I installed both headers on (what a pain it was) and I hace clearance issues on the driver side with the headers and steering column. It sits way to close and when ever it gets up on rpm, the steering columns hits agains it due to the amount of vibration. The sounds disturbs me. The car runs great but it just rattles to a point where it hits the headers and causes my steering wheel to vibrate pretty good. Any suggestions would help!

 

eBay headers?

 

Exhaust header - steering linkage fit is tight but should not touch. Steering linkage must be able to move unrestricted.

I have seen members bang the header with a hammer to increase clearance. Seems like this solution defeats the purpose of the header.

 

I have maybe 2 cm of clearance between the headers and the steering column. When I rev the *** end of the headers would move left and right and hit against the steering column. Also I have test pipes on and the rasp sound is a lot louder too. I am thinking about putting on my cats back on.

 

No they are not

 

You can try grinding down the steering knuckle a bit, this is common on the APS TT kits. GTM makes a smaller knuckle as well, but its a bit pricey and doesn't always solve the issue.

 

It's actually hitting the shaft and not the knuckle

 

Okay I can turn the steering wheel just fine when driving. It does not hit the steering shaft what so ever. It's when I step on the gas and the movement of the headers and test pipe shaking back and forth is what is hitting the shaft. Is there a way I can't mount a bracket on the headers or test pipe to restrict the movement during rev or when I accelerate?

 

Welcome to the club. Went through the same exact thing. Tried everything.. only solution is to take it off (luckily the driver side is 100x easier than the passenger side), heat it up, and bend it. Sucks to hear though I know how frustrating it is.

 

You talking about bending the shaft?

If any one has advice please feel free to add

 

I have an engine damper i'm looking to sell.

 

^+1
Would more rigid engine mounts or a damper have a chance of fixing this?

 

solid mounts would alleviate that. your motors moving when you rev it, solid mounts will bolt that bish down

 

No. You cannot restrict movement of exhaust header or test pipe. Exhaust components are designed to flex. Engine torque will twist motor, and everything attached to it.

 

would this eliminate the problem that i am having?

thanks for the head up and info

 

It will reduce the amount the engine moves, also saves your motor mounts. Good chance your motormounts are trash.

 

Just bummping this up.
Im facing the same issue.
My mechanic tightened something up on one of the engine mount and the header kind of moved away from the column and it sorted out the problem temporarily. I need a proper fix though.
I got the engine damper and the headers would still touch that part as ot describes.

Solid engine mounts would solve this i guess?

 

If there's no clearance even with the car off, the mounts aren't going to create any. All they'd do is prevent the engine from shifting around & making contact with nearby objects in the process.

Maybe add some washers between the mount/frame? lol.

 

LOL

But I was thinking if the engine doesn't shift, then it would mean the headers would keep still as well and not make contact with the column. What do you think?

 

Possible. But engine torque will stress something. Maybe the entire engine bay. Cant hurt give it a try.

NOTE: Keep in mind that OEM engine mounts are isolation mounts. Prevents engine vibrations from vibrating the front of the car.