Open headers !!!

[SkylineDream9]

So I have a 98 'Maro with Flowmaster exhaust, CAI, no cat, and Pacesetter headers with no EGR connected (no codes thrown).
The headers blew out the cheapo paper gaskets that the kit came with so I threw on a set of new OEM GM gaskets. That made them quiet for a little while. Then I was the lucky son-of-a-gun that found a manhole cover sticking 4inches about the pavement when Penndot was tearing up the street. Well I didn't find it, my Y-pipe did. So now it's an oval and the header flanges are circle. Not to mention a big hole in it as well. I was just wondering if there are any disadvantages of running open headers for a while until I get a new pipe. It sounds very bad right now with the little leaks. I had it open headers for about 2 weeks before and it didnt sound half as bad as it does now.

Anyone know if this will hurt any part of the engine ?

[UDLOSE98]

Re: Open headers !!!

hmm, well the exhaust leak may cause you to throw a code from your rear O2 which may lead to running problems.

prolly not a big deal.

[BLLDOGG]

Re: Open headers !!!

with back flow of air, your 02s could not read correct leading to driveability concerns and worse, cold air making its way to your exhaust valve which could bend it.

[FireBird_Fr3ak]

Re: Open headers !!!

Where do you live? if it get cold there i dont suggest doing this.

[Smoke Panther]

Re: Open headers !!!

When running open headers, reletively cool air can creep up onto the red-hot heads, distorting them and thusly destroying them

[FloydSummerOf68]

Re: Open headers !!!

Smokepanther is right, do not do this you run big risks doing it.

[MrCoffee]

Re: Open headers !!!

open headers are extremely loud and annoying as well

[giiventofly]

Re: Open headers !!!

hahah.. don't you love penndot? they have the road to my house torn up so bad, i have to go like 2 mph over it or i'd loose the whole bottom of my car.

[lookout4theyeti]

Re: Open headers !!!

ohdot is the same... when they work on roads they always leave the manhole covers up about 3-4" before the last of the road is finished, and i always have to go around them or else my exhaust scrapes bad.... actually thats why i got my i-pipe replaced, it got dented so bad that it was almost like a restriction so i just had the shop put a new i pipe in for me when i had my hiflow cat put on... i hate the roads..