What type of Header is the best|||

[ogsp5]

There are a number of types of header available for our car from different
manufacturers ie OBX, AWR, REACTIVE, ESSENTIAL SPEED you know the list.
I have some questions, which is better/ easier to install. A one piece like AWR (4-2-1) or a 2 piece like Racing Mazda (4-2-1). I have read some posts on this furam and each individual has had problems with each type available. Mostly
the space between the block and radiator fan. For me I think the 2 piece would be the easiest. I would like some good discussion on this matter, for this will
determine which type I will buy. THANKS

 

[viVid]

I don't have a header yet, but I intend to purchase the shorty header from Wagner in order to remain emissions compliant. I think it will be the easiest of the designs to install, but will probably give the least gains due to the retention of the warm-up cat. Isn't the Racing Mazda a two piece because it comes with a test pipe? I don't think the AWR or Mazda header would be that difficult to install if you took the time to remove the radiator fans. But, then again, I have not installed one...

There are a number of types of header available for our car from different
manufacturers ie OBX, AWR, REACTIVE, ESSENTIAL SPEED you know the list.
I have some questions, which is better/ easier to install. A one piece like AWR (4-2-1) or a 2 piece like Racing Mazda (4-2-1). I have read some posts on this furam and each individual has had problems with each type available. Mostly
the space between the block and radiator fan. For me I think the 2 piece would be the easiest. I would like some good discussion on this matter, for this will
determine which type I will buy. THANKS

 

[twilightprotege]

the awr takes no time at all. installed in 20-30 minutes no problem.

 

[EMTCharlie]

Which of these are good for low to mid range power/response?

 

[Matthew]

i would say none really. headers will normally give you your biggest increase from 3k-5k rpms, just where your car is shifting with an automatic. my car really doesnt feel ANY faster off the line with intake, exhaust, header (no cats). you must go F/I to get that power, and with an auto that will destroy your tranny.

 

[EMTCharlie]

I remember someone here blew an auto tranny on a turbo P5. Someone from Hi-Boost said it was safe as long as it was kept at 7-8psi. Sorry off topic (drinks)

 

[Matthew]

vic had his auto p5 turbod and the tranny was beginning to slip when he traded it in. i havent met anyone boosting anything on auto that hasnt started to slip...IIRC micah was running 7psi and his began to slip.

 

[EMTCharlie]

There goes that plan :'(

 

[Matthew]

im sorry...im just being honest...you could cryo treat your tranny or do a manual transmission swap

 

[EMTCharlie]

All good, man. NA may be the way for me to go anyways due to $. In that case... about those headers (burnout)

 

[Subghetto]

There goes that plan :'(

Same here that's why I'am in the process to see if I can get a trade in my auto P5 for an MSP or 5 speed P5. But If I have to keep my auto then I will go N/A and focus more on suspension,interior, exterior and do what I can performance wise. Oh back on topic I would go with the wagner headers and get a hi-flow cat to replace the pre-cat.

 

[viVid]

In theory, the 4-2-1 AWR or the ES/Wagner shorty should give better low end numbers because they retain some back pressure. The 4-1 is better for top end - at least in engines designed to breath (e.g., not a P5!). No header is going to do wonders on this car... You either need to replace the head or go FI to see any real improvement.

Which of these are good for low to mid range power/response?

 

[twilightprotege]

the awr is not good for low down power/torque. the primaries are huge!!!! they are afterall the same header as the world challege race cars

for low power i'd recommend the wagner with a full 2" mandrel exhaust or an awr and retain the rest of the exhaust.

but vivid is right. you could pretty much say on our engines and their rev limit, almost any 4-2-1 header will out perform a 4-1 header. our engines just dont rev enough to get the 4-1 header advantage

 

[ogsp5]

Thanks so far for the imformation, but the topic has to do with installation of
a header. Either 2pc (Wagner,Racing Mazda) vs 1pc (Awr,Reative). I just want to get a feel of how installation went and problems. Thanks

 

[ogsp5]

The Racing Mazda is a 2pc header and also 4-2-1, if you go to the web site there is a pictuce of the header. This what I am thinking to go with, or the combo from Andy. BTW has anyone heard from Andy about his header combo? Thanks

 

[Mike R]

Well, I'd say Wagners would be the most difficult. It has the most bolts-due to the cat and the studs are probably prone to breaking off.(MP5 Smuggler had a broken stud or two) But, Wagners probably doesn't require removing the cooling fan. All things being equal, they all will be about the same for install time.

 

[pr5owner]

4-1 headers aren't very good, 4-2-1 are the best

 

[ogsp5]

Just got an e-mail from kevin(essential speed) he just finished his prototype for a 4-2-1 2pc header including a high flow cat, this setup will come as a set. I hope the price is not too high. His header is s.s and coated. He has a 4-1 already done for about $450 including the cat (s.s and coated).

 

[hi-perf]

the awr is not good for low down power/torque. the primaries are huge!!!! they are afterall the same header as the world challege race cars

for low power i'd recommend the wagner with a full 2" mandrel exhaust or an awr and retain the rest of the exhaust.

but vivid is right. you could pretty much say on our engines and their rev limit, almost any 4-2-1 header will out perform a 4-1 header. our engines just dont rev enough to get the 4-1 header advantage

do you think i should go 4-2-1 or 4-1 on my fp?

 

[twilightprotege]

on the 1.8 and if you raise the rev limit and want all out top end power, 4-1 is the go (just as long as the pipes merge under the engine, preferably behind the oil pan.