As you all might know, I procured a fantastic gently used set of Comptech headers from TLtypeS (Eric) from the tl.com board a couple of weeks ago. Installed them shortly thereafter, and love them to death. Great deal, hands down.

I've got a couple of concerns:

1. When the car is at NOT (normal operating temperature,) in gear at idle, I get a resonating rattle (slight.) This is both audible, and felt (in the seat, steering wheel, etc.) I've re-torqued all nuts and bolts, as any good mechanic would. I've checked all areas for clearance issues, of which there are none.

2. At about 2500 rpm, you can hear (and feel) a resonance as well. It goes away above, and below this engine speed. It's really starting to piss me off.

Did I get an early generation a-pipe design? Eric stated that they were only about 4 months old, and procured thru a local (to him) dealer new, and came directly from Comptech. I'm not sure on this one, but remember reading about others that had similar issues with early on production units.

Something to do with the flex joint being too stiff. My OE a-pipe flex join is not still at all (nice and flexable,) and really can't remember how flexable the Comptech unit was before I installed it (I was so damn geeked to get them on, as you all probably were too!)

If I do have an early production unit, you think Mike B. @ Comptech would be cool enough to do a swap out? I've talked to him before on the phone, sounds like a hell of a nice guy.

Any, and all views on this matter appreciated. I really do love the headers, but the "rattle" is driving me crazy (I'm waaaaay to anal about those kind of things.)

Thanks all - Jim

 

i get a deeper resonating sound/feeling when the compressor's on at idle, but that's it. don't remember if htis happened before i got the headers or not, or maybe even be due to the cai, but it's not very bad. nothing else weird at other rpms, unless you count a rush of power as being weird.

i don't remember what the issue was with the older headers though.

 

did the headers have the metal gaskets with it...had they been installed before???P.S. dont touch the headers while the car is running

 

I hope you're kidding my friend, otherwise it's the obligatory "no shit Dick Tracey" statement.


I reused the manifold to cylinder head gaskets (they're SS, and were still in perfect condition.)

The headers actually use the same as OE crush doughnut gaskets at the primary to a-pipe, a-pipe to converter locations. I replaced all 3 with new units. This is not the area of issue. But thanks for thinking of me just the same!

Jim

 

I have no resonance or rattle noises from my headers. The fact that you can feel it sounds like you do have some sort of clearance problem. Maybe try crawling under there after the exhaust is completely cool and wiggle the pipe to see if you can recreate the sound. good luck.

 

Let me further expound on this a bit:

There are no clearence issues. I've been wreching on cars for over 25 years. I did the install at a dealership myself (nice perk, eh!?)

All mounting hardware has been retorqued. This is not the problem either.

If the flex flange is too stiff (as in the original Comptech design,) it would cause the entire exhaust system to vibrate moreso than with the OE a-pipe. I think this is what's causing my woes.

I want to clerify my original statement. My rendition of resonance (in this post) is vibration. It's very annoying, to say the least. I'll be installing my AEM pulleys tomorrow, so I'll hopefully rectify this situation as well. What I need to know from anyone is if they actually had an original design a-pipe from Comptech to compare notes. I'll call Mike B. @ Comptech today for further investigation.

Thanks - Jim

 

Is it possible that you removed or loosened something else and have not rechecked it for snugness? Are you sure it's the headers?

 

I hope you're kidding my friend, otherwise it's the obligatory "no shit Dick Tracey" statement.
kidding well..sorta...i posted when first got my headers..."important infomation for headers owners..." went on to tell where i made the mistake of touching my headers after i had just turned the car on...it acctually wasnt that funny now that i think of it...as far as the gaskets...crush SS "O" ring they fall out easily during install, if you dont use something like the recomended anti seize...anyway just wanted to clarify

 

Have you checked your motor mounts? If you get prothane mounts it will stiffen up the engine and keep it from moving around so much. Just that litle bit of stiffening may solve the problem.

Get out of your car and have someone else rev the motor and look at the exhaust pipng yourself. See if it's movin around.

I've been behind several TL's at idle and I've seen the mufflers shaking like no other car...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mackdaddy
[B]Let me further expound on this a bit:

There are no clearence issues. I've been wreching on cars for over 25 years. I did the install at a dealership myself (nice perk, eh!?)

I too have been tooling around on cars for thirty years, one of the dumbest tool I own is a automotive stethoscope, but dammit it sure does come in handy when I need to isolate a vibration or something squealing. I got it at peep boys for like $10.

 

TypeR - Never touch a hot header (you now know this.) Your skin will instantly singe. Not fun at all.

The O ring gaskets fit tight at install time, and did not fall out.

CO-CL-S - Nothing else was loosened, or removed with the exception of the hanger bracket between the flex joint, and cat. This area has been rechecked, and verified not to be the culprit.

Yes, I'm sure the issue at hand is attributed to the header install, as it certainly wasn't there prior to this. I stll think the flex joint is stiffer than it should be, causing the rest of the exhaust system to vibrate more than it would normally.

NOMAD - No way in hell are we going to mess with the motor mounts on this car. Have you read the service manual to see the technology involved on these little marvels? This is not an option, nor is it really in the equation. Read up on these.. they're now refered to as engine vibration damping units! Very sophisticated stuff...... They actually give readings to the ECU!

Fender4 - Not a bad idea. I've got one as well, might as well give it a shot. Thanks for the suggestion....


Keep'm coming - Jim

 

Hey keep us posted on what happens...I too picked up a used pair of headers but haven had a chane to put them on yet. I will have to ask how old they were. Do you know how to tell if its the old kind that had the problems?

 

mackdaddy,

Call Mike B at Comptech and explain your symptoms that your experiencing after the install of the Comptech headers. I had the same problem and it was the flex joint being wound to stiff. It caused a vibration which could be felt just like your encountering on your car at 1800 - 2200 RPM's. I did have an early production Comptech headers and Mike B. gladly replaced it. If you have any other questions just shoot me an e-mail.

BLOWN 331

 

NOLACLS - I have no idea how to differentiate the old and new design.

BLOWN 331 Yes! Someone who knows!!! I was hoping there was somebody around with similar symptoms. I actually beat you to the punch line, and called Comptech. Spoke with Joe, and explained the situation. I also sent him an email with a link to this thread. Don't know how things are going to turn out, as they're policy on product warranty is for the original purchaser only.

I stated that I'd be willing to pay for a new a-pipe, have it shipped to me, do the swap, ship the old unit back for a credit. He stated they would call me back with an answer. Hopefully, he'll read this thread to see I'm not the typical joker looking for a free ride.......

 

That's being proactive!

Whether your the first or second owner of the "Comptech" headers it is still their product and they should stand by their name. It would be against them to do nothing to correct this situation. They will probably sell you a new header at below cost or fix the one that is defective and send it back. Update me as I am curious as to what they will offer you because your a second hand buyer.

BLOWN 331

 

Hey Mackdaddy,
I might be able to provide a little assistance here. I may or may not be the individual you are referring to, but I do have the headers and have had Mike at Comptech swap the A Pipe for me (It's not a J like other post have said). Initially the fix was to take it to the dealer and have them flex the crap out of them to fix the problem, unfortunately this didn't help, so I called Mike back up and he agreed that the best resolution was to swap out the pipe for a new one that they had just received back that was already refurbed. With the new pipe installed, everything was fixed and everything is working great and has been for the last 6 or 7 months.

I talked to Mike and he is a straight shooter and very helpful, but one of the things you will have to understand and you should see from his view is that they are probably going to want the pipe back first before they send you one out. They may ask for a deposit or something which is completely refundabled (so people I assume won't just take the pipe and not send it back to them, which is how they are providing the replacements for the individuals with the problem).

If you have any questions please contact me via the boards, or through E-mail and I will answer whatever I can.

 

Blown331 - Joe stated in our conversation that if I sent my unit back to them, they'd update it for no charge.

The only problem with that (as would be with 99.9% of us) is the car is my daily cruiser. Not only that, I sure as heck don't want to de-install, re-install OE, ship, di-install OE, and re-install Comptech. Get the picture!?

Hopefully they'll give in to my original request. Although I'm not gonna hold my breath.........

Jim

 

JSuppi - Good deal. I've got no problem with letting them charge say, $500 on my credit card for security. I'll do the swap, then send the old unit back. They then credit me accordingly.

The only problem is I'm not the original purchaser. As far as I'm concerned, that means squat. These are not damaged goods, they were very gingerly used by TLtypeS (Eric.) I really don't see what the big deal is for them??? I'm wondering if I'll even get a callback from Joe (that's the way our conversation ended.) We shall see....

Thanks for the update, and support my CLS brother.

Jim

 

mackdaddy,

The same exact procedure was done for me too. For some reason they will not send a new one out in exchange for the defective one. Go figure!? I had to send in my defective one and wait two days to get it back and re-install it. Luckly I have three cars so, down time was not an issue.

On the other hand, I feel your pain because I too installed my own headers twice in leau of this situation. The fix may be free but the cost will be the down time of your car. Be glad it's just the J-pipe and not the fire-side header that you have to R & R. Can you say bruised knuckles!

BLOWN 331

 

I don't know what I can add. I noticed your "request"...

Looks like you have been assisted nicely...

When I "bugged" Comptech, prior to buying my headers, they did mention the horrible vibration caused by the flex joint (on the older generation headers) and mentioned the "take a pick and loosen the weave" fix (for old ones)...

They said, "take a sharp object, like a pick, and open the weave up... the weave on the coupler is too stiff and causes terrible vibration in the car..."

Some people would just send 'em back (anyway)..

Good luck...

 

Thanks all. I really appreciate the help. Times like these make me proud to be a contributing part of this board. Like they say "what goes around, comes around."

I'm planning on doing a little "tweekage" on the a-pipe tomorrow. Just finished up the AEM pulley install. But it's raining, and I've had a few beers, so the test eval on those will have to wait!

Again, thanks for all the input. Hopefully I can rectify this situation on my own. Wish me luck.......

Mack out

 

EricL - It's never too late.

Thanks for the updated insight. I'll try just as the "doctor ordered."

Thanks my brother - Jim

 

Just an update this matter is not yet resolved. I sent a extensive email to Mike B. at Comptech requesting a swap (since this is my only mode of transpo.) We shall see....

 

Well, .... One more for the send 'em back column. Hopefully, they send you a perfect one...

 

EricL - I hope so too. I could always work the mesh, as you described if need be, but would rather not (the swap sounds so much nicer to me.) Plus it's Christmas for cry'n out loud!

I'm just wondering if they'll stand behind thier products for life, as they should. They were perfect when sent to me by another Eric , and still are.