[Selous1908]

Good morning gents,

You all have been super helpful with tips and my questions that I’m back for more. I recently installed a Rotofab intake as well as some headers (e85 and tune too). When I make a right turn, at 30+ mph, I notice the car make a really weird sound. Like it’s choking/hacking; not the normal hiss from the intake. The sound comes from where the intake is. Today on a turn, I noticed the same sound which was followed by a slight vibration on the left side of my steering wheel. I asked the mechanic who worked on my car and he said, certain lower positions of the throttle blade will make a hissing sound. He also said because, As for the steering, you will see how close the headers are to your steering rack, so when certain amount of torque is applied and as you rotate the steering shaft, they will tend to contact for a second. That’s just the design of those headers.

I was hoping someone here could give me some insight and let me know if something like that is ‘normal’ and/or if there will be issues later down the road.

Thanks again gents

[Mark R]

I don't have headers, but my opinion is that ANY contact between the headers and steering shaft is COMPLETELY unacceptable.

[SFV1LE]

Originally Posted by Mark R

I don't have headers, but my opinion is that ANY contact between the headers and steering shaft is COMPLETELY unacceptable.

Agree, I'm sorry to say this but you need a new mechanic. Find someone who is dedicated to making things right with the parts he installs, header contact is unacceptable and a good mechanic can adjust things to make it right. Over time, stuff like that gets worse.

[Markoz28]

What headers? Is the steering bolt rubbing or the steering shaft. The RF intake really shouldn’t have anything to do with the sounds you are stating. Something else is happening.

[Selous1908]

I got JBA shorties and after looking under the hood I’ve noticed some witness marks on the header from my steering shaft. Is there a way to stop the header from rubbing against the steering shaft or do I just need to go back to my stock headers?

[Markoz28]

Originally Posted by Selous1908

I got JBA shorties and after looking under the hood I’ve noticed some witness marks on the header from my steering shaft. Is there a way to stop the header from rubbing against the steering shaft or do I just need to go back to my stock headers?

JBA shorties may not have been the best option. The stock manifolds are probably the same as that if not better. Never heard of anyone with a 6th gen using shorties let alone on a ZL1 so I would not have gone that route. Stick with Kooks, ARH, or even Texas speed. Complete street has a new header that supposed to fit like a charm. I have kooks 2” with no problems.

Go back to stock or buy a reputable header.

[Selous1908]

I know they weren’t the best option, but I got them for a variety of reasons. Biggest one was California is awesome when it comes to smog stuff. But that’s besides the point. My question wasn’t what the best headers on the market were, it was what can be done if anything to fix the rubbing issue

[Mark R]

Originally Posted by Selous1908

I know they weren’t the best option, but I got them for a variety of reasons. Biggest one was California is awesome when it comes to smog stuff. But that’s besides the point. My question wasn’t what the best headers on the market were, it was what can be done if anything to fix the rubbing issue

You have to provide clearance one way or another. Pull the header and dimple it, or make a relief cut and weld in material to cover the cut.

[Gunkk]

Originally Posted by Selous1908

I got JBA shorties and after looking under the hood I’ve noticed some witness marks on the header from my steering shaft. Is there a way to stop the header from rubbing against the steering shaft or do I just need to go back to my stock headers?

Yeah give it the engine masters treatment.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3vupq0

[Markoz28]

Originally Posted by Selous1908

I know they weren’t the best option, but I got them for a variety of reasons. Biggest one was California is awesome when it comes to smog stuff. But that’s besides the point. My question wasn’t what the best headers on the market were, it was what can be done if anything to fix the rubbing issue

Of course. Didn’t mean to get off topic. You would be better off removing them and going back to stock. Doubt you will see loss or gain in power either way so no foul there. But the rubbing issue will go away.

[radz28]

I second the Engine Masters treatment. They'll probably have to come back out, but a tiny bit of heat (or not, but that might make it a little easier and your won't have to bash it as much) and a socket with a good hammer with a little tappy-tap, and you're good.

May I ask as to the reasoning behind these? The OEM tri-y's are already pretty good.