Bought this header on eBay-Thoughts?

[GTsleeper05]

I finally got around to installing my m2 equal length header and uppipe today

 

The header wouldn't line up with the studs. I first tried chamfering the bolt holes, which helped a bit but one of the studs on the passenger side was still ~1/8" off so I cut a slot with the angle grinder and it went on fine.

 

The uppipe comes with new studs. The rear two by the turbo exhaust need to be cut down to mount the downpipe. I used the stock stud height for reference. No big deal

 

Those two points were fine. I was pretty happy with how little work it required at that point. The kicker was that the manifold and up pipe didn't meet up. They were about a quarter inch too far apart and from the bolt holes lining up. I was able to make them meet with some metal and mettle but it has me concerned. The pipes are kinda torqued now, it might accelerate cracking.

 

I haven't taken it out yet, but am excited to. Just worried about the tension on the welds.

 

I started and idled it in the garage with no leaks. I reused the stock gaskets except for between the manifold and the uppipe where I used both the old stock one and the new one they provided to try and eat some of the gap. The gaskets they provided wouldn't slip onto my manifold studs as they were

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=80769&stc=1&d=1266979672

 

Also

I had to drill out/grind off a few of the heat shield bolts to get the stock manifolds off. If you live where it snows make sure you can address that. I used the header to uppipe connection to mount my grounding strap, as shown above

I figured out why mine was leaking at that joint in the pic. Mine did'nt line up there eather, we had to force it together too. I took it apart yesterday, and the gasket that came with the kit was the full size of the uppipe/manifold flange. So it was pushing the uppipe down. If you used 2 gaskets there it will really throw you off. So I trimmed the gasket like the factory one. Went back together awsome, lined up perfict no leakes at all. Keep the one bolt loose for the mount were it bolts to the downpipe, untill its tight to the header. Hope this helps, took me 5 hr. by myself but it was worth it to make it right!

[ecw]

Has anyone tried this one?

 

Looks like a GTSPEC knockoff to me.

 

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=220509322186

[GTsleeper05]

This is the one I got. I just liked the welds better, from what I could see in the pics. The price was right, free fast shipping. OK fit, just watch the gaskets. Will post pics soon.

[m sprank]

When the "AMK" showed up, what did the box say (brand)?

 

Looks just like the M2.

[GTsleeper05]

AMK Project raceing. part no. JB-HD-017 Made in China of course. Shipped from Indianapolis. I'm sure it's a knockoff of another brand. I found a few on ebay that were different companys, same seller phone number. This one looked the cleanest and the welds are really nice. It's on the the car now for a week, runs much smoother except at idle, it needs a tune now. I hope it lasts for awhile, I saved all the stock parts if something would happen.

[m sprank]

From my research it appears all the headers are coming from Meng Header in China. M2 seems to be the biggest importer.

[GTsleeper05]

Well for that price, I could get two or three sets. For the price of on good one that might not last anyway. We shall see. Here are th pics.

[AWDxBOOST]

hope it works out, but they look like knockoffs and they might crack

[GTsleeper05]

Thats why I kept all the stock parts. I dont expect much. You get what you pay for, but it was a risk i was willing to take to get to stg2!!!

[m sprank]

Looks good. They are all knock offs 99% coming from the same factory with different branding. I paid $130 for two sets of headers and an uppipe. For the money, F it. If they fit, go for it. When they crack, just throw on another set.

[GTsleeper05]

Thanks man! Those are my thoughts exactly.

[integroid]

I doubt anything will happen to it immediately. Most of the more expensive stuff probably come out of the same factory. I would just keep it on until it breaks.

[Merc6]

Wow you guys are gonna talk me into these. You think we can get a group buy going so they come down to $22? 30 people would buy like 2 sets.

[AndrewZ]

Well, the equal length header melted a big hole through my oil filter panel in the skid tray. It actually hangs just under the skid tray. I'm going to have to put wrap on it there so it doesn't get hit with cold water. Figured out what the smell was!

[m sprank]

This happens with lots of headers.

[John M]

How about a link to that AMK set? I can't find them in the sea of Subaru headers on ebay.

 

I'm interested simply because of the price. If I can get one that lets me use my existing up pipe it'll only take a few minutes to install.

[GTsleeper05]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AMK-RACING-02-07-WRX-STI-STEEL-HEADER-UP-PIPE-COMBO_W0QQitemZ220578405439QQihZ012QQcategoryZ33631QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m444QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DCRX%26its%3DC%252BS%26itu%3DSI%252BUA%252BLM%252BLA%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8776475978272343763

 

I've had mine on over 2 mo. no problems still runs like champ. Use the 2x gaskets to avoid any leaks.

[GTsleeper05]

P.S. make sure and use the factory up to turbo gasket if you do change the uppipe. And I would say do it, only to get rid of the cat in the uppipe . I think thats what really has the most impact as far as spool up time goes.

[John M]

I haven't seen the stock UP in 5 years! There's nothing stock left in my exhaust already but I'm interested in these vs. the Grimmspeed ported setup I have now. Since I can easily bolt this in place without removing the UP from the turbo, I should be in good shape.

 

Removing my turbo requires removing the intake manifold too, making it a HUGE job compared to the usual UP/DP install. This way I can do it with a few bolts that are all easy to reach.

 

I probably won't get to try it till later this summer.

[Merc6]

SO... How are you guys holding out? STi up is falling apart thinking of taking the plunge. Due to date can't find any of those headers on eBay :/

[m sprank]

The M2's I installed in LosAngelesLGT's car ar doing fine. He has the UEL and the M2 uppipe.

 

The EL set and M2 uppipe combo are in my dad's 2002 WRX. They too are doing fine.

 

There are a million different cheap headers on eBay. I have a suspicion most come from the same factory.

[LosAngelesLGT]

Mwahaha... Most of a year later too!

[Heedz]

can you show me a link?

[m sprank]

To buy it? I dont have one. I dont sell on eBay. I dont sell the products. I bought them, tested them, gave them away FOR FREE. That was about a year ago. Thats all I know.

[Merc6]

Literally a year ago. I found this thread when searching on fixing the STi Up death rattle. A UP pipe cost about the same as your full out eBay experiment so I figure I would check in...coincidentally a year later.