Okay, so I've been taking a REALLY long time to find out the best header for my 05 but still aren't sure which one to get. I was looking at the weapon R 4-2-1 header from cobalt addiction but others look just as durable. I am planning on getting a custom built exhaust so I want to get the best header to work with it. As of right now I only have Stg 2 with AEM CAI so I am really trying get this full set up complete. Suggestions are really helpful. Thanks guys.

 

weapon r header is slip fit so you need to weld the flange to the tubes it to get it to mate with your cat back...also no cat. There are a bunch of true bolt ons like vibrant, jbp, and zzp but quality varies and jbp's prices are insane. I would suggest stainless but that's just me, I have the vibrant combo, it's decent.

 

Vibrant: around 14 hp & 14 ft/lbs tq and proven i believe, pretty loud, 4-2-1, pricey
ZZP midlength Header/DP: affordable, popular, more problems seem to be reported with quality but there are far more of these out there than other header combos. Bolt on and a little more raspy than others.
CA 4-1: Bolt on to stock downpipe. Not a WHOLE lot of info on these that i know of but no real complaints that I found.
GMPP Extrude Honed: Minimal gains, easier to maintain warranty if that matters to you, not worth the money if you're going for performance.
Pacesetter: Arguably one of the best to get if you're willing to make proper modifications, not a direct bolt on.
Clear Image Automotive: Customizable build. 4-1 header or TRI-Y header. Check them out here: https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/supporting-vendor-deals-group-purchases-133/new-header-down-pipe-sale-114698/ . 15whp gain, 15 ft/lb of tq, dyno proven. sound clips on that site and they offer downpipes with or without hi-flow cats.

Theres some info, but gotta go.

 

Clear Image Auto FTW! cant wait to get my header/dp

 

I absolutely love the fit and finish of my SLP shorty... SLP originally was going to produce a shorty and a long tube but in the end only went to production with the long tube design... Stainless steel and JetHot coated they are awesome!

 

The vibrant isn't loud at all, but you can definitely hear the exhaust flow when you lay down on it from the cockpit; it actually sounds beautiful sort of a dampened supercharger whine but mellower (no rasp). It's probably due to the stainless steel rather than flow characteristics...I say go with a stainless header/dp.

 

i want soundclip now..cuz u have my exhaust setup except for the header..

 

ive had the pacesetters armor coated header for bout 6 months and luv it

Pacesetter: Arguably one of the best to get if you're willing to make proper modifications, not a direct bolt on

 

Vibrant FTW

 

I've heard vibrant is pretty loud from a lot of people on here but I have no experience with it, only from what research I've done on headers. Anyone else have experience with the vibrant?

 

If it's not raining when I get home I will try to record something for you... It does sound pretty freakin good tho...

 

i hope u make my mind up

 

Zzp Ftw

 

go with vibrant. you wont be dissapointed.

 

what are you looking for first. where do you want the power gain to be? lower RPM, middle, or upper?

 

i actually enjoy my pacesetter, for what its worth....it looks like ass, but i very rarely showcase my engine anyway

performance gains, and a slight change in the note of exhaust...id give it an 8/10

one thing to be weary... when installing MAKE SURE that the ball and socket joint are absolutely straight with one-another, or you will more than likely get a leak. i had a leak until i had the whole exhaust repositioned to accomodate the header...now its perfect

 

I had my friend record a short video on his cell from inside the car when we ran out for lunch... I snapped a quick 1st-2nd-3rd run up to about 80mph. I'll see what I can do when I get home with a better camera outside the car...

http://home.comcast.net/~brn169/07-2...0722081216.3g2

 

Hahn.. i ported mine so i got a little bit more power out if it but not that much

 

I've looked at all of those headers so far but I haven't actually seen dyno tested yet and am willing to pay whatever for the best header to slap on for the track. I'm planning on buying whatever header with an catless downpipe and custom built exhaust specifically for the track. That's why I wanted to purchase the Weapon R header bc of the straight down pipe. If that makes a difference of what I just said is it worth getting it or should I go for something else.

 

You're talking about the Weapon R "RACE" header?

I'm looking also to this one as it has a different (more normal for a 4 cil. engine) primary pairing (1+4 & 2+3) than the odd OEM layout. And possibly I can make this one fit onto my RWD layout...

Someone here tested the prototype on the dyno, but could not find the graphs anymore in the thread.

 

sounds awesome from that video...need a better one tho lol

 

best header out there is CTI long tube

 

zzp combo on a stock lsj cat back is sexy....not loud at idle but roars when you get on it..to imo sounds like a g 35/350 z but thats just me

 

well thats what I was talking about. I don't care about what it sounds like really because its for the track pretty much. I mean what's actually better a 4-1 or a 4-2-1? This is all new for me to comprehend

 

4-1 for most gains and what it sounds like you're wanting. It's better for top end and is going to give the most gains normally, the 4-2-1 is best for mid range but falls off top end in comparison to 4-1 headers because of flow restriction. More usable power for where you normally drive, below ~5500rpm, but the 4-2-1 isn't going to give as much gains as the 4-1.