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Dakota Performance
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Gus
Dodge Dakota
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11/07/2001
16:00:13

Subject: Problems? Gibson headers and cat back
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I have already installed the stainless 3" single side swept cat-bact on my 2000 QC Sport 5.9 and I noticed the improvements right away. I want to install the stainless gibson headers as well.
I 'm keeping the original cat and y pipe.
Any problems with engine lights/sensors or other problems with this combination?

I was also told that the warranty will be void with them on?

Thanks for any advise in advance.



Dakaty
Dodge Dakota


11/07/2001
17:09:26

RE: Problems? Gibson headers and cat back
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I have the same set up on my 2001 QC 5.9L.

I have not had any probs with lights, sensors or anything else related to the exhaust. The headers have all connections for emmision sensors.

I have had my truck in for Warranty repairs at the Dealer since the install and have not had any problems.

I had a muffler shop install the catback and all seams were welded.

I had the Dodge dealer install my headers. However, (if you don't do it yourself) I would think a "speed shop" would do a better job, cheaper. The Dodge guys are trained for stock stuff.

Be sure to re tighten the header bolts several times after the initial install. The gaskets shrink drastically after heat/cool cycles. The bolts will become "finger tight" (loose?). If you don't tighten them, you will blow a gasket. I tightened mine at least three times before they stayed tight. Its a very tedious process as some bolts could be turned only an 1/8 turn at a time. I had to use several different shaped wrenches to get it done.

Glad I did it.

Good luck.

Bill





MikeD
Dodge Dakota


11/07/2001
17:26:46

RE: Problems? Gibson headers and cat back
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I already had duals put on my R/T and thinking about putting on headers...Gibson or JBA?

And I'm not a mechanic I mean I've put on things like the new intake and things like that myself but the headers I'll get a garage to do that for me but is it easy for a guy like me to tighten them myself? Or are they tough to get to. Does it require just a standard socket wrench or does it take a torque wrench? In other words will I have to take my truck back in to the garage for tightening or can I do it myself?

Thanks,

~Mike~



Gus
Dodge Dakota


11/08/2001
08:13:58

RE: Problems? Gibson headers and cat back
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Thanks Bill!

I guess the service advisor up here in Toronto Canada where I am from should be a little more educated. 1st he told me that I would not notice any performance/mileage improvements. Wrong! Just with the cat-back alone I felt the difference at the pedal and in the wallet...

2nd he told me that I would be wasting more gas. I agree when you press the gas but at cruising speeds @ 55mph I see better fuel economy. But like Sammy Haggar says "I can't drive 55!"



Dakaty
Dodge Dakota


11/08/2001
11:50:37

RE: Problems? Gibson headers and cat back
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Message:
Mike -

You can tighten the bolts yourself. Some of the bolts are easily accessible with a socket. Some of them are only accessible with short, open end wrenches. I even had to remove the heat shields around the spark plugs to tighten several of the bolts. I used several different open end wrenches that had slightly different angles. Many of the "hard to get to" bolts would turn only 1/8 of a turn at a time.

Good Luck

Bill

I've been told torque specs is 30 lbs.



MikeD
Dodge Dakota


11/08/2001
11:57:19

RE: Problems? Gibson headers and cat back
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Thanks Bill but I was thinking...are headers really worth the time and money if I'm just an everyday driver I mean I like to play everyonce in awhile but I'm not a drag racer. Tell me what U think.

Thanks again,

~Mike~



Art
Dodge Dakota


11/08/2001
14:43:08

RE: Problems? Gibson headers and cat back
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You will not see a big difference when you install headers in the dakotas with a normally aspirated engine but if you go to a supercharger route then headers will improve the flow alot,your best bet for non S/C engine is just a catback exhaust of your likeing for the exhaust tone more than anything



MikeD
Dodge Dakota


11/08/2001
14:48:37

RE: Problems? Gibson headers and cat back
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Message:
Cool man thanx.




Dakaty
Dodge Dakota


11/08/2001
15:10:56

RE: Problems? Gibson headers and cat back
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Headers do add increased performance. Realistically they probably add 8-10 HP, although most manufacturers claim more. I had an ASP underdrive pulley and my headers installed at the same time. So, I can't say which mod accounted for what part of the noticable power increase. I also noted at least a 1 mpg improvement (good selling point for the wife).

Headers are expensive for the HP gains you get.

HOwever I have done most of the easier, less expensive mods and am now deciding which harder more expensive ones to do next.

If you plan on keeping your truck for a long time, feel justified in making performance mods and enjoy them.





MikeD
Dodge Dakota


11/08/2001
15:19:15

RE: Problems? Gibson headers and cat back
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Yeah I mean spend $435 for the headers...$200 for the installation for 8-10HP? Think my set up now is just fine unless I'm desperate for the HP gains.



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