Could have a lot to do with it. Keep in mind that header wrap voids most header manufacturer's warranties. I thought that as long as it's stainless steel I should be fine. I mean, they do retain moisture but I'm not too worried about it rotting through.

However, the flex pipe on this header setup sucks, I'm already having to replace mine less than a year after I bought it.

Been a month on header wrap, and haven't noticed any issues burning out gaskets or exhaust leaks from broken welds. I drive 100 miles of highway each day.

Anyway, it just boils down to whether or not you need to. I NEEDED to, as these headers were melting through my fan connectors/fan shroud. So, I didn't feel like replacing the fans, and thought header wrap to be the best choice all around for engine compartment heat. So far so good.

And if the OBX headers break because of it, it will just be a reason to buy a better setup in the future. Right now, they're fine...no issues.

I'll update if I notice it's destroying the header or not in 6 months.


Also, I have an open-vented hood, which allows rain to fall directly onto the engine. I don't store the car in the garage. Not the ideal setup, so if anyone's going to have issues with their header wrap/headers, it's probably going to be me.

The only thing I've noticed going an entire fall/winter/spring with this setup is that my manifold cover is starting to show some more surface rust. But it was showing that before with the stock hood, and the paint was already bubbling. So, whatever. I'm looking into a new one with a better paint job, or at the very least stripping the one I have and repainting.

 

Yes, the header wrap eats away the finish on the header. You must be using 1/16 in. wrap. I was using 1/8 in. wrap. Ate that header right up. I would assume you will have similar probs down the road, not as fast as me though. Keep us updated please.

 

The only problem I have with mine is that when I installed it I also had a GReddy TI-C exhaust and now I have a stairght pipe. Some people call it a honda or a WRX rally car. But other then it taking away two cats, I have had no problems with it and love it!

 

Can someone please help me. I have a 2002 mitsubishi lancer OZ RALLY and i need to replace my downpipe but I cant seem to find any aftermarket downpipes anywhere for the car. They only make them for the evos and im looking for a non evo downpipe. Any help would be appreciated.

 

No companies make just the downpipe section for the Lancer. Your only option is to get a replacement 2-piece header that replaces everything.

 

Is there something wrong with your existing downpipe thats making you want to replace it?

 

Speaking of OBX downpipes, I just realized that the one in this set is only 2", not 2.5 like the rest of my exhaust. They weld in this smaller diameter right after the flexpipe.

If you're looking for something custom, just find a buddy that welds or find a custom exhaust shop that will assemble it for you. The flex pipe that comes with the OBX is pretty much junk, I'll be replacing that most likely in the next year. and I've only had it for less than 2 years.

I'd only recommend the OBX setup as an interim solution and not a permanent solution. If you're looking for something really nice for you NA lancer, spend the money for something else.

If you just want something better than stock, but plan to eventually go to turbo then this setup would be fine to tide you over.

And stay away from the SR*S catback system...the only thing good about it is the pipe, the muffler sucks rat testes.

 

oh, and no problems with the header wrap destroying the header. On a side note, the thinner header wrap I bought is JUNK...it's already disintegrated and falling off the stinkin header.

 

You really have to spend money for good header wrap it seems. Your lucky you didnt buy the 1/8th in. stuff then.

 

well i took it to a shop to install my highflow cat and they said that the thing was totally rusted and needed to be replaced. I took a look for myself and it does look like its about to fall off

 

I have an extra But you should probably buy a nice header anyways. PM me if you want to just stay stock though.

 

Just an update, if you use the header spraypaint it will stop the fraying and stuff.
I've decided to go with the thermo-tec header blanket from Jegs for the 4-cylinder.
Should give me the heat protection I need without being a PITA to put on.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Thermo+Tec/893/14004/10002/-1

 

DO NOT USE THIS! Well, i went and used it...one wrap of it looked like a turd, so I put a second wrap on and it looked better....but fried my 02 sensor and cracked my header welds in three places (that I could find)!!

So lesson learned. If you're going to use wrap, use a thin wrap, do NOT double wrap your exhaust...and stay away from this header blanket BS.

Muffler putty seems to have quieted it down for now...but def looking for a new header, as I can't tell if I can even weld some of the areas further down...

Also, I noticed that the header I have is the one listed for the ES/LS models, not the OZ model. Only difference I can see is that the OZ model has all the main tubes in one collector, and the o2 sensor bung is on the collector. The one I have has the bung further up, on the right side...and the tubes collect at different points on the collector. Dunno if this makes a difference, but thought it was worth noting...

 

Okay, here's my final opinion on OBX headers, at least the 4-2-1 style: STAY AWAY.

Broken welds, and horrible idle. I thought it was my engine mounts, but after I replaced them it got worse. Once I got rid of the OBX header, the car idles smoother, performs better acceleration, and is pretty much a different ride. Never knew a sh*(tty header would do that. Now I know better.

The 4-1 header style might function better, but I'm done with OBX other than hoses. Part of me is tempted for the coils, but only because they're red:-p

 

hey jwick did you pass inspection with the headers? I'm trying to get some headers but I wasn't sure on whether it would pass inspection.