There are so many variants of Headers that I see on this board and you guys need to understand the truth about them:

(1) They are all copies of the Comptech.
(2) Tube diameters are the same
(3) Runner length (exit length from the head) are the same
(4) Merge collector is the same
(5) Routing is the same

I don't see the point in testing these because they WILL ALL YIELD THE SAME POWER output!!

Unless there is some radical departure in header design such as equal-length manifolds, a 3:2:1 collector or significant tube diameter different or some crazy routing scheme... there is no power different. In fact even if it were a somewhat significant redesign, the torque/hp curve will probably look different but peak horsepower might remain the same or even less. There are ways to get massive hp gains from headers (besides what we get over the stock manifold) and those methods won't fit in our engine bay.

 

As you know, I will be getting Alpha Werks headers soon.

What gain will I get if send them out for interior polishing?

Heard anything about the AW headers?

I am considering you for the install...

 

they need to be tested for fit and annoying resonance.

i think most people know they are an exact copy of CT headers and produce similar gains.

 

When I meant testing... I meant at the dyno - waste of money unless someone wants to see what their car makes or tune something. It's no point in trying to compare gains of Alpha vs. Comptech vs. OBX vs. Stone etc.

Gabo: Extrude Honed headers will probably give you something... but note that these are either mild-steel or SS headers so its pretty smooth already. Unlike cast-iron... they won't benefit from smoothening. You might increase inner diameter by 1/10" or something, but that's about it.

 

Thanks allmotor. I always wondered about this.

 

I've heard that Comptech's are port matched though, and that OBX's weren't .. I'd assume that this would make a difference.

I could be way wrong on this but I remember reading it a few times ..

 

 

This is what I always thought ... that the port matching was a "feature" of the Comptechs that OBX and other copies don't have. Not that it made a huge difference in performance, but that the lack of port matching was part of the resonance problem.

In truth though, the only real reason to buy Comptech over OBX/Stone/Alpha Werks etc is for reliability and perfect fitment. I haven't heard of any stories of Comptech headers cracking but have heard 1 or 2 for OBX. And I personally had an issue with fitment on 2 sets of non-Comptech headers. My Comptechs fit perfectly on the first try though.

 

i know he had probs with the stone and the obx but you can buy almost four sets of obx for the price of one comptech.... not all of us can afford to drop 1200 or even 600 for a set of new or used headers....

 

If headers were available for the 6spd when I was purchasing them... I wouldn't have bought the Comptech either!

 

what are you using for the turbo manifold???

 

Allmotor what headers do you suggest for durability? I've heard horror stories of OBX's and that stone don't always fit right. Never anything on CT's. And wheres the cheapest place to get them at??

 

www.c-c-c.net

Go to the groupbuy forum, Junior has them for sale, those are the cheapest you'll find around since CT holds their prices ferociously high.

CT's are the most durable so far. Get them JetHot coated and they'll look new everyday.

 

Well for durability, fit & finish - Comptech! But if you don't mind bending, tweking and whatever for lower cost... go OBX etc.

I use the Comptech upper manifolds as part of my turbo manifold and the rest is custom and is as good or better quality than Comptech.

 

sorry allmotor im sure uve been asked a hundered times but what size turbo is it that your runing t3/t4??

 

Nope.. Garrett GT35R - ballbearing

 

What's so special about equal length headers?

What make the gains from those any better than with regular headers?

 

It's not just equal length but a specific length to reduce exhaust pulsing. Remember as the engine is operating at a high RPM... its like a valve letting out pressure at 1/2 your RPM (on each cylinder). This can resonate and/or create high pressure points which increases heat... backpressure etc. It's more critical on an FI car