2003 TL Type S. I am considering headers and a cat back exhaust plus high flow cat. My question is about heat problems with headers. There is not much room between the stock exhaust manifold and the plastic radiator/fans in front. I have not looked closely at the back side. The front manifold has a heat shield. What about new headers? They appear to protrude farther out than the stock exhaust manifold even closer to the radiator. Will the existing heat shields fit? Will there be radiator/fan problems from header heat? Any heat problems to worry about on the backside?

What are the recommended brand of headers? Not looking for the cheapest.

Considering ATLP, Tanabe, or Apexi exhaust with XLR8 high flow cat. Any recommendations?

 

You don't have to worry about the heat shield and it won't fit in the new headers anyways. The atlp is the best exhaust out of those and there is a groupbuy going on right now.

 

Dont worry about Headers the only time heat will be a problem is on Track Days when those suckers will reach Red Hot temps... And not a Problem itself most likely the Passenger side FAN will take a beating (Ex: Shortening Stator Lifespan for extreme Heat) but nothing like Melting or Such...

 

i put thermo wrap around my headers to make sure this exact instance doesnt occur. I mean you can only be careful it doesnt do anything to the headers.
put dc heads or comp tech. or custom exhaust it and make it badder than the others

 

Wrapping DC headers in heat shields will violate their warranty. There will be no issues involving heat after header install. Many of us have them with nothing but great results!

 

Agreed. I've had my DC headers since Nov 2006 (yep, the original 2-bolt) and they're holding up very well without a wrap.

 

not too sure if going to a highflow cat is worth the $$, if your looking for power try saving yourself some money and instead of the the hfc go with a nice air intake.. or an intake resonator delete with a high flow filter.

 

i was debating between tanabe and atlp. I decided to go with tanabe because of the nicer looking tip and overall fit and finish

 

ATLP is much better fit and finish but is most likely not gonna get made.

 

ATLP makes a great product but so does Tanabe. ATLP has a more aggressive exhaust note and style but the Tanabe Medallion Touring fits extremely well and the overall design is excellent.