New header install? Should I...?
 

I received my MSDS ceramic coated header last week. I'm planning on having it installed this weekend but i'm having second thoughts. I have a couple of small leaks and am concerned about oil getting on the snow white colered header. Is the header gonna turn black anyway? Am I worrying about this for nothing?
I plan on having the seal replaced ASAP but the funds aren't there right now. To replace the rear seal (and clutch while they're in there) will cost me $900 (13.5 hrs).
Should I go ahead and have the header installed or wait on fixing the leaks first?

Thanks,

Steve (1989 944na)

Congrats on the new header - but a couple of thoughts.

The rear balance shaft seal is notorious for leaking (thankfully, it is a very slow leak) Heat tends to aggrivate the problem. According to my mechanic, aftermarket headers tend to aggrivate the problem further, as the pipes tend to be closer to the shaft cover than the stock header - with the end result of even a new seal job leaking in a few months time.

His suggestions:

Aftermarket pipes, but use a stock header - with some sort of heat shielding recommended

Aftermarket header, with heat shielding strongly recommended

Live with a small oil leak

my 2¢

AFJuvat