Aftermarket UEL reliability?
 

Hi Guys, how long-term/OEM-reliable is an aftermarket CATLESS UEL?

I am just wondering if any of you have been running a catless UEL for at least 4 years, with no issues?

So far i've read issues may only be leaks that arise if one doesn't replace gaskets upon installation but im more curious about long-term effects. Any possible issues that may impact the rest of the exhaust system if running catless for years?
(1) heat?
(2) engine oil impact?
(3) degradation of adjoining exhaust components due to increased heat?
(4) faster gasket degredation due to going catless?

Though I dont track, just worried since we live in a hot tropical country.
(i have an OFT)

Thanks!

its a gamble with the budget offerings: whether they crack at the welds, or the block flanges are at wrong angle from factory not allowing for complete seal.

many people sing praises for the jdl, gruppe-s, plm, that are priced more middle market.

ive had a budget 'cnt' that have not had any problems with the unit for about 2.5 years.

i dont do much stop & go so id imagine oil temps are fine with continuous airflow at highway speeds, but i dont monitor it either. you can have powdercoat applied inside & outside of the pipes, but it may double the price of the unit itself.

best bang for buck mod you can make now that you have tuning solution.

I dont think you need to worry if you are just doing street driving.

however as you getting into track driving its a safe route to coat the header with thermal coating, hood louvers, and an oil cooler.

Get yourself a quality unit, which uses quality components, hardware, etc. Double check install, or have the install done by a reputable shop. Keep in mind, human error does exist, and issue can arise with any header. Don't be afraid to do a lot of research before pulling the trigger.
:popcorn:

Thank you! So far the JDL and Tomei seem to get the most quality comments but only from a visual point. Havent heard of even budget headers failing.

Thank you. My driving will be the exact opposite, stop and go!

The only thing I shy away from whenever possible regardless of who makes it and for what car are flex joints since I have seen them fail on numerous occasions. Otherwise you shouldn't have any issues long term.

If you use "OEM reliable" as a gauge (usually less than 2% individual parts failure), aftermarket fails anywhere from 5% to 20% of the time depending on the brand.

From a purely reliability perspective, expect aftermarket parts to be anywhere from 2x to 10x as likely to fail as your OEM manifold.

Part of this is how the rest of your exhaust is set up. Many people put on aftermarket exhaust systems or do not properly inspect/replace the bushings, and end up causing slight fitment or exhaust system movement that makes the entire system fail at the weakest point. Often this becomes the thinner aftermarket manifold, and the end user will blame the maker of that manifold when in actuality the blame can be traced to another part of the exhaust system.

Furthermore, your OEM manifold comes with the (minimum) 3 years/36k miles base warranty. Most aftermarket parts would be lucky to provide you with a 1 year warranty, if any at all.

FYI.

if ur in stop n go, you still arent likely to experience sustained high rpms in contrast to when you drive hard (track/ autocross)

do a bit of thumbing through the engine exhaust subsection. more relevant info to your original concern.

Thats for the estimates! Great stuff. What the the likely parts at risk if I do go aftermarket UEL? I am planning to leave the catback stock since most of the sound change I want should already come from the UEL.

Had UEL catless (openflash) for over 4 years running E85 most of the time


some track time. Hot climate in Australia


have adjusted radiator fan to come on earlier, no coating on header
about 60,000 km

I am not an engineer nor a risk analyst. If I were to guess, the first part to fail would be your new UEL headers since they are thinner wall construction.

Actual results may vary.

Do you have data to back those numbers up, because I can pull numbers from my colon as well.

Also OP, JDL offers a lifetime warranty on their products

I've had the OFH (V1) for over five years and 100,000 miles. No problems at all.

Sounds great.
Runs great.
I'm in Florida.