i installed a new header in my car and i reused my gaskets. but when i accelerate i notice a weird sound. sounds like theres an exhaust leak where the downpipe and cat connect. idk if thats normal, it almost sounds like there is a loud airflow when i push the gas..
when i put my short ram in i noticed a deeper sound but the headers sound like loud air or somehting... is that normal?
also these r the headers i got, do u think it was a good buy?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WLK-38007/

thanks for your input

 

Meh, it is a $50 header. You get what you pay for, especially with exhaust kits.

I would get back under there, replace the gaskets, and make sure everything is tight. Do you see condensation develop where the exhaust could possibly be leaking?

 

Okay, the CEL isn't on..there isn't any condensation or any very noticable signs of exhaust leaks but when I turn on my heat it smells like exhaust when I'm not moving but wwhen I drive it goes away. Also when I. Look under it looks like a gap btwn the downpipe and cat on on side. The other side looks good, I think its because I might have tightened the left bolt. More than the right bolt (the bolts that connect downpipe and cat) which caused it to have a little gap on one side. I'm going to get back under it to check it out, also the header turns colors like rainbow colors from the heat, is there nething I can do to rid of it or is it just how it will be?
Thanks for input again

 

I've seen many headers turn rainbow colors. It's probably just how its gonna be, no worries.

 

If you smell it when not moving, then it most definitely is a leak in that location.

Replace the donut gasket (if not done so already) and make sure to tighten the bolts more or less at the same time (ie. 5 turns on one, then switch to the other etc.)

As lewy2k said, the colors are normal.

 

so i went underneath the car yesterday and its good. theres no leaks where the cat and downpipe connect but i found out why i smell exhaust when i turn my heat on, when i was under there, i checked where the header and downpipe connect and there was definitely an exhaust leak. when i put my hands by there i felt air pushing out between the crack where it connects... i tried tightening the bolts but it didnt solve the problem, there is still air pushing out the crack.. how would i fix this? would i have to get a new gasket or can i just get some exhaust wrap and wrap the header and that crack where the header and downpipe connect?
Thanks again for the input.

Also i just received the ebay short shift i ordered in the mail today, do any of you guys have an ebay short shifter??

 

Some people have them, but they are known to break with excessive use. Also its probably only shorter in length and not throw. But, you may like it who knows.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/88-00...Q5fAccessories

this is the shifter i got.. to be honest, now that ive got it in my hands ready to install, im starting to feel iffy about putting it in, im worried that the shifter would screw up my transmission and synchro.. or causing grinding of the gears and wear over time.. im starting to read that everywhere. what do you guys think? r there more cons than pros for this cheap SS? would i have to pay the price of a new tranny??