Sikky headers - "Left Turn Rattle" club
#16
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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.
#18
Driver School Candidate
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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.
#19
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
So apparently there are a few of us that are experiencing the same issue with these headers. As I stated in the other comparison thread, I'm having mine looked at on Monday by a recommended shop here in Austin that deals with high-end sport cars. He's worked on a few ISFs and is familiar with some of our issues.
My service guy at Lexus said it's a bolt from the heatshield that rubs on the header, but won't touch it b/c the headers are aftermarket. Ashton, the guy at Elite Motorsports, basically confirmed what the Lexus guy said, and said it's likely due to the motor mount shifting due to torque and it's touching that bolt. We're going to rack it on Monday and take a look. Hopefully it's just a loose bolt and an easy fix. I'll update this on Monday once we've looked at it.
Has anyone else with this issue had other experiences or received different information? Anyone have advice about fixing the issue?
TIA!
Jim
My service guy at Lexus said it's a bolt from the heatshield that rubs on the header, but won't touch it b/c the headers are aftermarket. Ashton, the guy at Elite Motorsports, basically confirmed what the Lexus guy said, and said it's likely due to the motor mount shifting due to torque and it's touching that bolt. We're going to rack it on Monday and take a look. Hopefully it's just a loose bolt and an easy fix. I'll update this on Monday once we've looked at it.
Has anyone else with this issue had other experiences or received different information? Anyone have advice about fixing the issue?
TIA!
Jim
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.
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
#22
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
hey guys, Me and my buddies just installed the headers last night and my traction control light/check engine light were on and also there is a rattle down by my feet when i turn right or hit a bump. not sure what it is. there was also a (check headlight power system warning)?? it only turned on at night. this morning the i woke up turned her on and just the traction control light went on when i drove a few hundred yards.
*****ANY ADVISE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED******
*****ANY ADVISE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED******
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
#23
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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!
#24
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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!
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!
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?
Last edited by melbitoast; 10-23-13 at 07:23 AM.
#25
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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, 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?
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!
#26
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (6)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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!
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!
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#27
#28
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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.
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.
Last edited by melbitoast; 10-28-13 at 09:44 AM.
#30
Racer
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
wow that doesn't look too healthy