Is it Dangerous driving like that ?

[barrabas]

Long time ago I've bought from the junk yard a header 4-2-1 from another honda. Everyting was fine until I tried to replace the O2 sensor. To shorten the story, I have to go to the auto parts to buy another wrench (19' or 20').
My problem is that I don't want to put everything back only to go to the auto parts store and come back and I don't know if it's dangerous to drive without the whole pipe attached. I mean if it can overheat any part that was not supposed to get the heat from the exhaust, you feel me?

[deevergote]

You'll be really loud, and probably run like crap, but it won't hurt anything. Cops won't like it though.

What is the wrench for? If you're removing the o2 sensor, get the proper tool to do so, or you're going to have a hard time of it.

[mayberry]

22mm or 7/8" is the proper size wrench for an 02 sensor, but they do make the line wrench style tool so you can be sure it won't strip out.

and no, an open downpipe won't catch anything on fire. lol

[Losiracer2]

go to checker or autozone, they'll loan you the tool for a fee charged on your CC, and then when you return the tools, they'll refund the fee. So the renting is basically FREE.

[deevergote]

You will spray your engine bay with soot, though... especially if the o2 sensor is bad or not hooked up. Don't plan on driving very far, unless you like the blackened engine bay look.

[92Inspire]

so all you have is the header on or no header at all. if you have the header on you should be good, your oil might get a little warm but you should be ok. if you have nothing on there i wouldnt suggest that. no back pressure, very very loud.

[benji]

Why not just put your downpipe back on? It's only a couple of minutes of work.

[MadSpleen85]

You will spray your engine bay with soot, though... especially if the o2 sensor is bad or not hooked up. Don't plan on driving very far, unless you like the blackened engine bay look.

That's what I was thinking. Just because you can't always see your exhaust doesn't mean that it is clear once it hits a painted surface, or bare metal.

Some jurisdictions have requirements for exhaust systems, some require at least a catalytic converter, others require a complete system with a muffler. No matter where your exhaust dumps, if there are sections of the exhaust system missing you are obviously going to be loud and attract unwanted Police attention.

[angus67]

that would sound freakin' sweet! just drive at a high rpm, and let 'er wail like a little bitch!! sound like a rabid indy car! video it so we can hear it.
if you have a ex, the oil cooler will take care of the heat. I had a fiero once, and the exhaust ran under the oil pan, rumor was the exhaust would bake the oil inside, but I didnt have it long enuf to find out. im suprised honda didnt put a heat sheild between the pan, and pipe.

[barrabas]

go to checker or autozone, they'll loan you the tool for a fee charged on your CC, and then when you return the tools, they'll refund the fee. So the renting is basically FREE.

Well Reminded ! Thanks !!!

[barrabas]

that would sound freakin' sweet! just drive at a high rpm, and let 'er wail like a little bitch!! sound like a rabid indy car! video it so we can hear it.
if you have a ex, the oil cooler will take care of the heat. I had a fiero once, and the exhaust ran under the oil pan, rumor was the exhaust would bake the oil inside, but I didnt have it long enuf to find out. im suprised honda didnt put a heat sheild between the pan, and pipe.

Yeah ! I have to agree, that thought pass thru my mind. I will do some video tomorrow. I am going to the auto-parts like that. I have the header and the down pipe already conected I just need to place the old O2 back so it doesn't shoot soot up to the engine bay. My main problem is that the pipe need to be cut and adaptated to the resonator. That is the main reason I have to go to the auto parts store.

[angus67]

soooo.. just wondering.. dosnt a good running engine not blow soot? if its blowwing enuf soot to cover stuff just running to the partshouse, isnt something wrong? i have a 67 fairlane with glasspacks onthe end of the headers, and thatsa it . no tail pipes. the cars a little sooty under it, but i think its acceptable. its carborated. so i expect alittle soot. fuel injected computer controled cars should run alot cleanner, right?

[JDM_Certified]

you'll be really loud and waste alot of gas fast.

[barrabas]

Look how it runs

I made a video on how it is running now. Today I am going to fix it. but it was funny how many people got scared when I step on the gas. Only exhaust and down pipe on the street make people jumpy hehe !
Check it out !

http://www.youtube.com/v/5r-PygORlq8

[foamypirate]

im suprised honda didnt put a heat sheild between the pan, and pipe.

They essentially did...The piping is dual wall, so it acts as a heat shield. It is constructed the exact same way as the manifold heatshield, just in tubular form.