I purchased a 4 into 1 exhaust system and will be picking it up tomorrow. I would like to know if there's anything I should be weary of when I take off the stock headers?

For instance, iirc, the bolts snap easy and the gaskets come apart. Will I need to purchase new gaskets no matter what or can I re-use them and do they remain retained in the port or on the stock headers themselves?

 

What brand did you get? By the way how did you install the af gauge and o2 sensor?

 

Not sure the brand because the seller didn't list it. Maybe it'll be printed on them tomorrow when I pick them up.

...And I purchased an AUTO METER brand o2 sensor kit (sensor, bung, wiring, etc) and a real deal Air/Fuel gauge. I welded the sensor bung just before the point where a "midpipe" is connected onto the stock header (point where 4-2 become 1). Then wired the 3 wires for the o2 sensor (12v heater, ground, 0.1-0.9v signal) to the engine ground, gauge, accessory 12v lines. I have pics in my gallery of where I had made a bracket for the gauge while I had my stock cluster. Pics of the sensor as well.

 

Mine was pretty straightforward, no real issues. The gasket can be reused if it's in good shape, but that's a wear and tear thing, so you'll just have to look and see. If you want to do it "the right way," I'd replace that gasket since you're in there. My bike only had 9k on it when I did it, so the bolts came out easy, and the gasket was fine. Yours may be an entireley different story. The only thing I'd say is make sure you're not using a jack that puts pressure on the manifold, as that puts undue pressure on the bolts, and may cause them to snap.

 

So I got the stock headers off without any issue from the bolts/nuts/flanges. But with the same gaskets in there, I get leaks when the new 4-1 headers are on there.

Guess I gotta call the dealers tomorrow and hope they have the gaskets in stock...

If not, any site good with price and fast shipping? (checked eBay already [always first place I check])

 

These will work for you:

http://www.gdlcycles.com/asp1/modeta...ItemID=VX-1008

 

It's a miracle that the Honda POwer house deal actually had these f3 parts in stock (7 of them).

I just finished installing the 4 new gaskets and no more leak. They were about double the thickness of the old ones...

 

Were they the copper ones? The copper ones are a goofy shape, and you kindof moosh them into place with the bolt tension.

 

The link you showed me was of copper ones for sure but these weren't a copper color at all, but still likely copper. And yes, goofy shape- kind of rounded and akward.

 

Good, copper ones are the best. They don't look copper cuz they're coated in some sort of sealant so they function better as a gasket.