CEL from headers

[11]

So I plan on installing headers and getting rid of the secondary cats as well. Does anyone know of cheap tune that will get rid of the CEL. I run 87 octane and I don't care about any other fueling, timing, adjustments etc I just want to get rid of the CEL.

[xshadowspy]

Originally Posted by mconrad1776

So I plan on installing headers and getting rid of the secondary cats as well. Does anyone know of cheap tune that will get rid of the CEL. I run 87 octane and I don't care about any other fueling, timing, adjustments etc I just want to get rid of the CEL.

Well first off why are you using 87 lol I'm pretty sure in the long run its not going to be good. Also second I'm sure you're looking for more power since you want headers and 87 is going to limit you on that. But as for your question about a cheap tune I don't think so you could always try a code reader and delete the codes but I'm pretty sure it'll come back not sure though.

[Rmtt]

You are going to have to get a tune...or just live with it. And as cheap as gas is right now....I would run the highest rating you have available. Here we have 93.

If you get a tune, look at StageFP. Bob is the best around. Also let him know the highest octane you will be running.

And in my opinion...I would leave the secondaries. That's what I did. There isn't a lot of power that comes from removing them, and you will also get more of a smell in your car.

At the least....install the headers and leave the secondaries. I have heard of some people doing this without a tune and not getting a CEL....but it's rare.

You will need to install the o2 sensors into your aftermarket headers anyway.

And without a tune to tie it all together, you are leaving at least 1/2 of your gains on the table.

[11]

I use 87 because one or two more horsepower isn't worth the extra cost. I didn't buy the headers for power, I just like the sound.

[Rmtt]

Originally Posted by mconrad1776

I use 87 because one or two more horsepower isn't worth the extra cost. I didn't buy the headers for power, I just like the sound.

In that case....you could have got a catback system that wouldn't trigger a CEL, and would be a lot easier to install. Ask me how I know?

I've got a friend with a stock 328i with headers, stock secondaries, and stock muffler....and it is hardly noticble. My car stock with a muffler delete sounded more aggressive than his.

Now I have headers, stock secondaries, and a Magnaflow catback exhaust. Sounds perfect IMO.

[519.E82]

Cheapest option if you dont car about all the benefits of an actual tune or running the proper recommended fuels would be a simple piece of black tape over the light.

[xshadowspy]

Originally Posted by 519.E82

Cheapest option if you dont car about all the benefits of an actual tune or running the proper recommended fuels would be a simple piece of black tape over the light.

Lmaooo bruh 😂

[b1aze]

Originally Posted by mconrad1776

I didn't buy the headers for power, I just like the sound.

The sound of you being able to say you have headers or the sound of the exhaust?

[desertman123]

You definitely want a tune, it won't idle correctly.

[11]

Thanks for the help guys

[///Makis]

Originally Posted by mconrad1776

I use 87 because one or two more horsepower isn't worth the extra cost. I didn't buy the headers for power, I just like the sound.

I don't think you understand what octane is mate.

It doesn't mean a higher number = more power.

In face diesel has a lower octane than 87 (probably high 70s)

And in fact methanol which has a higher octane than 93 (about 110) has a lower calorific value than gasoline and diesel.

Octane is two things. One it is a type of hydrogen carbon that is very stable at high pressure and temperatures (resistant to combustion, unlike heptane). Because of this it sort of became a unit of measurement whereas people now refer to the fuel someone uses as octane (in England they say RON or running octane number). It has literally nothing to do with power, it is a measurement of stability under pressure and temperature.


Your car on the gas cap says minimum 89 octane.


I admit most cars run rich from Factory so you can probably get away with running 87 but you're playing with fire. All you need is one bad batch of gas to have your engine start knocking and it get destroyed.



But you are not making more horsepower from higher octane. Anyone who says that simply does not understand how octane or engines work full stop.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by mconrad1776

I use 87 because one or two more horsepower isn't worth the extra cost. I didn't buy the headers for power, I just like the sound.

Uhhhhhh...what?