just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this issue but my road race motorsports headers are leaking, the mesh has torn away from the upper part creating this horrific sound. i have tried to contact RRM but dont get any replies, i am hoping this forum thread reaches out to them in some form or another and brings anyone else out into the light that is experiencing this same issue.

 

yeah apparently a lot of people had this problem, but with the version 1. do you know what version you have?

 

This issue happens with the V1 header, the V2 header does not use a flex section. Rather they replaced it with hard pipe. You can go to their website and see the difference in the pics.

 

i would call RRM and ask them for a partial refund or credit towards the purchase of the new header.

 

partial refund...?? if their product is defective... shouldn't they send you a version 2 for free...??

 

i would say for free to but i already tried emailing them so a phone call is in order... yeah i have version v1 with the mesh and i have also seen the the new version, thats not the only v1 thing they had to replace, they also changed there pully before to, i have v1 pully and they came out with a v2 pully. i guess if they dont help me out i could always contact the BBB and report them but thats an extreme i dont want to take but i will if i have to... thanks for the info, any ideas for temporary fix? right now i am using steal cable like a twisty tie to hold the pipe in place, haha can u say getto rig.

 

The part is not defective, but the issue of the leak is due to the stress of engine rocking back and forth. Our engine mounts are not very stiff so over time the constant stress of flexing causes the metal to fatigue much faster than a normal flex pipe. I have mentioned this here and there and sent a few emails of advice to the known header vendors for our car. I didnt hear much back except with the ASW, my singapore contacts. I have a 4-2-1 header I have been testing and modifying attempting to tweak for more power. but one thing is the same, no flex pipe can stand up to that much abuse over a short period of time.

If your header is leaking you could request a partial refund, then use the money towards repairs. then you should strongly consider either stronger motor mounts or an engine dampening kit. I am talking to ASW but it will take time.

So getting back to the topic, I dont think the part failed because it was defective, more that it was a design issue that didnt take into consideration the stresses of the engine vs downpipe.

If you need more help send me a pm. But i would first start with RRM and find out what they can do for stiffer motor mounts. They are a good company and paves way for alot of the mods you see out today. They are usually the first. And I love them for that.

I am not sure if a solid cast header is the way to go either. Old school thought on this is, there needs to be some flexing in the piping. If you reduce the flex points than, more stress will be translated to the other flex points. You may find that your muffler hangers may fail years down the road. Pipe flexion is real and pretty strong. your seeing the cause and effect of it with leaks.

hope that helps.

 

thanks for the input, i believe it was a design issue rather it being a defective part as well

 

i had a similar problem with their turbo manifold for the 02-03 lancers and they said that it was my fault for their product not working right. wont be buying from ///rrm anytime soon or anymore for that fact.

 

so the v2 shouldnt have any problems?

 

From what I know, RRM has gotten rid of the flex pipe all together. So that point in question is no longer a point of flexion that distributes force. meaning.

Your exhaust pipe flexes in relationship to flow increases and decreases. Exhaust design + piping can be put together to evenly distribute the force all along the pipe and hanger points. Its possible you will likely see more exhaust movement. Possible increase in stress at the engine manifold point. But I would say within reasonable levels. It will eliminate any possible leaks from the Header itself. Only possible places for leaks would be gaskets to the downpipe and engine. (top and bottom) But that isnt likely to happen.

 

RRM refused to warranty my V1 because they said the manufacturer was out of business. I was offered only 10% off the purchase of a V2, basically telling me $400 went down the toilet. I'm no longer impressed with them.

 

They have some class act customer service!

 

what does a stock lancer use? is there a flex section or not? cause if there isnt, then why would an aftermarket header need one?

 

Sarcasm?