OBX Headers Options

[Walter]

^^ +1 The header does not even go over the T4 headstuds! LOL!
The tubing is very nice, as are the welds, but the ears for mounting it are in the wrong position in more then one way. The 4-1 piece is also not really flow friendly.
It is pretty pathetic as an exhaust system as such indeed.
Still that was almost to be expected and for a bunch of nice stainless tubing in the size I wanted and in sort-off the position bend I was looking for, it'll do just fine :-)

[Jake Raby]

For the price you are getting exactly what you pay for. I never understand why people are disappointed with the quality of cheap junk; it is to be expected.

[Sawfish]

summary refresher for 2012:
OBX AKA Racing Parts Depot in Oakland CA are dishonorable crooks. the header is crap. it will NEVER fit. OBX will not honor any returns, refunds or exchanges.
Happy New Year!

Its almost a new year lest we forget!

[rhodyguy]

have you ever looked into the Triad headers for a 4?

[Maltese Falcon]

Any manufacturer here that has had any of their parts counterfeited by obx, PM me for a top notch IPR counsel.

[Eric_Shea]

I'm having my OBX headers shipped directly to Motormeister so they can install them there while they're building my race motor. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumb3d.gif)

[r_towle]

I'm having my OBX headers shipped directly to Motormeister so they can install them there while they're building my race motor. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumb3d.gif)

They may need your car to ensure the headers fit properly.
Get on that.

While you are at it, did you send the machine part to stromberg?

[rhodyguy]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/stromberg.gif) ? seriously? i wouldn't be surprised if thats the case.

[Literati914]

Sorry for resurrecting this old thread but:

After reading this horror story of fitment issues with OBX headers on a 914 (along with some good experiences w/ other models actually) ... I have a chance to buy a set of OBX headers in nice looking 304 stainless. I can get them for around 2 bills shipped, which normally would be really cheap for such nice stainless. They've never been installed (wonder why (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) ) and are made of really nice looking 304 stainless. So, if going into it fully expecting issues - do you guys think it's worth it, knowing that I may have to cut them just under the tabs and re-clocked them, have em re-welded (if necessary)?

[SirAndy]

Sorry for resurrecting this old thread but:
After reading this horror story of fitment issues with OBX headers on a 914 (along with some good experiences w/ other models actually) ... I have a chance to buy a set of OBX headers in nice looking 304 stainless. I can get them for around 2 bills shipped, which normally would be really cheap for such nice stainless. They've never been installed (wonder why (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) ) and are made of really nice looking 304 stainless. So, if going into it fully expecting issues - do you guys think it's worth it, knowing that I may have to cut them just under the tabs and re-clocked them, have em re-welded (if necessary)?

You've read all the posts and you are still thinking about buying them?

If that wasn't enough ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[73-914]

Sorry for resurrecting this old thread but:
After reading this horror story of fitment issues with OBX headers on a 914 (along with some good experiences w/ other models actually) ... I have a chance to buy a set of OBX headers in nice looking 304 stainless. I can get them for around 2 bills shipped, which normally would be really cheap for such nice stainless. They've never been installed (wonder why (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) ) and are made of really nice looking 304 stainless. So, if going into it fully expecting issues - do you guys think it's worth it, knowing that I may have to cut them just under the tabs and re-clocked them, have em re-welded (if necessary)?

You've read all the posts and you are still thinking about buying them?

If that wasn't enough ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Some people just can't be helped

[Literati914]

.. knowing that I may have to cut them just under the tabs and re-clocked them, have em re-welded (if necessary)?

You've read all the posts and you are still thinking about buying them?

If that wasn't enough ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Um yea, 'cause I would not be paying retail and also would not be expecting the quality that one should receive if paying retail either. - and 'cause cutting and re-welding 4 small pipes doesn't seem like a big a deal to me! I'm not apposed to some fab work in general.

Where else you gonna find another $200 header - much less a pretty stainless one that'll last forever? It's probably not perfect .. and, so it needs a little work - but does that mean it's complete trash?

..
Some people just can't be helped

We're not all as wise and rich as you, I'm sure (IMG:style_emoticons/default/finger.gif)

[bretth]

I actually have a set that I bought off of another member for similar reasons to you. I wanted to try some of my own fab work on them. But the set I got had the header end cut off and a nice set of stub ends with bolt on flanges fitted already. Unfortunately I actually have not installed them yet but they do look good with the current alterations. The previous owner had used them on a race engine for a time. And like you I have never seen a set of stainless headers for the 914 other than the old SSI exchangers.

[porschetub]

.. knowing that I may have to cut them just under the tabs and re-clocked them, have em re-welded (if necessary)?

You've read all the posts and you are still thinking about buying them?

If that wasn't enough ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Um yea, 'cause I would not be paying retail and also would not be expecting the quality that one should receive if paying retail either. - and 'cause cutting and re-welding 4 small pipes doesn't seem like a big a deal to me! I'm not apposed to some fab work in general.

Where else you gonna find another $200 header - much less a pretty stainless one that'll last forever? It's probably not perfect .. and, so it needs a little work - but does that mean it's complete trash?

..
Some people just can't be helped

We're not all as wise and rich as you, I'm sure (IMG:style_emoticons/default/finger.gif)

No point in getting shitty about it,all replies have come from the best around,if $200 go for it,when you cut it up don't for a minute think it will line up and seal...……….

[Maltese Falcon]

Not knocking your purchase in terms of be a savvy & frugal enthusiast, but you might want to read up on Crystallization stresses on Stainless Steel. In this case, especially with super thin 18 ga. (last obx we examined), offshore SS alloys usually contaminated with "Other stuff" ; tubing mills are not held to Western/ nor Euro standards. Your tubes may require patchwork in their lifetime.

[barefoot]

I actually have a set that I bought off of another member for similar reasons to you. I wanted to try some of my own fab work on them. But the set I got had the header end cut off and a nice set of stub ends with bolt on flanges fitted already. Unfortunately I actually have not installed them yet but they do look good with the current alterations. The previous owner had used them on a race engine for a time. And like you I have never seen a set of stainless headers for the 914 other than the old SSI exchangers.

If you're going to cut & weld on them, you MUST provide purge gas to the inside of the joints otherwise you'll get oxidation on the inside of thru penetration butt welds which will lead to cracking & joint failure. We X-rayed all butt welds where i worked.
That's an industry standard

[Literati914]

.. But the set I got had the header end cut off and a nice set of stub ends with bolt on flanges fitted already. Unfortunately I actually have not installed them yet but they do look good with the current alterations. ..

This is what I'd considered too, probably the best bet 'cause then I actually could "expect them to seal" (right porschetub?).

...might want to read up on Crystallization stresses on Stainless Steel. In this case, especially with super thin 18 ga. (last obx we examined), offshore SS alloys usually contaminated with "Other stuff" ; tubing mills are not held to Western/ nor Euro standards. Your tubes may require patchwork in their lifetime.

Ok, I've taken note and will research that a bit.. still though, the price could possibly offset the concern, no?

If you're going to cut & weld on them, you MUST provide purge gas to the inside of the joints otherwise you'll get oxidation on the inside of thru penetration butt welds which will lead to cracking & joint failure. We X-rayed all butt welds where i worked.
That's an industry standard

That's a good point.. I'd probably have a professional do the work (one of the race shops over by Texas Motor Speedway) do the work.. but then that kicks the cost up too. So, that's why I'm even asking the question. It comes down to this: at what price point does it make it worth the effort? $220 shipped is what I've been quoted.

[mepstein]

I would start off with the right parts. They will assemble easily and correctly. They will also have value if you ever sell them. It’s always more expensive to buy cheap crap, modify and then buy the good stuff you wish you bought the first time.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[VaccaRabite]

How cheap is your fab guy? At shop hours a day of work cutting and welding these to fit would end up costing you the same as one of Chris's systems.

If you are doing the welding yourself, that is the only way you are going to save money with these.

Zach

[Literati914]

I'm having my OBX headers shipped directly to Motormeister so they can install them there while they're building my race motor. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumb3d.gif)

Hey Eric - did your set of OBX headers also turn out to be a nightmare for Motormeister to install... or did you make this comment in jest ?