Installing Ripp Mods LT Headers

[nokiauser]

Got a used Ripp Mods Long Tube Headers from a member here for a good deal.
Took it to a shop @ $100/hr rate and was quote around 3-5 hours.

First. They had to weld a few spots that had weakened.

Then the O2 sensor that goes to the top bung closest to the passenger side couldn't fit so part of the heat shield on the engine block had to be cut-out. Seriously? Thought Ripp Mods would know better.

The bottom 2 O2 sensors are about a foot apart. The guy doing the work was a little confused about that but he did it anyways.

All in all, time we started work was a little after 10am and when it got done, it was already 6pm. Lucky for me, the shop was ok with $520 as long as most of it was cash.

Had them do a custom cat-back with the Magnaflow axleback and a Magnaflow cat using the stock resonator also which was why it took so long. Pics to follow later.

[muscles]

Feel like that was way to much and took to long.but at least ya got them on.

[rdelaney89]

yea there is no way that should have taken that long. I don't know if I've ever heard someone spending that to have those installed.

[joeyb]

well, it took me all weekend - of course, I'm hardly a professional mechanic. $520 seems a hair steep - but they did have to feel their way through it and at least they are in there in a professional manner (let's hope) and you can take them back if you have any trouble with them.

you may need o2 spacers (can also use 18mm spark plug defoulers) to keep the check engine light off. but the sound (if going to a good exhaust) should be KILLER.

[nokiauser]

The sound is killer. I'm hoping it will pipe down (no pun intended) after a few weeks just like the first time I installed the RRE Magnaflow Axleback. No defoulers or spacers used. No CEL as of yet. Might have to do with the cooler temperatures.

1. Stock piping w/ resonator


2. Magnaflow cat with custom 2.5" piping w/ resonator


3. Ripp Mods Headers


4. Heatshield cut out to fit the O2 sensor

[nokiauser]

Apart from the ear drum shattering sound, one thing I've noticed is that the car is running lean or so I'm assuming by visually inspecting the Magnaflow exhaust tip. When I first installed the RRE muffler, it was shiny and stayed that way until the ECU reset then I felt like the car was back to stock and the inside of the tip went black.

Now the inside of the exhaust tip is shiny again and this is without trying to clean it up. Anybody else notice the same thing?

[XxkevinchuxX]

wtf 500 to have these installed?? you do know you were supposed to weld in a new bung and extend your wires right?

[JBravoWink]

Originally Posted by nokiauser

Apart from the ear drum shattering sound, one thing I've noticed is that the car is running lean or so I'm assuming by visually inspecting the Magnaflow exhaust tip. When I first installed the RRE muffler, it was shiny and stayed that way until the ECU reset then I felt like the car was back to stock and the inside of the tip went black.

Now the inside of the exhaust tip is shiny again and this is without trying to clean it up. Anybody else notice the same thing?

I thought you were supposed to reset the ECU after every mod?? Confused

[nokiauser]

340 for long tubes installation
180 for 2.5" custom catback

As for the ECU reset, after I got my GT throttlebody, I could feel a ton of power. Then one day, the engine went into a almost stall-like mode while idling. I disconnected the battery and when I connected it back again, felt almost stock like.

I researched the Ripp Mods Bratbox thinking maybe that could trick my ECU into dumping the same amount of fuel in operation but then found out it's only a voltage clamp so you can only tell the different towards the upper end.

Conclusion, I haven't a clue but I'm going to refrain from resetting my ECU.

[JBravoWink]

Yea any ideas anybody? I was under the impression that you had to reset the ECU so that the car could re-learn how to perform based off your new mod. I hope I havent screwed myself...

[Steveo]

Havnt heard that just when u start seriously modding like tb , headers, FI u need to tune to get the best power. I put on my Proflow and I get that almost stall idle every now and then. We will see after I tune this week.

[Dnumba1StuNNa]

OT , Ive got a ripp mods bratt box on my 4g ATM but am about to take it off and list it for sale cause I just got my F/IC and PNP harness from Brian J.

It does work but you do need to install it correctly and it is a little tricky as you have to intercept a wire coming off of the ECU (not for the faint of heart/ techno retarded). Definitely felt gains though

[dejectedangle]

I thought the last O2's need to be after the cat!!!!

You own a gs right

[nokiauser]

^ Yup but the O2 bungs were before the final cat.

2 concerns though recently.
The car's been not as loud so that's good but you can hear more raspiness in the exhaust note despite the Magnaflow high flow cat/muffler combo on a 2.5" pipe.
Then there's the bigger concern is that when I'm braking while in gear (say 4th going 50 miles) and I sometimes hear a rattle and a bang coming from the exhaust. That normal?

[Freeker]

Originally Posted by nokiauser

Got a used Ripp Mods Long Tube Headers from a member here for a good deal.
Took it to a shop @ $100/hr rate and was quote around 3-5 hours.

First. They had to weld a few spots that had weakened.

Then the O2 sensor that goes to the top bung closest to the passenger side couldn't fit so part of the heat shield on the engine block had to be cut-out. Seriously? Thought Ripp Mods would know better.

The bottom 2 O2 sensors are about a foot apart. The guy doing the work was a little confused about that but he did it anyways.

All in all, time we started work was a little after 10am and when it got done, it was already 6pm. Lucky for me, the shop was ok with $520 as long as most of it was cash.

Had them do a custom cat-back with the Magnaflow axleback and a Magnaflow cat using the stock resonator also which was why it took so long. Pics to follow later.

ME and joeyb installed mine in about 16 hours... we aren't professionals or had all the proper tools... 100 an hour? bah lame

[FeaRlezZ]

long tubes always cause install problems for the GS. and ya u should always plan ahead of time to tune or else ur afr will b way off and u will actually lose power. u cannot literally bolt on all these mods and expect everything to fall happily into place because it wont

and where r ur O2 sensors ??

[nokiauser]

The last sensor is about a foot away from the cat and the other rear O2 sensor is another foot towards the front of the car. From what I've read here, the rear sensors don't affect fueling but it does trip the CEL if not placed right. I don't want to jump to conclusions about engine backfire regarding the bang I hear sometimes but I hope it's to be expected.

[joeyb]

yeah that is definately high especially for the GS header....oh well - like I said, at least it was "professionally" done and you can go to them for help if you have any trouble with them....I hope.

yeah like jeff says above, me and him did the v6 headers in about 12 - 18 hours - there's a thread w/ pics and stuff if anyone wants to see it called "OBX Longtubes" by freeker if you go and look at the 2nd page about 1/2 way down.

[nokiauser]

Thanks Joey. Found your thread and like you said, your rear O2s are after the cat. Anyways, going to attempt to reset the ECU over the weekend and see what happens.

Currently low-end torque is mostly gone but I do love the growling at idle.

[arzell]

so i am not sure what to buy obx long tube headers or short tube from RoadRace

[pat_08GT_Spyder]

i'd keep the stock setup...

[Ricoswave]

The GS long tube header install, and the GT long tube header(s) (plural) install, are on two totally different levels. The GS header install is a walk in the park.

[paulderek]

thanks, I kept the stock setup too