I have a 02 CLS I was wondering If anyone has used headers with an otherwise stock exhaust system? If so how did it sound, and did it make any more power?

 

yes the sound will increase slightly at throttle and the power increase is substantial. not much is gained from the actual exhaust upgrade to aftermarket, unless you are stroked or boosted.

 

cool thanks abunch!

 

I installed an AEM intake before my headers. However, I have the XS Power headers with stock exhaust. I think it sounds great. Inside the car is not very loud at all. I also wrapped the flex pipe with header wrap. Recently its been very nice weather here so I have had the sunroof open while cruising. I can hear the exhaust note has changed and it sounds very pleasing. Sounds really good under a bridge or overpass. My aunt told me it sounds like a Porsche. I don't think it sounds like one but the tone is very pleasant. Similar to the g35's. There's a young kid up the street from my parents house that stopped me one day when I was in the neighborhood. Him and his buddies were shocked when I told them it was stock except for the headers. As discussed here many times, its well worth the upgrade. Good luck. BTW I have an 03 manual type-s.