Anyone with StainlessWorks headers

Originally Posted by Pete

I don't understand about the dipstick

I have Jeal headers and the dipstick is mounted between cylinder #4 and #2 header tubes to the top second screw(front to back cylinder #2 tube)
I just have to use one of the facory spacers.

What is the dipstick problem with the SW's?

Pete

The factory bolt will not fit in the space allocated.

[jonszr1]

yes i agree with jeff the pipe is in the way the only way i got around it was to grind down the spacer and do the same to the integrated washer on the factory bolt. i had to grind it to the size of the bolt head. one other thing would have been to include an extention for the passenger side o2 sensor . i made my own but could understand the frustrating thoughts some could go through have the install all done ,but then have to have someone make an o2 sensor ext. i remember when i bought my jeals 4 years ago i had everything to do the job. jmho

[Pete]

Originally Posted by jonszr1

i remember when i bought my jeals 4 years ago i had everything to do the job. jmho

Yeap,bought my Jeals almost 10 years ago,they came with O2 wires
and pipes to fit bother early and late model ZR-1's.

Jeff,thanks now i understand.

Pete

[-=Jeff=-]

Originally Posted by Pete

Yeap,bought my Jeals almost 10 years ago,they came with O2 wires
and pipes to fit bother early and late model ZR-1's.

Jeff,thanks now i understand.

Pete

Pete I remember when you ordered your Jeals.. wow time flies

[vandornjim]

Originally Posted by ZZZZZR1

Love the headers and yes Jeff, I didn't install them(thanks SW). Unsure how the cat got blown out, but SW has offered to replace it.

JVD mentioned he had issues with a dipstick, but has anyone else had issues? If so, speak up! Only issue I have heard of thus far was an installer had issues with the EGR, but SW walked it thru on the phone (first time install for the installer).

Well, yep, we had several issues. Our install vehicle was a 1995 and we had an issue with the dipstick. Namely, it had to be bent and relocated before it would fit on the headers. I should also point out that the header set we installed were the "short" type, or, the type you would buy to fit your factory cats and exhaust. There are/were other problems.

The RH extension piece supplied by SW was too long and did not fit. This creates a major problem as the piece also has a unique compound bend to each end. No one locally had the equipment to modify this piece so we elected to cut the 1 1/2 in too long piece out of the middle, then tig the piece back together. It worked perfectly, though I do not like having a cross cut in this extension piece.

When we were installing, I questioned the use of the blue "rubber" type hose extension which is supposed to be for the EGR. The SW headers have an EGR provision, but the factory tubing is some 8 inches too short to reach it. So, they include the hose, which they said was some special type of hi heat silicon. It isn't. It's heater hose. Our customer drove home, (500 miles) and the hose was in pieces and burned into powder.

I called SW and asked for some tech suport, and was assured I would hear back within the hour. Four hours later I called again and this time Jim answered. He was not aware of the problem but said he would look into the solution and get back to me. I'm waiting to hear back.

It doesn't have to be said but tech support from a manufacturer is a very important part of the business and that hasn't been stellar to say the least at this point. I have also heard from others that there have been problems in this area. I will let you know how this issue is resolved.

So the bottom line is if you are thinking about the SW short OEM type replacment headers, you might wait until we get the bugs out before going too much further.

jvd in bg

[Hammer]

Originally Posted by vandornjim

Well, yep, we had several issues. Our install vehicle was a 1995 and we had an issue with the dipstick. Namely, it had to be bent and relocated before it would fit on the headers. I should also point out that the header set we installed were the "short" type, or, the type you would buy to fit your factory cats and exhaust. There are/were other problems.

The RH extension piece supplied by SW was too long and did not fit. This creates a major problem as the piece also has a unique compound bend to each end. No one locally had the equipment to modify this piece so we elected to cut the 1 1/2 in too long piece out of the middle, then tig the piece back together. It worked perfectly, though I do not like having a cross cut in this extension piece.

When we were installing, I questioned the use of the blue "rubber" type hose extension which is supposed to be for the EGR. The SW headers have an EGR provision, but the factory tubing is some 8 inches too short to reach it. So, they include the hose, which they said was some special type of hi heat silicon. It isn't. It's heater hose. Our customer drove home, (500 miles) and the hose was in pieces and burned into powder.

I called SW and asked for some tech suport, and was assured I would hear back within the hour. Four hours later I called again and this time Jim answered. He was not aware of the problem but said he would look into the solution and get back to me. I'm waiting to hear back.

It doesn't have to be said but tech support from a manufacturer is a very important part of the business and that hasn't been stellar to say the least at this point. I have also heard from others that there have been problems in this area. I will let you know how this issue is resolved.

So the bottom line is if you are thinking about the SW short OEM type replacment headers, you might wait until we get the bugs out before going too much further.

jvd in bg

Jim,
What do you use to seal the bottom of the dipstick in the pan?

[vandornjim]

Originally Posted by Hammer

Jim,
What do you use to seal the bottom of the dipstick in the pan?

We use the OEM seal, little rubber thingymobobber. Are they discontinued? I remember back in '95 when a guy at the plant told me they were and sent me a whole bag full.....they're 'round here somewhere....
jvd in bg

[zr1mom]

Just so everyone knows we have over 30 of these systems installed on ZR-1's.

First the EGR hose is the same one that GM uses. There is only one reason this hose would melt. If the LT5 is not tuned right, for example an after market chip was added and excess fuel was being injected the headers will run super hot. This happen on one other ZR-1 and that was the problem found.

If the owner from Mich contacts me we will replace any part he needs or even make a custom piece if need be.

As far as the O2 sensors the wires are long enough. If yours doesn't fit it's either because the wire is not being fully stretch or has been modify in the past.

For the dipstick issue if anyone can send me pictures I would love to see them. Also let me know which headers you installed and year of ZR-1.

SW will do whatever it takes to make it right.

Thanks!
zr1net@zr1.net

[jonszr1]

i dont mean to differ with the above , but there was no way my o2 sensor wire was modified in any way not the harness it was connected to or the brand new o2 sensor i bought for the install . mine was 8 inches to short .i even cked the wiring on both cars . unless they made it longer on the years after 92? i am just stating what i found and sharing in the hopes future sets can be improved upon . if we dont share it cant be made better and thats all i would like to see .

[vandornjim]

Originally Posted by zr1mom

Just so everyone knows we have over 30 of these systems installed on ZR-1's.

First the EGR hose is the same one that GM uses. There is only one reason this hose would melt. If the LT5 is not tuned right, for example an after market chip was added and excess fuel was being injected the headers will run super hot. This happen on one other ZR-1 and that was the problem found.

Hey there Dave, yes there are some conditions that can cause a "hotter" exhaust, but this isn't the case on this particular vehicle. That type of mis-calibration will also cause a meltdown of the cats and 02's themselves but you've really got to be pretty far off cal for this to occur. After all, the ECM will also have a say in the mixture control etc.

I'm not one to argue with good 'ol Mom , but I've been around just as long and in fact, this is what we do (since 1990). Contrary to the statement above, this is NOT the same hose that GM uses. GM has uses a somewhat flexible METAL line and this is a RUBBER hose that SW said was actually a Napa heater hose. To say there is "only one reason this hose would melt" is a pretty strong statement to make, and not true in this case. Only "one" reasons are pretty rare in today's world anyway. Besides, what happens to one vehicle isn't necessarily the "norm" for all vehicles.

I'm not sure if a different type of provision is used on their different styles, but in the case of the short type system, the factory EGR tube isn't long enough. This hose will not hold up to exhaust gas and this was recognized by Jim at SW. He suggested a longer metal extension and I agreed. We are trying to figure out how to get a mockup.

In any case, the purpose of my post was to gather information and share our first experience with the SW product. As with any new venture, there are certainly some growing pains which must be gone through. My goal is by working together, we can benefit many here on the list, like we have since the beginning.

Thanks for all your input, we'll keep you posted.

jvd in bg