I will no longer recommend Hotshot Headers
07-03-2004, 03:54 PM
#1
I will no longer recommend Hotshot Headers
Until they solve these stupid fitment issues and the new issues they just created.
I installed a set of Hotshot headers on a car last night and everything went smoothly until I tried to put the rear header on. For some retarded reason Hotshot has decided to extend the length of the #5 runner and now it smashes into the steering rack heat shield and the steering rack mount flange behind it. this is the fifth header install I have done and the third Hotshot install. None of the others had this problem. Why Hotshot decided to take a set of headers that already fit badly and make them worse is beyond me. So until they address this issue and the rest of my gripe list I will no longer recommend that anyone buy them. And on top of that I will start charging more to install Hotshot headers vs. Cattman headers because of the added aggravation.
I installed a set of Hotshot headers on a car last night and everything went smoothly until I tried to put the rear header on. For some retarded reason Hotshot has decided to extend the length of the #5 runner and now it smashes into the steering rack heat shield and the steering rack mount flange behind it. this is the fifth header install I have done and the third Hotshot install. None of the others had this problem. Why Hotshot decided to take a set of headers that already fit badly and make them worse is beyond me. So until they address this issue and the rest of my gripe list I will no longer recommend that anyone buy them. And on top of that I will start charging more to install Hotshot headers vs. Cattman headers because of the added aggravation.
07-03-2004, 04:07 PM
#2
1. Fix the new rear header clearance issue
2. Use a thicker 2 bolt flange to the catalyst. The thin one they use now warps and leaks.
3. Relocate the bank2 O2 sensor bung for multiple clearance issues. The oem wire is too short for proper installation and it can be set on it's mounting clip. The current O2 location interferes with the AC compressor line on VQ35 cars. And it hits the compressor on VQ30 cars.
4. This is not a domestic car, supply metric bolts with the kit instead of SAE crap.
2. Use a thicker 2 bolt flange to the catalyst. The thin one they use now warps and leaks.
3. Relocate the bank2 O2 sensor bung for multiple clearance issues. The oem wire is too short for proper installation and it can be set on it's mounting clip. The current O2 location interferes with the AC compressor line on VQ35 cars. And it hits the compressor on VQ30 cars.
4. This is not a domestic car, supply metric bolts with the kit instead of SAE crap.
07-03-2004, 04:08 PM
#3
5. Rotate the bank2 three bolt flange 30ş clockwise so that it's orientation matches that of the stock setup. This is will provide much easier access to all three bolts and there is plenty of room to do so.
6. Rotate the bank1 three bolt flange 15ş counterclockwise for bolt access issues.
7. Stop oversizing the head flange holes for fitment adjustments. If the Y pipe does not fit right it should be fixed. You shouldn't band aid something else to cover up a bad design or bad production.
8. Provide head stud shims for fastener clearance. Often times the OE nuts interfere with the primary tube welds.
6. Rotate the bank1 three bolt flange 15ş counterclockwise for bolt access issues.
7. Stop oversizing the head flange holes for fitment adjustments. If the Y pipe does not fit right it should be fixed. You shouldn't band aid something else to cover up a bad design or bad production.
8. Provide head stud shims for fastener clearance. Often times the OE nuts interfere with the primary tube welds.
07-03-2004, 07:13 PM
#7
Originally Posted by MannyNJ2k2max
these headers are less than $600 after all......
The guy had to bring his car back to me today because it was vibrating terribly. I had to remove the rear header, the rack heat shield and then grind the steering rack mount flange to create enough clearance. This is unacceptable for a set of headers that were designed for this car.
07-03-2004, 07:45 PM
#8
Same problem
Well, i had a few problems also, forst off the rear header didn't match up with the Y Pipe so the place I was having them installed actually had to cut the Y Pipe to make the connection with the header. Also the rear header was to tight of a fit, its right nect to te firewall. I wrote both SWA and Hotshot to see what they can do for me. I would really like a new Y Pipe and rear header that fits without the vibrations. I wonder how much luck I will have with them.
07-03-2004, 08:41 PM
#11
Originally Posted by MikeD95SE
SR20, What is your opinion on the Cattman headers?
Thanks,
Mike
Thanks,
Mike
07-04-2004, 08:18 AM
#16
Originally Posted by harmbone2k2
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PRY THE AFT HEAT SHIELD AWAY FROM THE AFT HEADER. a SCREWDRIVER WILL DO IT...NO GRINDING OR HEADER REMOVAL REQUIRED FOR THIS VIBRATION PROBLEM
Excuse me? Were you there? Did YOU see the exact set of headers I installed the other night?
07-04-2004, 08:19 AM
#17
Originally Posted by mjg
i got my HS headers in may, i don't think they had any of these problems. Perhaps this happened very recently?
07-04-2004, 10:04 AM
#19
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,281
Originally Posted by PearlWhtMaX2000
SR20DEN, you or someone should contact HOTSHOT, and tell them about these issues.
Does anyone know if the 350Z or alti guys are having the same problems?
07-04-2004, 10:34 AM
#20
Dammit...I was very close to buying these too. This was a mod I had planned for the month of July!!! They have to fit very well b/c I'll be doing the install myself (w/some help of course) since I do all my own work. 
07-04-2004, 12:15 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,554
i had the banging, but jeff bent the heat shield and it went away. Honestly, i really like them, and don't notice (not awere of the problems) I guess down the line if it falls apart, i'll let you guys know if i'm dissastisfied.
As far as cattman being worth it, from my talks with bryan, i'm sure as hell they are, but i ordered the hotshots already, and well it was a touch cheaper. I suppose you pay for what you get?
Anyways, i hope people aren't all discouraged, i think you should email hotshot and let them know how ****ed you are. They can then get to work on fixing it.
As far as cattman being worth it, from my talks with bryan, i'm sure as hell they are, but i ordered the hotshots already, and well it was a touch cheaper. I suppose you pay for what you get?
Anyways, i hope people aren't all discouraged, i think you should email hotshot and let them know how ****ed you are. They can then get to work on fixing it.
07-04-2004, 01:10 PM
#24
Originally Posted by harmbone2k2
I WAS JUST STATING THE FIX TO THE VIBRATION PROBLEM DUE TO THE HEAT SHIELD like MJG and I had. Sorry that your headers are f@#ked up.
Go get em Steve!! 
07-04-2004, 02:15 PM
#26
Thanks
Thanks Steve, Its a good feeling to know that someone you buy something from will go to bat for you and try their best to help out with a situation. I just hope HotShot see's it the sameway you do. I would love the opportunity to have the right Rear Headers and Y Pipe on my Maxima. Having the rear header against the firewall kinda scares me.
Appreciate the Help Steve.
Appreciate the Help Steve.
Originally Posted by Y2KSESteve
I'll talk to HotShot about this on Tuesday and see what they have to say.. 
07-04-2004, 02:21 PM
#27
Originally Posted by VQPowerSE
I'm thinking we should voice out to SWA and have them relay this issue back to HS. The last thing we all need is more fitment issues with vibrations, SE codes, etc.
Does anyone know if the 350Z or alti guys are having the same problems?
Does anyone know if the 350Z or alti guys are having the same problems?
07-05-2004, 04:45 AM
#30
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 424
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PRY THE AFT HEAT SHIELD AWAY FROM THE AFT HEADER. a SCREWDRIVER WILL DO IT...NO GRINDING OR HEADER REMOVAL REQUIRED FOR THIS VIBRATION PROBLEM
harmbone2k2 they where not just touching the shield they were touching a bracket that holds the steering rack on. trust me he tried to pry it back and it was not happening. I would thank you to not call any thing on my car crap or insult the peson who installed them. Do not question him on this he is telling you the problem because he was there and he fixed them he is being nice and leting people know the issues. He went the extra mile to make sure my headers fit right and didnt vibrate. He did not ask you opinoin this is about facts. Not your Dime Store Doctor Diagnosis on a problem you when not there to see. Oh yea thanks again Matt.
07-05-2004, 08:22 AM
#32
Originally Posted by maxGTRvq35de
Not your Dime Store Doctor Diagnosis on a problem you when not there to see.
I think Hotshot is going to be contacted tomorrow and perhaps some sort of action will be taken by them.
07-05-2004, 08:41 AM
#35
well i didn't call anything on your car crap...i just said sorry that your headers were f@#$ed up(meaning the install)...i installed mine and i know what problems they brought me it was no cake walk by any means
07-06-2004, 08:25 AM
#40
Wild at Hurt
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 580
Originally Posted by ighettoboyi
lol great... what are the issues with cattman? are they any good?
They have their own set of smaller issues to deal with but overall they fit much better than the HS and are less prone to leakage at the cat because of the extra thick flange. I am happy with mine. If you put them on a 2k2 you'll have to get a EGR plug and extend the bank2 primary O2 sensor wire.
Actually I dont know why Brian cant just move the 02 bungs around for the 5.5 gen. Somebody may have thought that the gaskets werent the greatest, I could have this wrong.