I'm not interested in the OBX bashing as I know they are of lesser quality so lets not talk about it.

What I want to know is what are the symptoms to an exhaust/header leak? Is it audible? At some point I will look (or have someone look under the car) as I assume this is the best method, but I wanted to know if there were any symptoms I could look out for? smell, sound, taste (j/k)....?

Also, what else could be affecting my power output? How would I know if my actuator or IMRC wasn't working properly? The reason I ask is that with headers and icebox I've been to the track and have only trapped 94-95mph in the 1/4 when I was expecting to be trapping 97mph. Even with the warm temps on Saturday I didn't expect to drop below 96mph (in similar conditions I trapped 92-93 when bone stock). My icebox is dirty (10k miles without cleaning) but would that really affect my trap so dractically?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Do a search, there is actually a video of the IMRC actuator working. I remember seeing it long time ago. If that is not working properly, it will definetly slow you down. I think I remember reading one guy was going half a second slower with a broken IMRC.

Just to give you an idea, with a 2003 CLS Auto I trapped 98.5mph with CT I\H\E .. 14.17 1\4. So yeah something might be wrong there.

 

Thanks blader. I'm not the best driver so I don't expect a 14.1 but I don't expect a 94-95 trap either. Its not a whole lot but still, guys are trapping 97+ with similar mods and we know that exhaust doesn't add anything really.

 

If you had a header leak you will know. At first you will get a slight ticking sound from the header area. Then once it gets bigger you will hear a farting, pos beater car sound coming from the front. Also the main thing will be the loss of torque. Use some sea foam to find the leaks in your exhaust, and to also clean up some carbon buildup.

 

not the best driver? we have automatics dude just stab the gas and go, hope your tires grab.

 

As silly as it sounds thats my point! either I just stomp on it and spin through first or I don't gas it enough. I can't do better than a 2.35 60' and I've seen many in autos doing 2.2s and 2.1s (that takes some skill).

Regardless I do not think I should be trapping 3mph slower than other CLS/TLS with Headers and icebox. I would think I'd be in the 97s but have gotten a best of 96.25 on a cold day.

 

Try brake tourqing to get some extra oomph off the line, make sure to drop your tire pressure and gate shift outta the hole.

 

just asking, but are you turning VSA off?

 

mantis, on occasion. Sometimes I do, sometimes I forget. just like sometimes I torque brake and sometimes I don't. I've used SS and gate-shifting. Again, I'm not so concerned about my times but just the mph being so low.