cracked 355 manifold

Problems like this once again show the need to make sure ALL components of the engine are working as they should, along with PROPER cam timing. That matter right there can't be overemphasized. And to anyone that has had a failer header, I highly recommend a leakdown test and testing of the injectors, as I've seen cylinder liner wear issues in every instance of a failed header that had been driven any length of time.

 

It looks like those failed where the factory tubing was left intact. I wonder if QV replaces more of the original tubing now or if this is just a fluke.

 

"Randy....As soon as you get the Fabspeed headers installed on the car please take some pictures and post. It was a pleasure working with you, and I am sure you will be very happy once you get them installed and take the car out for a spin!"

Jeremy.... I will certainly post the pictures! The pleasure was mutual : ) Excellent service and a beautiful product.

 

Just a couple more pictures of the failure.
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I know all of your guys and don't want to anger anyone but it has to be said: this is a pathetic "repair".

I didn't get these from Ricambi (prior to them becoming a dealer) and the reason that I didn't get aftermarket headers was that none were available that were suitable for a street driven car (manifolds with heat shielding were not available and the dealer recommended not getting the uninsultated model). Now they are readily available and are a true no-brainer.

I sent these headers to QV because I was planning on keeping the car forever and thats how long I wanted the headers to last. All over QV's site they stress how inadequate the stock tubing is, if this is the case why wasn't the tubing replaced completely?

RE: questions on the cars state of tune, it had intact factory catalysts that were perfect. I think that this is evidence that the car is tuned well.

Had I known that this is what would be done to "repair" the stock header the plan would have changed to Tubi with ceramic coating and lots of heat shields.

Looking forward to video of the car with the new headers and the factory challenge muffler.

 

The main problem that nobody seems to address is the heat shielding. These cars run hot, and yes, its partially due to the exhaust system, but the heat shielding traps so much in and causes the tubing to fail prematurely. Im sure if guys ran the QV manifolds without the stock shielding they would last much longer, and thats why the Fabspeeds last longer.

 

Yes, Daniel, that sounds fair. However, I am wondering if QV does offer any warranty past the 2-year replacement you are generously offering.

I did replace the OEM cats with Hyper-Flows at the same time as the 30k service along with a new exhaust. I've put 2500 miles on the car since then and haven't had any CELs. Hope it stays that way!

 

I'm sorry for the situation you are in, but none of this looks right to me.

I have just had my manifolds done by JP Exhausts (who I believe do the job for QV) and they replaced all my pipes from the ports to the collectors.

How do I know this for sure?

They sent my old pipes back.

 

John, I couldn't agree with you more! Something just wasn't right with the way the headers were redone. When I was communicating with QV about the headers, they did admit that the set had been outsourced to another company. It may or may not have been JP Exhausts. I'm glad your experience with the rebuild was a good one (and I hope they last a looong time!).

 

I got my headers back from Swain Tech on Thursday so I thought I would post a couple of pictures. I intend to leave them flat white in deference to the Ferrari 312 series of racers. The first group of pictures shows the Swain Tech coating. Notice the texture. The last few were made after I put a couple of coats of high temp header paint over the ceramic coating.
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Nice! Swaintech is fantastic. This makes a great looking set of headers!

 

My car might be the one enginefixer is talking about. My QV headers failed and ended up rebuilding the engine-- wear of the cylinder liners on several cylinders

 

Ferrari should have recalled this in the 90's. I have never seen this type of junk on any car, much less an F-Car. Pretty much all american cars have stainless manifolds/headers and never, I repeat, never fail in the life of the car. So much for a hand built car. Pretty alarming.