I dont think they are loud at all, but he sounds like he wants it to sound stock from idle all the way up the power band.

The ones that I have heard do not sound stock while driving.

 

i didnt say i wanted it to sound stock

but i do want it to be quiet.

looks like my first mods are going to be srt intake, TC, and headers.(in an effort to modernize the aging GS's horsepower rating while keeping it luxuriously quiet)

 

No noticeable soun increase until it cracks and the early versions will crack. Have several thousand on my set and so far so good since I rewelded them .

 

stock = quiet and vice versa.

At least as far as a stock GS is concerned.

 

I sent Loren an email last week, but never heard back from him. I guess I should call instead.

 

Morris, would it be a fair guess to say that the cars you refer also had modified exhaust after the headers?

I would suggest that the headers with the stock exhaust would give a noticeable increase in power and response and yet be virtually unnoticeable sound wise.

 

Yes you are right, the two that I did hear had aftermarket mufflers.

 

Just something to consider as this might be a contributing factor in the "Dreaded Header Crack". Also interested to see how many of us that had the cracked headers have high mileage. If you guys can please chime in on this, it would be greatly appreciated.
Also check out this thread if you didn't already do so.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=273325
Thanks guys and gals,
-Will

 

i changed my engine mounts 3k miles before installing the headers and the passenger side still cracked. i was part of the first batch though.

 

A question for those that have installed your own headers. How did you reach the rear top and bottom bolts. I had mine installed by a shop but if mine crack I want to do the removal & replace myself.
Looking at the bolts I can hardly put my put my fingers on the rear bolts.
I only have about 3,000 miles on the headers and no crack so far.

 

What is the "official" number of cracked headers from the first set?

 

I believe it is all of them or damn near close to it.

 

A good set of extensions in 3/8 is required for some of the bolts. 1/2" being a bit too large for some of the angles in my experience. I have installed two of them so far on SC430's. Also open box wrenches for one or two accessible from the top using another wrench for leverage.

 

I placed the second order from the first set and still strong.... for how long is my guess??

I didn't see 20 or more people with the problem.

Are you sure most people had/have this issue?


Is it isolated to the GS400? SC430? Any SC400 with this problem yet?

 

I have not seen older Lexus's with this issue. Just the GS/SC 400/430 models. But also the older SC400 models are not fully bolt on so perhaps that makes a difference. It starts off very minor and most would not notice it until it progresses to a loud ticking at cold start up and then eventually to a loud ticking even when warmed up.

Pics of my cracks are here on the last page or so. Since I rewelded them I have had no issue, but my welds were pretty darn stout. I hate to pay for the same real estate twice.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hlight=headers