Hey guys and girls, I've had my OBX header for around 4 years, and the welds at the flange that bolts to the head are cracking. I've welded the cracks but it just re-cracks around the welds, so unfortunately it seems that it's time for a new header. And now I'm kind of leery about buying another OBX header, but it doesn't seem like there are many other good options. Any suggestions??
Exhaust Header Problem
- Thread starter newsboy86
- Start date
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- 2002 MAZDA 323 ASTINA SP20 BJII
You can get a AutoExe header which is good but hard to find and cost a fair bit
Jackie chan
Member
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- Pro5
you'd be better off buying this https://www.ebay.com (commissions earned) and then taking it to an exhaust shop or a buddy with a welder. it'll prolly save you $100
SuperMarioCart
Member
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- 2003 P5
What modifications would an exhaust shop have to make on the 626 header?
relocate the egr port and the hangers, you'll also need a custom mid pipe
Jasonjames
Member
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- Mazda 2002 BJ Astina 323 1.8 L
I wonder why they're cracking,....could it be the exhaust is putting too much weight on them ? Perhaps an extra hanger is needed.
JJ
JJ
Jackie chan
Member
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- Pro5
If you've got bad motor mounts it'll put lots of stress on your exhaust.
Or it may be that there crappy welds.
and a combination of cheap metal being heated up and cooled down continuously over several years...
What I have noticed on my exhaust is there really is no place for the header end to flex like say a flex pipe of any kind. The exhaust bolts w/ springs really don't do much for the engine movement in relation to exhaust movement. When I first had installed a header in a Protege was back in 01-02 on an LX 2.0 and I went with a 626/MX6 header. I had to have the egr bung welded on and of course a custom midpipe which I opted for a new Cat as well. I did go ahead and remove the header rear flange and between it installed a flex pipe. Since when I had the Protege I never had a problem for the almost 5 years I owned it and the header held up great.
I now have an ebay header with the EGR bung modified in the correct orientation and all went smooth like a stock install afterwards. I do plan on installing a flex pipe again though but also plan on a new full catback when I have the funds. I still have a MAM Cat-Less Midpipe I am thinking of installing as well.
I understood. I was meerly providing something to think about as to why maybe the header tubes get stressed and crack due to the lack of being able to freely move with the engine movement.
Jasonjames
Member
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- Mazda 2002 BJ Astina 323 1.8 L
Makes sense 
JJ
JJ
