Stupid header, please help.

Kahuna

Alright, I've been trying to install the headers on my car, I finally got the stock one out, and then I have been trying to get the aftermarket one in. Well, now I have a problem. The frickin radiator fan won't go back in. (I had to take it off to put the new header in) Does anyone have any tips to get this stupid thing installed? Everytime I keep trying it keep crushing the fins in and it's pissing me off. Am I just going to have to get a half radiator and use or what? Please help me cause it shouldn't take 3 days to get a frickin exhaust put on.

davens

Sometimes, the right(or wrong) mix of aftermarket header, radiator or fan will just not work.

My 90-93 teg Radiator and DC header and front end that had been a little smooshed at one point wouldn't work. I ended up removing the AC fan. I got a slim profile pusher fan and installed it in front of the radiator.

davens

Which is the problem:
The two parts want to occupy the same space once installed.
or
The fitment is so tight that you can't get them to their installed position.


What type/brand of header is it?
>4-1, 4-2-1, one/two piece etc.

What type of engine?
>Stock or swap?

If you haven't seen the thread, RC Autoworks is selling the 1/2 radiator for $50.

Kahuna

davens wrote:

Which is the problem:
The two parts want to occupy the same space once installed.
or
The fitment is so tight that you can't get them to their installed position.


What type/brand of header is it?
>4-1, 4-2-1, one/two piece etc.

What type of engine?
>Stock or swap?

If you haven't seen the thread, RC Autoworks is selling the 1/2 radiator for $50.

The problem is that the fitment is so tight that you can't get them to their installed position.

It is a DC Sports knock off, 4-2-1 setup. Stock D15 in it.

Would I be able to run the 1/2 radiator without overheating and stuff? This is a daily driver so yeah.

One of the pipes is about 1/2" longer in the bend that the other ones so it sticks out farther causing it not to fit correctly. The rest of the header fits fine except on the collector that has a brace on it, cause it's made for a regular Civic, which I guess don't matter.

davens

My first suggestion is to unbolt the top of the radiator. Then from underneath, loosen the front crossmember. Just loosen, not remove. It's held on w/two bolts on each side. This will usually give you an extra inch or two of wiggle room with the radiator.

Are you trying to intall the header all at once or as two pieces? Installing as two seperate pieces offers some additional manueverability.

The 1/2 radiator has roughly the same cooling capacity so it will work fine in a daily driver. The install requires some mild fabrication though.

Kahuna

Well I determined that the header I have would not fit, and it is just the one pipe, it is too long. So I contacted the company to see whats up. I was putting the stock header and the bottom left stud SNAPPED!!!! It wasn't even tight, I was just tightening it up and pop! Soo, I still ran it and it ran fine with no leaks, is there anything that could mess up from running it like this? Thanks