Hi guys, i have read lots of threads that inform of the great build quality but also the little power gain this Header offers. I am currently in the middle of a motor swap and have the opportunity to buy one from a local seller for a reasonable price. Has anyone here ran them that can give personal experience? I am currently running the racing beat muffler and mid-pipe and feel this would be the finishing touch for sound and mild performance gain. I already like how the car sounds with running the setup along my AEM CAI. I think the header would just make it sound that much nicer.

 

It wont make really much of any noticeable difference. Due to variables in engine health and performance, you could basically argue the only way to measure the power difference between OEM and aftermarket headers on our cars is under very controlled conditions. You'd never tell the difference in a real world environment, were talking single digit power numbers.

The OEM header by design does cut some exhaust noise down, so going aftermarket one of the first things you may notice is a distinct increase in sound from the firewall area, and to some it can sound quite tinny, raspy, or harsh. Others may not notice much difference or enjoy the sound difference.

I have run OEM, ebay-china, Racing Beat, Garageline, and now turbo manifolds.

IMO, the OEM header is a solid choice. I wouldn't bother installing a header on a motor still in a car. If you got a header and want to install it while the motor is out then why not. All that changed was the weight of my wallet, and a little more noise on the opposite side of the firewall that wasn't as noticeable as intake or other exhaust mods. Looks pretty, you never see it unless youre under the car.

Did I mention you lose the OEM heat shields that help keeps heat out of the engine bay. 5/10 mod IMO.

 

Thank Ricky for the input; it's greatly appreciated. That is the case; the car is in the process of having the blown motor replaced with a used jdm one. So now would be the time to install the header if I decide in that direction.

 

As Ricky said probably not worth it! I have tried cheap eBay headers early on that ?looked? like a racing beat. I did notice more noise as was said in the firewall area? I did NOT like it and pulled it off 3 days later. The oem is perfect imo I get people telling me all the time my exhaust sounds perfect. I have oem header, a LAR performance mid pipe cat/resonator and an HKS single exit hi power.

I personally would focus on maintenance mods if you haven?t already, replace ast/expansion tank with aluminum one. Aluminum radiator, air pump delete, catch can and or sohn adapter. From there I would get a solid suspension, wheels, tires. If you want more of a track car you can get polyurethane engine mounts and additional strut/under body supports. Just my two cents the money can be spent in a lot more useful ways, nobody can even see the beautiful racing beat header!

 

I've been running the RB header almost since it came out and is it worth it? well, that depends on what you want out of it.
big HP gains?
nah. Did I gain a few HP , yes but only because the Dyno chart showed it, can't say it really felt any different.

Now, as far as the sound, that's really why I did it. I already had the RB cat back and an RP mid pipe so figured it would compliment the setup and it did.
Would I pay new pricing for it again? Nah, probably not but if you have the opportunity to get one at a reasonable price and the motor is already out, why not. That would be the perfect time to do it.

 

Ricky pretty much nailed it but I'd also add that the benefit of the stock heat shield can't be underestimated. If you do fit a header ..... do something about protecting the intake and engine bay from heat soak or you'll likey turn that 'dyno gain' into a real world ...loss!

 

Thank you guys, I greatly appreciate all the input. I decided to pull the trigger and buy it today. The seller gave me a good deal at $450 and it is in excellent condition. My reason for buying it is exactly for the reasons Jedi mentioned. Plus, I honestly don't see having the opportunity to pick one up at this much of a discount as I have never seen one for sale (not counting the eBay el-Cheap-o specials). The fact that the opportunity came while the engine is out of the car and easy to bolt on was the selling point for me.

 

One more part to the list of items that I will be replacing for the motor swap. 😁👍