Tips after installing JDL catless headers
 

Just installed the headers with the black thermal coating myself today and it wasn’t too much of a pain in the ass like the spark plugs but i’m happy to say that’s another thing down on my mod list 😌. That one bolt on the overpipe next to the O2 sensor was a bitch to screw on tightly but it’s pretty much on there tight, the other bolt you can see maybe 3 threads that have passed through the bolt and the one close to the sensor you see maybe 2 threads..should i be worried? The header to overpipe connection is rock solid (with the gasket in the middle of course) and i checked every bolt that connects to the manifold 3-5 times before i put the skid plate back on. I read through forums and on here that after a good drive i should re torque all the screws (which i never used a torque wrench while installing tbh but i screwed them all on with a ratchet till i couldn’t possibly turn it more!) After installing and starting her up she was a bit louder than stock i just wish i made comparison videos to really tell the difference, also i got no CEL before tuning so that’s a good sign right? Later I tuned it with OFT to Stage 2+ and went up the street maybe 2 miles there and back. Not sure if that’s not much distance to hear the subie rumble but it’s drives better i definitely feel it, totally in love with it! (Completely unrelated: Would a catback open up the sound more? I have the Remark/FT86 Quad Exhaust with Burnt Tips and everything else on the exhaust is stock) also i live in Florida so i don’t have to worry about emissions :)

I would think the best way to avoid an exhaust leak would be to evenly tighten the nuts down using the same amount of force across them all. But I'm no mechanic. :D

Okay good i did that i’ll give it another look later this week to recheck everything is tight and secure

I'd get a torque wrench. Over tightening can pinch the gasket and cause leaks. Uneven tightening can cause leaks. Too little tightening can cause leaks.

And it takes surprisingly little torque for the header...

https://www.ft86club.com/forums/show...14&postcount=5

Noted! Would you know the torque specs for them?

Check Wally's link. It give you all the TQ specs.

Permatex copper works great as a gasket dressing if you want to make sure there are no leaks. I wouldn’t use any other product though.