mrprotoplasm

Hey, I looked, but could not find anyone with a similar problem:

I purchased MSA headers and so far everything is installing fine, except now I can't seem to get the down pipe (2-1) section to connect to the header (6-2). Is there a trick to get that puppy to slide on easier? I am getting in on about 1/2", I need about 2 more inches to make it flush with the cat.

Also, I couldnt remove the EGR tube from the old header, anyone know where I can find one that isnt 70 bucks on ebay?


1981 280zx

Thanks

FricFrac

A hammer?

Do you need the EGR? If not block off the EGR valve and plug the port on the header.

I also recomend using the stainless band muffler clamps for the header....

mrprotoplasm

Thanks, I finally got it in, just shimmying it and a little anti-sieze got it on.

As I understand it, the EGR valve does more good than bad, I'd liketo keep it. Plugging the header seems like a good temporary idea, of course not if you are suggesting I weld it closed. Where would one find a plug, do I just need a big bolt? Happen to know what size that thing is on the header side of the valve?

Thanks for the advice on the bands, I will invest in a pair, the seal seems to be lacking some sort of "pinch."

audiofreak97

The plug is an NPT thread, something you can pick up at Lowes/HomeDepot or any local hardware store. I THINK it was 1/2 or 3/4 in but I'm not 100% on that...

mrprotoplasm

I might go get one to block the hole while the EGR tube is on order. For now, Here is my temporary-temporary solution, for which I don't actually intend to drive the car, well, maybe. . .

I cut the EGR tube from the exhaust manifold and hooked it up to the EGR valve, and just placed the open tube into the header's EGR port hole. I then wedged some aluminum foil in there to keep it in place and block some of the hole surrounding it. Believe it or not, it seems to work pretty well, there is very little exhaust leak from there.

I did notice a little exhaust leak from the O2 sensor, perhaps it needs another washer or something?

ZZzzz

any idea what the best way to block the egr side would be? i'm half tempted to just leave a bit of the tube on there and JB weld that closed.

SHADY280

tack weld that slip joint, ive had more than one fall back apart over time, sounds nice over the sound of exhaust banging around

ZZzzz

m22-1.5 x 20 millimeter. thats the size of bolt you need. i couldnt find that anywhere in the states, lowes, home depot, fastenal, or a fastener sales place downtown here couldnt find it. one place said they could order it but it would take a week. another said they could make one, but it would be 80 bucks.

i had a hard time getting that tube out as well, but finally managed it by heating the manifold up to glowing around the bolt and working it back and forth until it was moving about 1 cm either way. then i used copius amounts of penetrant and kept spraying and turning and spraying and turning. however, the tube didnt match up with the egr valve once the msa headers were installed.

SO... i broke the tube at the header-attachment, welded it shut and used that. then i went to autozone, got a plug that fit into the egr valve bolt (the part that screws into the engine below the egr valve) and sealed them both off that way.

my msa headers dont folow the same line once installed as the original exhaust did, does yours? it sits about 6-8 inches more to the drivers side than the original setup. im waiting on my msa cat-back portion to see if it was deliberate or not.