valloton

Hi guys,

I just bought an OBX header from ebay last week. As soon as the item is delivered, I ask the nearest muffler shop to install it for me. Now, I am having a problem because they told me that the header wouldn't fit into my engine because the hole pattern is different. Here is the link for the item: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ht_1355wt_1165
All the item descriptions is right, and it is made for my car. I have C230 '05 kompressor with M271 engine type. Anybody having same issue as mine here? I just contact the seller asking about the wrong item they shipped, but I still didn't get any answer from them. Any helps?

phister

obx headers usually need a bit of modifying to get it to fit.

valloton

Really? Does yours need some modification to get it fits into your engine? The muffler shop told me that there is no other way to modify it because it wont close the header correctly..

Here is the valid link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MB-W2...ht_1355wt_1165

thanks,

valloton

http://www.tuningdepot.com/ebay/images/H11574b.JPG
I think those hole patterns do not fit into my engine, it should be little bit more sloping instead straight up like that.

kimito

What is the difference between this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCE...#ht_1482wt_962

and this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MB-W2...#ht_1335wt_962

???

Underneath says it for our models both...

Glyn M Ruck

Please note that the M271 engine had two different exhaust set ups over the years - just to confuse the matter.

kimito

which two conf Glyn?

Glyn M Ruck

Here: I have no idea which VINs were involved. The M111 also had two configurations during it's life. This might not be the issue the OP is facing. I just thought I should mention it.

valloton

Yea that was very confusing because the seller didn't specifically mention which one for which car..And it's pain in the *** to wait the answer from them coz they don't have a telephone number to contact..

kimito

Glyn those are the 2 configs you meant? In my case I think its the first one. but both are very similar so I'm still not sure.
Valloton I would have a close look at your header and see. However the dealer should tell you the specify one for you because watching the pics is impossible to know. Maybe I'm a bit short of mind but they seem to be the same pic. However lets see if this is solve.

valloton

So here I attach some pictures of the new header with new gasket on it. The package didn't come with a new gasket. I need to buy it separately.
If you see my red arrows, it's where I have the problem right now. The last two tubes didn't fir properly to the gasket where it suppose to be.
And another thing is all the tubes (the green arrows) also don't fit properly to the gasket.
I don't know if it's the mistakes when they welded it or this header is made for a different type of engine..

Glyn M Ruck

That is distortion in manufacturing. Heat & realign or return. That is badly made.

kimito

has anyone bought this header before?

johnand

+1. Pretty typical from OBX products. They usually need some tweaking to fit properly in most of the installs I have done and seen.

Glyn M Ruck

Sorry John - I know nothing about OBX products.

johnand

No apologies needed. You are absolutely right it is distortion from manufacturing, and it is poorly made. OBX is a knockoff manufacturer. They copy the design of major manufacturers and manufacture that copy in a high volume low quality control manufacture house, and sell them for a tiny fraction of the real thing. So, they usually require some tweaking to fit correctly. I have installed many of their products in the past on friends vehicles. I don't particularly like the ethics of the company, but frankly they are hugely popular in the US, since they are cheap, and the vast majority of Americans want to get the best deal (cheapest), on everything they buy. Since they are a copy of the real thing, they usually work just as well once you get them installed correctly.

Glyn M Ruck

OK - so I'm not being nasty. Good!

tommy

I'm not sure you'd want to be validating such a company with your money, though.

I would never want headers with that margin of error installed in my car.

Do they have any QC issues with any of the other parts of their headers, John?

valloton

So do you think its better to get it realign? Because I have been trying to reach the seller from eBay but no respond at all. What do you think of my case? Is it possible to reposition those two tubes by heating that parts and make it line up with the gasket?

valloton

Just to let you guys know, it's very hard to contact the seller on eBay. I tried to call them like 4 times in one day, and none answered. This seems to be ridiculous. I would never buy from this seller again if I know they have a bad communication. Seems like all OBX parts are being sold only on eBay..

johnand

I am on the EXACT same page as you Tommy, that is why I should have highlighted FRIENDS in my post. I have never had any of their products on my vehicles, and doubt I ever will.

Yes, occasionally they have other QC issues as well. I have seen welds crack, flanges warp, and tubes rust on these. The stainless they use is almost always thinner wall, and is always of much lower quality. But, since they can be had for as low as ~15-20% the price as the real thing, I can see their appeal if you are willing to deal with some issues.

johnand

Yes, I have successfully heated and realigned these to fit on other vehicles. In my experience OBX customer service is non-existent. Either heat and realign, try to get the seller to exchange or refund, or buy the genuine article.

ncmudbug

Thanks for your insight John. I was considering getting a set for my '05 C230K. I guess the real question is why do you want them (are you satisfied with just a cool look?) and if they provide a benefit over the stock exhaust. They are SO much cheaper than the Kleeman that they may make sense (though you have to include the cost and hassle of getting them to fit properly).

As for their business practices, I haven't heard of a reason to be down on them (but then I've never dealt with them). They sell a cut rate product (hopefully it is "good enough") at a cut rate price. At their prices, I wouldn't expect sales or tech. support from the manufacturer. However, the individual who sold it to you should be responsive to your questions. I would think he should at least tell you that the price doesn't include after sales service and if you're not satisfied to send them back for a refund, but preferably he might provide some tips on getting them to fit better.

Just my 2 cents.

infected

By the time you manage to get these to fit correctly you may as well get the real thing.

ncmudbug

That's an option. Kleeman claims "20-25 HP and TQ" from their headers and they surely would fit better - at $1245 plus shipping.

I'm not arguing for either one, just making the comparison.