Are shorty headers worth it?

[Joe_Stang]

Reaper did you ever get your headers installed?

Sponsored

 

[Reaper]

Reaper did you ever get your headers installed?

I started to install them this past weekend but the weather has been unpredictable / hot as hell (not great for jack stands :frusty that I stopped before I made any real progress. Should have them installed by a decent shop at the end of the week and will report back. I'll be sure to take weights of the headers before / after for confirmation as well.

Out of curiosity - did you use the BBK supplied or OEM gaskets (reuse or new)?

Also, I spoke with my local dealership and they pretty much confirmed that adding headers could void warranty support related to exhaust but even then they have to prove that the headers caused the problem.

 

[Joe_Stang]

I used bbk supplied gaskets because the opening of the gasket matched the new header. The openings of the oem gaskets were smaller than the openings of the header. Also I'm not really concerned about any warranty issues with them I mean it's a straight forward install and the car runs fine...so far so good.

 

[Reaper]

Alright, got the BBK ceramic headers installed today by a local shop in about 2 1/2 hours. They really seem to help low end torque and sound slightly - maybe improve over time? I ended up buying new OEM gaskets as they appear to be significantly better quality than the ones BBK provides.

Also, anyone thinking about installing BBK headers themselves or are going to a shop need to make sure they blast the header bolts with some WD40 beforehand and check the supplied studs to make sure they fit the thread. There were a couple of the OEM header bolts that the nut was stuck so the installer used new bolts/washers. I was able to loosen the hardware after the fact and plan to get them reinstalled once I go back for re-torqueing after some driving.

Overall, I think the shorty headers are a great modification for the money although I think a tune would make a better investment if I had to chose one. Down the road with tuning I'm sure the headers will provide an even better return.

 

[Joe_Stang]

Agreed header bolts were very rusty causing my install to be a little more tedious. And yes they will get a little louder over time atleast mine have after one week so far. Definitely worth the money in my opinion.

 

[Reaper]

I also weighed the BBK ceramic headers (~12lb 10oz) before getting them installed and the OEM headers +shield + 2 shield bolts afterwards (~14lb 6oz) coming out to ~2 lbs saved. Not as significant as I thought but still a positive - rusty headers are deceiving

 

[Convertibles550]

Can any of you please check to see if your cat makes a low hissing sound when slightly accelerating? I installed the headers but maybe I didn't notice the sound was there before. The hood needs to be open to hear it. Please let me know.

Sponsored