Installed Delkevic Headers

hey guys
just wanted to comment on my Delkevic header install that I completed last night. While I was there, I went ahead and removed the rusty center-stand too. I was happily surprised with how easy the install was and how well everything fit. I had read people complain about questionable quality or fit-and-finish, but mine went on without a hitch and looks and sounds great. In addition, I my SOTP meter tells me the bike is making more power...now this could be from replacing the worn-out plugs, or the clogged air filter, or the oil change, or the new clutch, but man the stock pipes were rusty and corroded and the header bolts were barely finger tight, so I'm gonna say that had something to do with the presumed power increase as well.

To anyone considering the job, jump on in because it was not at all challenging.

 

I am assuming probability of your bike being 1986-2008 is almost 100%
It would of been better thread if you stated Year model.Few pics of install and the product itself.

 

It's a 98. Thanks for the ever so tactful suggestion that I include more information. Once I figure out how to load pics, and upload the pics to my computer, I'll add some nice shots.

 

Looks good! If it really is that simple, I may have a nice winter weekend project.

Is that CAT-less header, how much $$$, and where did you get it?

 

They are $279 on feebay.

 

I been looking at these on Ebay for a little while. I have a 2002 VFR and concerned about removing the cats. Would this help with performance or make things worse, or do I have to pick up a PC 3? I am not looking for more power but trying to get the weight off this girl... lol

 

sorry I can't comment on emissions/cats for this application since my 98 did not come with cats. The headers did come with 2 bungs already installed so you can pop your 02 sensors right in there. In my case, I need caps to cover those but, for now, until I get an aftermarket silencer, I actually like the sound of the 2 bungs left open as it definitely announces my presence...I would buy these again in a heartbeat! Again, it may be that I'm just used to automotive headers being a total PITA, but these things went on so easily and with 0 alignment issues. I had read some say that they had difficulty with things lining up, so maybe I just got lucky, but I just made sure to get the rear header pipes on and attached to the downpipes first, meanwhile I had the front headers lined up. Once I got the rear bolts started, I went ahead and got the fronts started. Then I lined everything up and tightened from there. I had 0 issues, 0 leaks and 0 problems with interference.

On a side-note: I rode around yesterday fairing-less and it's amazing how much cooler the bike stays with the fairings removed! I never saw over 190 even sitting in traffic

 

Could you comment on if the Delkevic header you installed has a catalytic converter in it?

 

I've not seen a set of Delkevic's that have the catalytic converter. It is the main reason for changing the headers out to begin with.

 

Those look great! Did you have to remove anything other than the fairings to install them?

 

I did the Delkevics a while back on my 07. It was the 98 - 01 model headers but bolted up to my gen 6 no problem. The headers are catless, came with down pipes (the Gen 3 Delkevics do NOT) and have O2 sensor bungs welded into them. Also, I think this is different than earlier headers, it had a center stand stop welded on so I could keep the center stand. I ended up taking the centerstand off for the install, made it significantly easier.

I think the fitment issue may be related to torquing the header/junction bolts. I initially tightened all the bolts onto the heads prior to the junction and the fit just didn't go well. Bought another set of copper gaskets and went "round robin" on all bolts watching the alignment, all looks and fits fine.

Quality of the headers is overall acceptable, not outstanding, but about right for the price. I've had stainless Delkevics on my ZX7 and had no major problems. and so far my 93 and 07 VFR Delkevics - no problem.

 

I'm thinking about these down the road, possibly next year.

Do you think they would be easy enough to put exhaust wrap on them? I'm thinking that if I could help keep temps in the fairings down as much as possible, it might help during the summer.

 

2 quick questions:
1. Do the rear header pipes come with a gasket to join with the rest of the system ? Or (re)use Honda gaskets ?
2. Can the center stand be reinstalled with these headers ?

TIA,
Scott

 

nice looking pipes - were these the stainless ones ?

 

i think a lot of your ease of installation and lack of issues has to do with your removal of the center stand. that is where i ran into issues installing my motad header. i had to trim back on the center stand to get everything fitted and still retain full range of motion of the center stand.