2.0 Header - Opinions Please

[Chicoloco]

So i offered this guy at ebay 50 bucks for a 2.0 header and he declined. I'm like i'll sned him another for 75 for fun, thinking he won't accept. HE DID. >.< The thing is that im obligated to pay for it.

Now i'm stuck with this header.

I can ask him if he could release me, but since i made him more than one offer, I don't think he would accept.

Well I want your opinions of this. Yes i know, ebay! I know i get is what i pay for. Should i keep it? Anyone had own/seen one of these? I would have to pay 225 for an OBX. I would have to pay 132 for this one. I have my flame jacket, so flame away. lol.

High Performance Stainless Steel Exhaust Header For Mazda Protege 5 01 02 03

* Model/Type:
Fit on Mazda Protege 5 2001 2002 2003
4-Cyl. 2.0 Liter LX ES MP3 Model
* Dimension (Inlet/ Outlet):
Outlet: 2.25", 1 piece 4-2-1

Product Spec:

1. 100% High Quality T-304 Stainless Steel with Polish Finish Surface
2. Fast Air-Flow Design.
3. Direct Bolt-on Design for Easy Installation
4. No Modification Needed
5. Increase 10-15 Horse Power
6. Gasket and Hardware are Included (if shown in the picture)
7. This Product is for Car Show, Off Road, Race or Performance Only
8. Brand New in Box

High Quality T-304 Stainless Steel Header with Fast Air-Flow Design to Provide Performance Upgrade. Easy Installation with Direct Bolt-On Design, Required No Additional Modification.

http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/12001151/Images/4/SSHD-MP01.jpg
http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/12001151/Images/4/SSHD-MP01-2.jpg

[NCZ13]

i have a feeling you'll run into fitment issues. either with the egr valve, or it hitting the oil pan...

[Chicoloco]

I see, is there any solution to that?

[NCZ13]

that depends on where the fitment issues are. maybe the fitment will be perfect...

the issues i can see happening are this

the egr doesnt line up
the bottom flange rubs the oil pan
the j pipe is either to long
or the j pipe is to short, and it causes an exhaust leak.
i would also call those welds into question too...

i found that the easiest way to attach the egr, was to bolt that on first before mounting it solidly against the head...

[Chicoloco]

Hm, i see. Thanks for the egr advice.

bump

[i12drivemyMP5]

Take a pic of it when you get it. I don't wanna see the file pic. I wanna see an actual pic. Then I'll give you 100 shipped to 77062.

[MazdaSpeeder]

From what I've gathered there's a ton of OBX knockoffs running around the ebay world (Tsudo, BBP, etc) and I think they're all pretty much equal. I have a Tsudo and it fits fine (except for the EGR, but from what I've heard, there can be EGR fitment issues on any header). I say install it and see how it goes...I would do motor mounts too in order to prevent too much force on what may be substandard welds. Also, order new gaskets from Jason at OnlineMazdaParts.com...the header-to-block gasket that came with my Tsudo looks like the one in that pic, and if they're the same, the OEM is way better.

[NCZ13]

luckily all my gaskets were still useable. get OEM ones. that one that comes with the header will tear and start to leak in a couple weeks.

[Chicoloco]

Thanks for the input!

Could i fill this stock motor mount i have lying around?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/chicoloco/DSCN2975.jpg

Is there any more involved that i should check?

BTW I'm automatic. DO autos put more stress to the mounts?
What worries me more are the welds... sigh.

Hm Maybe should just buy a new gasket, just in case. I'm at Puerto Rico tho. Maybe it's still useable....

[Chicoloco]

Received the header. Pics are up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/chicoloco/IMG_1642.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/chicoloco/IMG_1643.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/chicoloco/IMG_1645.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/chicoloco/IMG_1646.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/chicoloco/IMG_1647.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/chicoloco/IMG_1648.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/chicoloco/IMG_1649.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/chicoloco/IMG_1650.jpg

Discuss.

[Chicoloco]

bump

[justanothermp5]

that actually looks pretty nice
welds look ok, now if it fits perfect im gonna be pissed cuz u got a good deal aha

[StealthWyvern]

That looks like a nice peice

[MazdaSpeeder]

Maybe you mentioned it, but why is there a bolt in the primary o2 sensor bung? You're gonna need that...

[StealthWyvern]

Maybe you mentioned it, but why is there a bolt in the primary o2 sensor bung? You're gonna need that...

I gues to keep crap from getting in the threads would be the only thing I can think of as the EGR bung threads would be easy to clean dirt , ect, ect.. out of.

[i12drivemyMP5]

That thing looks fine, slap it on the car. Get ya a couple of nonfoulers for the 2nd o2 bung, drill one out 1/2" for the sensor to go thru & no CEL. As far as mounts for auto, just get the rr inserts. Mine's sport auto & I've tried them all & those are the most forgiving on vibrations, 2nd would be corksport inserts. rr are red & cs are blue. Match your underhood trim & go for it. I would also suggest the 75.00 UDP from Medieval to get back a little lo end torque. Perfect compliment to the header. No problems ever from it. Of course, we're gonna need pics of it installed so don't hold out, clicky the picky por favor.

[mx-p5]

So, since you probably didn't sleep in the bed with the wife, did you install the header lastnight? Lol

[Chicoloco]

lol. I hid it. She can't know.... yet.

So you guys think its should work?

I'm worried about these welds:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/chicoloco/welds_2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/chicoloco/welds_1.jpg

They look kinda weak to me. I don't know anything about welds tho. The look chrome and not like the other colored thicker welds. Should I take it to someone to reinforce it?

I will loose torque??!? Explain please. Me no like.

[mx-p5]

Best bet is to take it to a local metal shop. If it's crappy welds, they will tell you! And, fix it if it is a prob for fairly cheap I'd imagine

[NCZ13]

yeah, some low end will be lost. its just the design of the header.

i believe shorter runners = more low end... but i could be wrong

but yeah, there will be some lost low end

[FunkRider]

yeah, some low end will be lost. its just the design of the header.

i believe shorter runners = more low end... but i could be wrong

but yeah, there will be some lost low end

No.

Shorter runners= more top end.

[dristoser]

for some reason instead of seeing the header pictures duz neone kno were i can go to c i wanna buy too :(

[SiiK23]

i baught an OBX for mine for 185 from sparktecmotorsports and i had fitment issues with my EGR valve, but it sound amazing with the ezhuast i have and runs cleaner with my AEM SRI.... i say try it and see if you like it....EGR's can be minipulated....a little.