Not worth it. At all. Unless you're adamant about having that long tube header sound. And even still, I might say you'reAlso, since I have always gotten my headers coated by Swain Tech and given the intense and lengthy labor costs associated with a quality install, I am thinking headers would be about a $3000 bill for me...
I believe ANY engine failure, or systems related, would be denied if you had headers. In theory, you are correct, though. The problem is that you'd have to hire a lawyer, and an expert in headers/engines and fight that "warranty denied" decision in court. Practically speaking, that's what you'd have to do. And then, even with your expert, you'd be in the position of convincing the judge/jury, who are likely non car people.
I've had engine warranty work done on my car with headers...they looked and were like "OH. Meh." And continued on with the process.
That's rare and you're fortunate. But, an actual engine *failure* is what I'm talking about. Meaning engine replacement under warranty.
Headers aren't the warranty problem. It's the hacked ecu. Ford took a beating at first with the '03-'04 Cobras and later GT 500's. I worked at a dealership. The first few engine failures were repaired, Then if a Cobra was presented with a engine failure the first thing that happens is the ECU is scanned. Anything but a stock ecu and you were politely told a new long block is $8000. However, The '03's had well known issues with excessive valve guide clearance . Ford made good on it even replacing some heads on cars out of warranty
I agree, but you'll need a tune with headers and nearly every other engine mod. But, yes, it starts with the tune. I believe the warranty guide mentions changing the ecu parameter voids the drivetrain warranty.
Now that is interesting because I have been told otherwise. Hmmm. another line of research. Although at this point, I am getting more inclined to wait to hear more feedback from those who have actually done this mod -before making a final decision.
That’s about how I feel too. With regards to a CAI with a 93 tune, and the Ford Racing by Borla sport exhaust, my car was way more responsive. At Summit Raceway, threw in some 103 or 105, and my car felt like it had a blower, well, I mean the power increase was definitely noticeable.
Not adding a tune with headers makes the whole expensive mod seem not worth the trouble.
If I wanted to go the blower route, I would have bought a GT, and with the money saved, put a blower on it. I have been to this party before and I have a supercharged SQ5 - great for what it is.