Headers?

[Jitoo]

Hi,

I am installing an ESS Supercharger shortly and wanted to get opinions on installing HEADERS.

From the research that I have done it looks like the advantages are all over the place with half saying it's a waste of time as the OEM ones are great and there is not not much power to be gained for the huge cost. Then there are the others that say it does make power and the cost is worth it.

I would like to get input from people that have headers and specially if you are Supercharged and what difference it made to your car.

Thanks in advance

[deansbimmer]

Supercharged cars pick up a few HP. Not enough to really feel by butt dyno when you're already running significant boost. Dollar per HP ratio is very high on this mod.

It's usually only done by mod-crazy owners who have done everything else the can to their car, and still have money burning a hole in their pocket.

[Patrón]

Originally Posted by Jitoo

Hi,

I am installing an ESS Supercharger shortly and wanted to get opinions on installing HEADERS.

From the research that I have done it looks like the advantages are all over the place with half saying it's a waste of time as the OEM ones are great and there is not not much power to be gained for the huge cost. Then there are the others that say it does make power and the cost is worth it.

I would like to get input from people that have headers and specially if you are Supercharged and what difference it made to your car.

Thanks in advance

I agree with Dean, it's in my opinion the last mod for supercharged cars before a built motor.

I say a good quality four cat delete xpipe will net close numbers to headers upgrades on supercharged cars.


if you really need the extra oopm, use race gas. it's a pretty good trade off vs $3,500 + labor install.

i've seen tons of posts and photos of the ARH and they look awesome and the blown cars are making great numbers with them.

[JsL]

Spend the money on a flex fuel kit, which is $1200, and run a mix of gasoline and e85. (you can't run full e85 because the stock fuel pump can't handle it. Upgrading it will solve that but that is extra money)

[8k4]

ARH headers will make a significant difference for force induction installs. I picked up 22HP and 19TQ on a mustang dyno over a catless xpipe I had before (VF 650 Supercharger, red line: Macht Schnell Catless X-Pipe and Borla ATaC Rear). The graph is a little smushed, but you can see I made power across the entire rpm band over the catless x-pipe I had before




Why do I keep mentioning the comparison was to a catless xpipe? Because some claim that simply removing the cats yields the same net HP increase as headers, this proves otherwise as I had no cats to start the comparison.

I'd also mention the quality of the welds, flange, and overall craftsmanship is excellent; no issues after 2.5 years. Customer service has also been fantastic. Sound is great, significantly less rasp, deep and throaty.

FYI do not run the flex fuel kit if you are boosted unless you plan on installing larger injectors and upgrading your fuel delivery system; stock can't keep up with the demands a supercharged motor.

[Gossypiboma]

Originally Posted by 8k4

ARH headers will make a significant difference for force induction installs.

... some claim that simply removing the cats yields the same net HP increase as headers, this proves otherwise as I had no cats to start the comparison.

You are confusing two arguments. No one has claimed a catless supercharged setup would make the same power as a supercharged car with headers installed. There are plenty of examples of headers making more power on forced induction setups.

The argument is that a catless NA car will make the same hp as a NA car with headers installed. There are no direct comparisons for NA cars. The NA cars that have dynoed after installing headers have not shown a difference in power compared to what you would expect from a traditional catless setup.

[8k4]

Originally Posted by BigBoosting

You are confusing two arguments. No one has claimed a catless supercharged setup would make the same power as a supercharged car with headers installed. There are plenty of examples of headers making more power on forced induction setups.

The argument is that a catless NA car will make the same hp as a NA car with headers installed. There are no direct comparisons for NA cars. The NA cars that have dynoed after installing headers have not shown a difference in power compared to what you would expect from a traditional catless setup.

I don't believe I'm confusing anything. I'm stating a fact, I picked up significant power over a catless setup with the ARH, plain and simple. People have made claims stating otherwise. The OP is looking to go forced induction and my comments are relevant

[Gossypiboma]

Originally Posted by 8k4

I don't believe I'm confusing anything. I'm stating a fact, I picked up significant power over a catless setup with the ARH, plain and simple. People have made claims stating otherwise.

Again, no one is skeptical about the benefits of aftermarket headers on a supercharged setup like yours. It is abundantly clear aftermarket headers make more power on forced induction cars like yours.

The skepticism you are referring to is for naturally aspirated cars only.

[8k4]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

Supercharged cars pick up a few HP. Not enough to really feel by butt dyno when you're already running significant boost.

My data shows the headers produce substantial power over a catless setup in a boosted application which is exactly what the OP is looking for.