Front tire rubbing on header of my 2004 FE550

So here is the next installment of the tire rubbing saga,

I got the retro header for my 04 550 and it wouldn't fit. It would not allow the left side header to be installed, and when installed by itself was in a bind when the collector was bolted down.

I ended up taking in back to my dealer ( Eric's in Pasadena) and he made one cut at a previous weld, re-fitted and welded it, and wala, it fit. I have been running the michelen tires to keep the tire from rubbing, I'll wear those out and try my tires of choice (Pirrelli MT 18's) next time and see if they clear, it looks like they will.

I happened to look on the hold down plate of these header pieces and stamped on the back side of the new one it said 550 R. I looked on the old ones and they say 501 L & 501 R. So maybe, if both 550 R & 550 L pieces were tried together they would fit without modification.

Hi Jmumme,

Yes! You need to re seal the exhaust connections at the head and the collector. I use a product made by a company called "Three Bond". They make different sealers, but, the one I use is 1211. It's much more liquid than most silicone sealers, and is very expensive $18 a tube. This is THE stuff. It stays flexible on most applications, and will not disintegrate on exhaust applications like othe high heat silicone's.

Three bond also makes the less expensive silicone sealers too. I think it's 1204 and is priced competitively with the other makes.

Glad to hear that you had no issues getting yours on.

Sorry for the long delay..........

Yes it is perfect for sealing what I call the rocker box. A little goes along ways, and I have never had any leakage problems when I use it.