Alright guys. I've gotten different responses from lots of different people (obviously somewhat biast since they are owners of these different types of headers and downpipes) So let's get down to it. Whoever has any of these combos or either or... Let me know what's good and what's bad about each one.. And what you've heard.. Or any info that will help me make my decision. I'm leaning towards the Clear Image? I heard ZZP is very similar but worse quality? And JBP Header itself sounds awesome but the header itself costs more than the Header / Downpipe from ZZP or Clear Image. Help me out please guys. It will be greatly appreciated

 

I personally have the Stainless Steel Header/Dp combo from ZZP, and the quality is awesome. I had heard that they had some quality issues in the past, but they have fixed them. I love my combo, and have not had any problems with it.

 

i have the the 4-1 stainless header and stainless dp from Clear image. Love it! No CEL's, perfect welds.

 

Alright Damn so I got 2 different responses haha. But it's good to hear that they're good and not bad. ZZP is a little cheaper so that's making me lean towards that.. But I heard the quality is amazing on the Clear Image =/ Keep helping out guys! WHOS GOT A ZZP / CLEAR IMAGE / OR JBP VORTEX HEADER/DOWNPIPE? And for you two.. Convince me! Haha. Thanks for your input so far ppl

 

i have the ZZP as well. The pros: this thing is fully customizable with a bunch of different add-ons to make it a better header, and it sounds amazing!
the cons: they used t use bad bolts to cnnect the header to the DP...mine snapped...but its only like $3 at home depot to get some 1/2inch grade 8 steel bolts to replace em.

 

if you look closely at the pic above you can see that no gasket is needed to connect the dp to the header. it's a ball joint and the two long bolts are used to ensure a tight fit. completely cnc'd so the welds are perfect. customer service was outstanding (Beth) sexy phone voice too! they tack welded an extension on to my dp to go from 3" to 2.5" to accommodate my 2.5" cat back free of charge(until i purchase a 3" then i'll have to have that extension taken off, no biggy). there were absolutely no fitment issues and no cel's at all. the car runs and sounds ****** sweet. xtra 02 bung free as well. overall the craftsmenship and service were outstanding. the results were even better. warranty is for life for as long as you own the vehicle.

 

ZZP is nice as long as you get a new flex pipe welded in, because the one thats on the downpipe is bound to break

 

ClearImage is the ****!!!

I tired to convince this person before!!!

 

Zzp Ftw!!

 

clear image all the way man.

i have the header/downpipe combo and ill be getting their catback here soon.

quality and craftsmanship are excellent.
customer service is great too.

 

i have the jbp vortex header and it sound great!!!! but you have to know that it will burn your firewall and some cables if you dont notice fast enough (but you will notice it fast believe me) , i will get the clear image downpipe in some weeks.

 

Quality and Craftsmenship will be extremely hard to match or exceed in regards to Clear Image. Here are pics of my "TRI-Y" ceramic coated Header/DP w/hi-flow cat from Clear Image.











Install was pretty easy, i'm surprised how much i can actually feel it with the ass dyno because usually im pretty skeptical about gains. It sounds good to my surprise, I held off on header/dp for so long because I didn't want something insanely loud and shitty sounding but this is easily manageable. Sounds tasteful at idle or easy throttle. On WOT it does get much louder under boost but it still sounds pretty good for a 2.0L and didn't give me any CEL. Mine however sounds like **** because i believe i've got a bad resonator in my magnaflow cat-back or possibly heatshield rubbing but I can't find it for the life of me. It only happens around ~2000rpm though so that's how i'm able to judge sound quality of the header. Clear Image will build the header the way YOU want it.

ZZP on the other hand is probably your more affordable option but has had known issues with flex pipes and bolts in the past. Personally their sound is a little too raspy for my taste from all the clips i've seen but I haven't heard one in person.

 

^^^ same here Clear Image FTW. install was easy. great quality

 

I have been running the "TRI-Y" ceramic coated Header/DP w/hi-flow cat from Clear Image for over 6 months now. Highly suggest this combo. Sound is great and performance gain is as well. I personally know of another SS owner who is going to switch out his ZZP for the Clear Image.

Note to Fresh: customer service was outstanding (Beth) sexy phone voice too! The voice does not lie!
She is a hottie. (Great to live in the NW so we get to see the shop and the people!)

 

I have a CIA incoming - I have heard nothing but great reviews on their stuff. In Dan's words, 'I make sure we do it right the first time so you don't have to have it repaired'. Keep in mind ZZP mass produces their parts and CIA's is made to order, so it may cost a little more, but that's because they want to turn out the best product possible.

I think they're still having a sale on some of their stuff, so give them a call and ask.

I'll also vouch for Beth being teh hawt.

 

can i get some videos of the tri y and the 3" dp from CIA, cause thats what i'm getting but i want to know what it sounds like.

and yes, beth has a sexy voice

 

https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/show...4&postcount=65

Header, catless DP, exhaust, 3" all the way through.

How many catless setups and 3" exhausts can you name that sound that clean?

 

good find dainslaif. op should just declare CIA as the winner!

yeah i have a bad resonater for sure. i can hear a rasp in low rpm range. deff not caused by cia header/dp since it started way before i installed those. i had a crack going practically around the entire weld that connected the resonater to the small portion of pipe to the dp. i since have had it welded but the dude that did it must have been on crack cuz it looks absolutely terrible.
my '06 had only one heat sheild around the stock header which is not reinstalled because it will not fit around the new header...i'd get under there and look it over twice. might have a slight crack or hole somewhere in there.

 

You all just made my day! Thank you! I'm blushing over here lol.

I appreciate you guys appreciating my efforts. I love talking to all of you and hearing your stories. Keep em coming!

(PS. If you wanna see more pics check out our myspace page lol. http://www.myspace.com/clearimageautomotive)

Ciao! U guys rock!

 

ah snap! subscribed for home use.

 

hey i need to send you an email with some suggestions about the dyno stuff.

 

Hey ChriSS/SC if you want to pick my brain or Dans with any specific questions you have please feel free to call me at anytime. I am def a biased party lol, but I am here to help if you need it.

I am in the office from 8:30 -3:30 Monday thru Friday PST. My lunch is usually from noon to one. Or you can PM me. 425.251.0329.

Thank you guys for all your input! Your enthusiasm overwhelms me!

 

that's what happens when you throw a fox in a wolf den.

Beth aside, the OP better be ordering after all this or else

 

you cant just put her aside. how dare you.

 

Please do! My email address is below but just in case

bethfaulkner@clearimageautomotive.com