Topic: Aftermarket Headers Hissing Sound

[skoOdle]

Hey guys,

Just installed replica Borla UEL headers on my '05 2.5RS. Now upon accelerating at a certain rpm (2000 RPM+), I'm getting a slight hissing/buzzing sound from below. Standing beisde the car by the drivers door, I could feel a wave of hot air, but I feel like that's just radiation (these headers don't have a heat shield), not a leak.

Take note I have also installed a catback (5Zigen), and still have my stock intake. 

Could this be a lack of a CAI system? Faulty gaskets? Loose heat shield?

Best way to diagnose this problem?

Will upload a clip soon!

[GrantC]

Thinner & non-heatshielded headers make noise...

[skoOdle]

Thinner & non-heatshielded headers make noise...

Exactly what noise? Could it be the "hissing" sound?

[LilDrunkenSmurf]

An exhaust leak.

[skoOdle]

Here is the video, must turn up the volume @ 0:02 mark, you can hear the slight "hissing" sound.

[Brianmachinist]

I knew right away when my headers were leaking by standing at the passengers side front and feeling hot air come up

[skoOdle]

I knew right away when my headers were leaking by standing at the passengers side front and feeling hot air come up

Was it "blowing" up? Else all I could feel is just the "radiating" hot air... nothing blowing.

[Brianmachinist]

Not really blowing up but I could feel hot air and I could smell exhaust.  The car was also louder, less power and the cel was on.
If you take your car to abc muffler they'll take a look at it for free.  They'll run there hand along the exhaust while the car is running and feel if there is any leaks.

[skoOdle]

Not really blowing up but I could feel hot air and I could smell exhaust.  The car was also louder, less power and the cel was on.
If you take your car to abc muffler they'll take a look at it for free.  They'll run there hand along the exhaust while the car is running and feel if there is any leaks.

I noticed there was hot air, but suspected that it was normal as obviously its by the exhaust and furthermore, these headers don't have a heatshield compared to the OEM one.

I even took it to Alta Custom Exhaust to take a look, they jacked up the car and ran some sort of stethoscope along the flanges and gaskets... no leak. Revved the engine... no leak. (although they charged me..)

Now I am guessing the hissing noise is more prominent when the car is under load (i.e not jack lifted). Since it takes more power for the engine to operate while it's on its all fours... thats why it leaks. It doesnt leak when it's jacked up, even if I were to rev it.

Does that make sense?