BigMikeATL

I have been thinking about replacing my exhaust header and catback, mainly for theatrical effect, though a few extra horses never hurts.

I'm just wondering if an aftermarket header is worth it when you consider that the stock header does such a great job of protecting everything in the engine bay from heat.

Are there any risks when running an aftermarket header with a stock cat?


Mike

BJP

iTrader: (2)

From what i've heard, it's not really worth it...but if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, go for it!

invasion08

iTrader: (7)

Racing Beat claims that their header produced a peak horsepower improvement of over 4 HP. There are no risks with running a header with the stock cat.

bse50

Yes but it would be useless to replace the headers before removing the real bottleneck

invasion08

iTrader: (7)

True, I would personally replace the stock cat with a high flow cat, since i want to stay emissions legal here in nj. I was just answering the question the OP asked

BigMikeATL

What about heat from the header? Anyone done any measurements?

The aftermarket ones I see are all stainless steel while the factory one is some sort of double steel tubing.

What's the best bang-for-the-buck high flow cat?

batangisip89

iTrader: (6)

RP Supercat its the best in price for what you get IMHO.

invasion08

iTrader: (7)

The oem exhaust manifold is made of cast iron. There is no need to worry about heat coming from the racing beat header. If it was a problem racing beat would have done something about it. They do a lot of testing before the final product goes into production.

tofu_box

headers wont give you peak hp, but they give you mid range gains in torque and hp.

Combined with tuning, (for a auto)

I saw a improvement at 140kmph from 52kwrw to near 88kwrw that was a 3rd gear pull.

You can see the dyno on the auto in my post there.

Mind you i got a hi flow cat put in at same time.

Regards
Jason

bumblebeerx8

iTrader: (7)

i run a header that i had ceramic coated. i cant say i see gains but i got some sound and cooler around the motor. if any gains are there its more mid range power. and like another said a good tune will help too