So I've seen all the dynos for the Comptech and OBX headers and there is definitely a significant power gain. But how is this acheived?

And why didn't the factory make the stock headers this efficient?


I was telling a friend of mine who is a master mechanic at a local Porsche dealer I was thinking about installing aftermarket headers, and he was trying to talk me out of it because of a multitude of problems they can cause from false sensor readings to overheating the engine.

I absolultely don't want to screw with the reliability of my CL, especially long term, since I plan on keeping this car for 7 years or more.

What kind of input can you give?

 

Uh, let's see. First of all, you get more power because of freer flowing exhaust. I think Acura doesn't do it because of the extra cost involved plus the fact that the headers would make the engine a little noisier. I don't think the engine would run hotter with the headers, but cooler because of the better exhaust flow.

 

One of the best explainations I've read is here:

Prototype Racing's HEADER DESIGN AND THEORY page

Basicly: The beancounters at the factory want to keep costs low, so the exhaust manifolds are made at a low cost, not at a hight flow rate.