OK I just put in the stock replacement ottp header yesterday. I torqued the bolts as the sequence said to and did the passes the same using 15 lbs of torque. But I thought I heard a slight ticking towards the front, but then didn't hear it after it warmed up.
My question is, would it be the header loose on the front? I didn't figure already! But I had to use knuckles and extensions to get that one because all I had was a 1/2 drive torque wrench and wouldn't fit right.

 

Did you use new studs/bolts? If so, retorque after you heated up and cooled the engine. BTW, 15lbs is not much, you can add a few pounds of torque on new studs/bolts. GL

 

I didn't use new bolts. I probably should have? The ones I took out I reused because they were all in good shape. I cleaned anything off them there was which wasn't anything really. I cleaned the head up good too. I will torque them and see if it helps. I planned on waiting till Monday but maybe not.

 

Did you anti seize the cleaned up bolts to try to slow down the corrosion? I would have made sure to apply a nice layer of anti seize before reinstalling.

 

I did yes. Someone told me to put locktight on them, but I wasn't going there. I figured that was a last resort thing. But the same person was telling me not to get a header as well because I Would never keep the bolts tight? I dont know if it makes a difference where it is an aluminum head isn't it? He had an older camaro, and I assume there is less to loosen them or something because I didn't see any threads about loosening being a problem on the h3 or Colorado/canyon when I looked.

 

I have checked and checked again. Everything is tight. Still sounds louder than I expected. Really amps up the noisewhen you step on it... it screams.... I wondered if stock exhaust is restricting it some or something? Sounds like way more sound up front than In back...

 

It appears the manifold is not sealed on the head.

 

double check the gasket on the bottom. I know for a fact having the same header that it is louder because there is no more pre-cat

 

It should be sealed, I cleaned 4he head well before bolting on the header and the gasket is in there, and I even sprayed copper gasket spray on gasket before installing it. The bolts are all torqued down. Even took apartthe flange again?and made sure the gasket is in there right.
I figured would be louder I guess.