[Tiersin]

I'm in the process of finishing up my 1st rebuild project. I've finaly got the car running, but it still does have a few problems. While i'm driving it, the engine is loud, but only when its above 4000+ rpms. I like loud, but it didnt sound like this before. Its not valve noise, but i herd that improper valve clearence will make an engine loud. I think it might be a leak in my exhaust somewhere but i cant find one.

On a (maybe) related note, after my engine heates up, i notice a thin smoke, almost steam, comming off of the header. This happens even while the car is off afterward. I did clean off the header with some stuff, but i washed it with water afterwards, could it just be by-product from the cleaning?

One more thing (sorry for being a queston whore), what would any of you recomend for a cat converter? Thanks

 

[downest]

There could be stuff on the header you couldn't get off, that happens. My car is pretty loud too, if you want I can try to make a sound clip or you could call me and I'll rev it up for you. Mine's louder since the rebuild too I think. There is a difference between exhaust and engine/intake noise, can you tell what it is? Can't give a recommendation for a cat, I have a stock one and it's fine.

 

[Tiersin]

Actualy, i found the problem just now, after carefull examination and burning my hand, there is a crack in it, which would explain a lot of things, like the black soot all over it. Thanks though. i need a new one anyway, and it sound kinda cool, i might leave it for a while .

 

[joshman]

You better take care of the exhaust leak. For one it won't pass inspection and too and just isn't good for the air.

A cat shouldn't be that hard to find. I purchased one from Nopi.com about four years ago that still works great. It just bolted right in and was less than hundred bucks. You can't go wrong with magnoflow. You can buy the universal and have it welded in or just by the bolt in one. Here is a link to one. Magnaflow Cat

 

[Tiersin]

yea, i'm looking into it right now, i just dont have the money. I'll probably go with the magnaflow, will that help HP at all, i'm going from stock.

 

[Tiersin]

what would you guys recomend for a header. I'm on a budget, so less is more.

 

[rex2nr]

I got a 4-2-1 chrome header off ebay about 4 years ago. Its still holding up to this day, but there is a bit of surface rust on it in some spots. I also cracked one of the studs off where the 2 parts bolt up. For 100-120 shipped, it's not a bad piece.