WTF ? Second blown gasket on Kami header

[Holden]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size=2 face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><table border="0" width="90%" bgcolor="#333333" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0"><tr><td width="100%"><table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" bgcolor="#FF9900"><tr><td width="100%" bgcolor="#DDDDDD"><font size=2 face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by JRCivic:
...there is NO evidence that the Kazi performs any better than the DC. The truth is that they are really tit-for-tat.</font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>

Where was this opinion 5 months ago when I traded my stainless steel one piece RSR 4-2-1 for a Kami + $50?!?!?

Haven't folks gotten decent gains from Kami's at high boost level?

I figure mine is doing a little better than the RSR, since I was running essentially the same 1/4 mile times with the Kami and full exhaust as I was with the RSR and my exhaust cutout open (open header basically).

BTW, my Kami has a support bracket at the back of the block.

[SuperTeg]

Has anyone tried the copper gasket from Mr.Gasket? It appears to be of good quality. It's also pretty thick.

[bnfoster]

First post. I've monitored this board for a while but never thought I could really contribute until now.

Heed Jim's advice. Get rid of the Kami.

I tried different muffler shops, different gaskets (including the ultra thick aluminum), listened to different opinions, had the support bracket welded on, and had the bolts torqued so tight that ALL of them broke when they were removed. I suppose welding the sucker might work, though.

My new DC Sports 4-2-1 works just fine AND I can't smell it. If anybody wants a Kami for cheap...

Thanks to all for your questions, answers, insight, bitching and everything else that educates.

Special thanks to Motorvations Motorsports. When I had my oil changed, one of the guys said "This must be that GSR I heard about". Must be that Magic Pulley.

[Max Psi GSR]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size=2 face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><table border="0" width="90%" bgcolor="#333333" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0"><tr><td width="100%"><table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" bgcolor="#FF9900"><tr><td width="100%" bgcolor="#DDDDDD"><font size=2 face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 2kbill:
Hmmm. Wonder why mine doesn't blow out - it's been on for a year, used locknuts, metallic gasket, and fabbed a lower bracket.</font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>

I guess the bracket works.....i guess.

As for HOLDENS querry on "top end gains", yea i think i felt something in the 7,000 to redline range....not really a "range" in my opinion though. [img]confused.gif[/img]

I ended up GIVING my kamikaze away.........that is, after i used the downpipe to help break lose one of my axle nuts! Woooo Hooooo, a 219$ breaker bar!! LOL!

[Marc]

When I installed my DC header on the Honda I installed an aftermarket copper gasket. The nuts kept backing off. One day a nut backed off and blew the gasket. I replaced the gasket with an OEM gasket and reinstalled the nuts with loctite and lock washers. I NEVER had a problem again with nuts backing off or blowing gaskets.

[2kbill]

Hmmm. Wonder why mine doesn't blow out - it's been on for a year, used locknuts, metallic gasket, and fabbed a lower bracket.

[klintman]

kami = poop .

[JRCivic]

Greg,

I TRIED to tell you... apparently, you didn't get my "hint".
Just to clarify: I am not suggesting that some cars may not get some HP gains from the addition of a KAZI header. On the contrary, I have seen a few ponies gained in the upper rpm range on cars with "marginal" tunes...
However, I have NOT seen any KAZI headered GSR/Si/R cars that make more HP than a DC 4-2-1 in an excellent state of tune.

[-TJ]

comparing apples and oranges....the Kami works well on my D16A6. I too blew out 2 paper gaskets before switching to a copper unit - I believe it was a Mororso, picked up at the local V8 speed shop. Knock on wood, I haven't had any problems yet.
Also, to keep stresses off of that junction, it's a must to weld on the OE bracket which subsequently bolts to the bellhousing area of the block/tranny. I also welded on the vertical rear support at the collector.
Foolish to think that all the weight of your exhaust system is not going to flex the upper/lower junction of any header (unless it's a trailer queen/show car). I can't believe Kami doesn't have the brackets welded on already.

As for it's performance, sounds like the Kami doesn't favor the B series motors...