melbitoast

iTrader: (1)

Here is the pic (w/ red arrow this time). You can see the itty bitty space in between the car body and header. If you look close, you can see a little bit of rusty powder. When the engine torques, that runner hits the car body and cause the noise. That's the area we'll "massage" out next Monday.

Lexura1414

iTrader: (6)

Ok, will show this to my service advisor and tech at Lexus. Thanks, Mel.

elowderm

Yeah Ashton at Elite will take good care of you bro. I'm glad it's just the headers and not a front end problem. You could feel the vibration from the engine contacting the body like a tire rubbing without the pull on the steering. Not necessarily bad new b/c "YOU HAVE HEADERS" now!! It was sad to see you trade in Gina, but what a gem this car is with the free upgrades.

SikkyMFG

Hey Jim and everyone else,

Just a quick post regarding this issue. First of all I would assume that you do have an older set of these headers Jim. If you bought your car with them already installed then that would make sense. The design is still 100% the same but we now use our new 3D imaging tool on all headers to confirm exact spec, an area where standard jigs can lack and result in lower tolerances. With the ISF everything is so tight that every little bit adds up.

For anyone with issues of the header rubbing on the heat shield bolt, you can just remove it. There's a couple of bolts that hold it in so taking that 1 out won't hurt anything.

We also often see that it can be motor mounted related. They'll weaken over time allowing too much movement. That doesn't appear to be the case with yours Jim but just a heads up to other people reading this.

And as far as "massaging" goes, I actually addressed that in the post where VegasISF said that. I would not use the term "massage" to describe what needs to done. It's definitely more than that. But sometimes some additional clearance is required. Which again is why we updated our process to prevent this.



This is one reality that is often over looked. While it's not always the case with issues, which is why offer a full warranty for manufacturing defects, it can play a part in it. For example, since these went to production one of the techs at JE Import Performance in Baltimore MD has done over roughly 15 header installs and has never reported back with a set that needs to be replaced for defects. A lot of ClubLexus members are very familiar with JE because of their knowledge with this install. Granted that's a small number in comparison to the amount we have sold total, but from the aspect of 1 single tech installing that many sets you'd think he would have experienced this first hand. Just something to consider. The ISF header install is one of the most complex header installs out there so definitely take it a trusted and skilled technician.


Hopefully this helps address and answer some questions you guy have. Of course you can always call (410-780-0009) or email (sales@sikky.com) if anything else is needed. I'll gladly help you out in any way possible and get your setup working as its designed to! Thanks guys

-Justin
Sikky MFG

Super6

iTrader: (1)

Fwiw, I've had my silkys for about 1.5 years and 40k miles with no issues.

Lexura1414

iTrader: (6)

Sikky, from what I understand of your post regarding older sets of headers, there was a design flaw, is this correct? So, is this an admission and you are willing to replace the affected part similar to what you did to Vegas?

SikkyMFG

I accidentally deleted the last post with this, so in case you didn't see it-

Hey,

Not sure if you resolved this yet, but what CEL are you getting? Once you determine what's causing the CEL we can address that. Let me know, thanks!

-Justin
Sikky MFG

SikkyMFG

Well, first, no there was not a design flaw. As I stated in the post above, the design has remained 100% the same since day 1. All that has changed is the process in which we confirm the tolerances. It's a much more error proof method than a jig setup. 95% of the time a jig would be fine for headers but we've seen the clearances are just so tight on the ISF we need to make sure it's dead on accurate.

With that being said we in fact warranty all our headers for manufacturing defects (like being out of tolerance). We need the defective one sent back and a replacement can be issued. Email me at sales@sikky.com to set something up if needed and I can go over the details. We'll always stand behind our products and would never leave the customer high and dry!

melbitoast

iTrader: (1)

That's fantastic to hear, and I'm sure all Sikky header owners appreciate that.

SikkyMFG, allow me to clarify - After meeting up with Ashton, I am under the impression that my issue does not concern a loose heatshield bolt; rather, it is simply due to the header rubbing on the car body due to engine movement/torquing/whatever.

Simply due to labor cost, I will wait to see how it goes on Monday first before concerning myself with replacement. Personally, I'd rather pay $100 to have a pro pound out a 1/4" of clearance than pay $800 to swap out headers. Of course....I wouldn't mind putting a fresh set on there that can be pre-treated to not flake/erode over time.

Neophyte questions regarding your weakened motor mount comment - is that something that can be retightened and/or remedied, or is that simply a structural "wear and tear" kind of thing you just have to live with?

SikkyMFG

As you addressed with labor cost thing, that is how most customers feel. It usually doesn't take much to get the clearance if its needed and it's just easier than pulling and replacing the headers. Lots of the time techs will even do it during the install and not charge extra. It should really only take a few minutes if the cars already on the lift.

And for the motor mounts, the only fix is a replacement. It's a liquid filled rubber mount so it does happen. My tech has even seen the studs get bent, causing the engine to sit lopsided, which could cause problems.

Definitely keep me posted along the way with how it goes. We want to make sure you're all setup and good to go!

Lexura1414

iTrader: (6)

Would you be willing to speak to my Lexus tech over the phone and advise them of what to do? I'd rather fix my set than replace the right side. Thanks!

SikkyMFG

Yes certainly that wouldn't be problem. If he needs some help just have him give us a ring and we'll work with him.

melbitoast

iTrader: (1)

Okay, so it's BOTH a 2nd runner on the body issue AND a bolt issue. The bolt can only be seen from below. Only way to fix this is by removing the header. NOT HAPPY, Sikky. The labor alone could be more than what these are worth!

Plus, the coating is flaking off like crazy, so they look like crap. So I may have to consider removing the headers anyway to get them properly coated/protected before they rust any further.

Sikky, any way you would consider replacing these with the new design that you say has no fitment issues?

I'll post pics of everything shortly.

melbitoast

iTrader: (1)

Here are the pictures. Sorry, I don't know how to make them smaller.
The first is the bolt.
Second is the passenger side header.
Third is the driver side header.

Total labor may be in the ball park of 14-15 hours

Defratos

wow that doesn't look too healthy