me but now I have to take it back to get those welds done.
My headers don't appear to have black exhaust marks from where it is supposedly leaking but I know I have to get it fixed.

Yea I don't know whats up with the alignment thing, they said they were gonna try to put 2x4s down to get it on the ramp but never did :/

[tyndago]

The full welds are on the inside of the flange, not on the outside of the flange. The part where the exhaust seals to the head is fully welded. The tacks on the outside of the flange allow for some expansion of the tube without cracking. This is why it is not welded on the inside and the outside.

If it was leaking from the flange, first check the gasket. After the gasket, check and make sure its not leaking from the inside, don't just weld up the outside. That is more likely to eventually cause the header to crack.

http://www.stillen.com/product.asp?id=S ... del=ALTIMA

[wade001]

I've never heard of people welding on the mounting surface, to me it doesnt make sense even with what you say. welding causes irregularities with the surface as it creates an elevated bead. I looked at the picture you linked, I dont see a weld on the mount surface. every aftermarket header I've seen has welds on the outside. I could be wrong but it really doesnt seem to be the right way of doing it.

[ItsEcko06]

Hmmm well maybe these kids over at the inspection place didn't understand either. I'ma take it back and see if I can pass with whatever the muffler shop fixed.
I don't know anything about where to weld and not to weld so I just listen and ask questions.

[wade001]

So i got the car back from the shop and they said they found the leak and fixed it but when I popped my hood and looked, they didn't fix the headers where I had explained I needed them fixed, apparently I didn't explain it well. I drove it and noticed a difference in sound so they apparently fixed something but not the original problem. They do good work and didn't charge me but now I have to take it back to get those welds done.
My headers don't appear to have black exhaust marks from where it is supposedly leaking but I know I have to get it fixed.

Yea I don't know whats up with the alignment thing, they said they were gonna try to put 2x4s down to get it on the ramp but never did :/

did they say you need an alignment to pass inspection? if so thats B.S? I'm a NYS inspector and thats not criteria to pass.

[ItsEcko06]

did they say you need an alignment to pass inspection? if so thats B.S? I'm a NYS inspector and thats not criteria to pass.

haha no no no. I had it lowered a little while back and just got new tires so I needed an alignment so I took it for both things. Just exhaust leak fix was required for inspection.

[tyndago]

I've never heard of people welding on the mounting surface, to me it doesnt make sense even with what you say. welding causes irregularities with the surface as it creates an elevated bead. I looked at the picture you linked, I dont see a weld on the mount surface. every aftermarket header I've seen has welds on the outside. I could be wrong but it really doesnt seem to be the right way of doing it.

That is not what I typed. What I wrote was that it is welded on the inside of the flange.

It is par for the course on headers. Here is a random Summit Racing header for a V-8.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G9060/?rtype=7

You will find more like this, than welded all around the outside. Gives you more clearance around the bolts. Allows for some expansion in the tube.

[wade001]

thanks for clarifying, my bad. still never seen it done like that before but you learn something everyday i guess lol !

[QR25DE]

Either way, if it's leaking, it needs to be welded.

[el_blacky06]

Judging by my own headers, id still get it welded