Those with SS Headers: Ground Clearance - Page 14

A.Gilli Supersprint · 3rd February 2011, 14:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burden

Thanks for the update! Glad I read this before talking to my shop. We were considering cutting as well. Looks like we will hold off on that method for awhile. The car is still undergoing surgery and transplants from my wrecked e39 m5 (time consuming indeed!) so I may be able to get some pictures of the mounting while it is up on a lift. Would this be of any use??

If you have any doubt on the correct installation of your SS headers, take photos and post them.
We will make an evaluation of what can be wrong.

Here some photos of the entire R&L headers assembly, after they have been installed correctly.
This LHD car is at our factory shop, now.

Left side bank headers. Distance between frame and primary, approx 10mm.

Left side bank headers. Distance between collector and chassis 8 to 12mm.

Right side bank Headers.Distance between frame and primary, approx 10mm.

Right side bank headers. Distance between collector and chassis 8 to 12mm.

Right and Left side collectors sit at the same height. The stock downpipe bracket has been taken as reference.

Left side of the car, the collector is virtually flush with the chassis lower line.

Right side. Wheel arch 68.0cm. Collector ground clearance 13.2 cm (new style collector) / 13.5 cm (old style collector).
Left side. Wheel arch 68.3cm. Collector ground clearance 13.0 cm (new style collector) / 13.3 cm (old style collector).

At a visual check, both the right and the left SS headers sit at the same distance from the ground, and their lowest point is virtually flush with the chassis.

Alessandro Gilli
Supersprint
Italy

havasusteve03Beast · 17th February 2011, 06:35

During the course of replacing my clutch over the past 2 days, I made another feable attempt at the headers/collector gap. The 1st 2 pics illustrate where I am, the 2nd two, where I was. The forward momentum and closer onto the header pipes caused me to have 1/2" added to the length of the pipe on my CATS. I did achieve approx. 3/8" in vertical lift/ additional clearance from the ground. The original object was to push the collector ALL THE WAY up onto the pipe. After 2 attempts and even some mild sanding around the pipe to eliminate any carbon buildup, the final outcome (what you see) didnt change.

Hope this helps.

Now, my exhaust system is so effin chopped up, I need to pull everthing post headers down and have it re-done.

Not all because of the collectors though.

Steve

churious · 17th February 2011, 07:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by havasusteve03Beast

During the course of replacing my clutch over the past 2 days, I made another feable attempt at the headers/collector gap. The 1st 2 pics illustrate where I was, the 2nd two, where I am at know. The forward momentum and closer onto the header pipes caused me to have 1/2" added to the length of the pipe on my CATS. I did achieve approx. 3/8" in vertical lift/ additional clearance from the ground. The original object was to push the collector ALL THE WAY up onto the pipe. After 2 attempts and even some mild sanding around the pipe to eliminate any carbon buildup, the final outcome (what you see) didnt change.

Hope this helps.

Now, my exhaust system is so effin chopped up, I need to pull everthing post headers down and have it re-done.

Not all because of the collectors though.

Steve

Steve.... Is it just me or is that now worse?

havasusteve03Beast · 17th February 2011, 07:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by churious

Steve.... Is it just me or is that now worse?

No, Just me....pics are reversed. Edited, Thanks

churious · 17th February 2011, 07:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by havasusteve03Beast

No, Just me....pics are reversed. Edited, Thanks

Ok Ok Ok... now... does it seem to be sealed off better?

M55555 · 21st March 2011, 05:11

I'd like to know if there is a resolution and/or fix to those of us who have low ground clearance?

JCM55555 · 21st March 2011, 06:11

Alessandro,

I'd love some feedback from you regarding my issue.

The install on my headers went well, down pipes are very well bottomed out in the collector, no leaks....etc. However, my drivers side CAT is making contact with the heat shield/sub frame. There really is nothing we can do about it, since the collector sits where the downpipes converge--seemingly where it should be, and obviously can't be moved around much. I am wondering if the problem is to due with the connecting pipes, as the drivers side seems to have noticeably less angle than the passenger side.

The contact causes very noticeable vibration when cornering to the right. I know that it is not really a risk to the car, but you can imagine that it is still quite unsettling and rather annoying. I'd love to hear your thoughts and maybe see some comparison shots to see how different my pipes might be from any others. Thanks.

M55555 · 30th March 2011, 09:17

I'm starting to feel like this is a dead end, and will have to find an alternative non-Supersprint method of correcting this, i.e. custom collector manufacturing.

JCM55555 · 30th March 2011, 09:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by M55555

I'm starting to feel like this is a dead end, and will have to find an alternative non-Supersprint method of correcting this, i.e. custom collector manufacturing.

I dunno....there have been a few people saying that it's just the way they fit, and they are even lower because of your ride height, but I don't buy that. My collectors are no more exposed than my OEM pipes were, and lowering my car wouldn't make a difference. SS is sending me a new set of connecting pipes to solve my contact issue, but that's different than what you are experiencing. I find it quite strange that your collector sits so low....

mfizzlenyc · 30th March 2011, 17:34

hope it all works out... Im happy to hear that they are sending you parts to hopefully fix the problem thats a good look for SS... let us know if it works