SMSP SS 4-2-1 Header Install

[rheakpl]

hi all,

for those of you who may know, I recently received my SMSP ss 4-2-1 header in the mail.
excited to get it working, i wanted to get it installed and get other misc things done on my car.

so just a couple of basic things i think one considering getting an smsp header should know:

1. there are different "prototypes" that dave from smsp makes/sells based on your application (ie from mild na to full out internals done in an na monster). so of course in my situation, i let dave know my current mod list and long term goals of going mild na.

2. smsp headers tend not to be "pretty" in the sense of chromed out/polished (though you can pay more to get certain pieces polished). though welds, design and fabrication are all of up most quality.

3. the smsp custom race header, is of course....a racing header! so expect run into a bit of fitment issues. in a nutshell, the installation would require you to remove the front mount (or shave as i unfortunately had to do) and lower/remove your crossmember. lots of aftermarket/custom headers will require the same. so again, you are expected to remove your from mount under the header and the crossmember for clearance. i actually had to remove my radiator and fan as well to clear..=/

crossmember before and after from my install...i actually made the mistake and forgot to suggest them lowering the crossmember with maybe nuts etc...so they instead kinda banged in the clearance so may just buy another later on.

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003543_kdssh/CIMG2316.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003543_kdssh) http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003546_ublmi/CIMG2319.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003546_ublmi)

4. extra materials will be needed since the header utilizes a donut joint in place of a flex pipe.
(dave claims that he has NEVER had an h22 header of his crack). so expect to pay for the specific header and the flared tubing connecting to the donut joint to be welded to your cat (or testpipe etc.) at minimum. get a longer piece of the flared tubing to save you some headache later.

pictured is the flared tubing and all the messed up piping another shop had put in lazily (2.5 collector->2.25 piping->2 piece of stock piping->2.5 cat->2.36 catback piping)

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003545_btthy/CIMG2318.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003545_btthy) http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003544_yxvjv/CIMG2317.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003544_yxvjv)

had it all replaced with a 2.5" piece of piping
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003552_odj4j/CIMG2325.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003552_odj4j)

out with the old
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003548_ubvyg/CIMG2321.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003548_ubvyg)

5. from my research, i have gathered that just installing the header will unlikely hurt the motor as long as you tune it soon afterward. so you just aren't getting your money worth if you dont tune to get all the power out of it...so i would just make a mental note about tuning when you get the header.

so thats basically what i have picked up, please correct me if i am wrong or missing something..

i was sure to have brake cleaner sprayed over the header before turning on the car. this will prevent any of the oil from everyones fingerprints from burning into the header. finished product:
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003556_gc5mr/CIMG2347.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003556_gc5mr) http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003557_z4pqj/CIMG2348.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003557_z4pqj)

here are some random install pics

on the lift getting header put in.
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003542_s9kq7/CIMG2315.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003542_s9kq7)
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003547_2bly2/CIMG2320.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003547_2bly2) http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003549_wical/CIMG2322.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003549_wical)

temporary chrome-y vc until i repaint mine =] (thanks e)
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003558_hhs8s/CIMG2349.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003558_hhs8s)

yes there is a hole because yay the pin came off the track, as it happens to me sometimes, but it actually fell apart and into the door panel...must get a replacement.
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003554_3la2r/CIMG2338.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003554_3la2r)

back at home...with a new windshield and the trim finally back on it..
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003555_scm16/CIMG2344.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003555_scm16)

also a sneak peak haha:

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003532_xgsij/CIMG2345.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003532_xgsij)
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003533_zxdbw/CIMG2346.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003533_zxdbw)
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003534_g27ih/CIMG2341.JPG (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1003534_g27ih)

[PsYc0]

Wow, i'm jealouse, not sure of what more, the way it lo0ks in your engine bay or your last few pics as a spoiler. lol . Lo0ks like the flange broke off right after the flex section. Whats up wtih the lil circle in the driver window? Beautiful FD there, wish i can get my hands on one at a reasonable price.

Be sure to post about how it feels before and after install. Would love to hear about personal opinion on the difference. Of course would love to know again after the tune.

[my4thgenlude]

OMG my two favorite cars...you're my idol, lol

[THE ONE]

and she's a girl.


Looks good yo!

[Prelude13]

Niceness...

They had to cut to make fit huh?
















off topic but im i'm allowed to b/c im a mod :biggrin:
...Jen call me or PM: you still going to the PA meet with the (us)3rd gen crew?

[rheakpl]

thanks thanks...yeups they had to shave etc to clear all...

yea brian i think right now i should be able to make it...going to try and bring a 5th gen-er too..pm/call me about where/when you are goin. thankss

[Qnz92Lude]

oooooohh shyt
yo jen im jealous your 4th gen looks amazing and wtf where did that rx7 come from i luv that model. i remember you seeling an older model but damn nice nice nice upgrade. cant wait to check it out in person ma. congratz!!!

[Si Speed]

So where'd you get the FD? Is that an R1 or what? Header looks good. Is that rust or reflection on the valve cover?!?!

[rich045]

hey jen now i know why it makes those noises, i see you dont have a flexpipe... you gotta get one.

o yea, i see a black 4th gen behind your car, i wonder whose car is that...

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1003533_zxdbw/CIMG2346.JPG