looking for some header for my 04 sedan auto and many people speculate that they break and or crack? can i get some feedback as to which ones to stay away from? many sets on ebay from 100 bux all the way to 1200 !! i want a set that will last. please let me know as mines an auto not a stick. whats good?
megan?
obx?
ching ling lui? lol no names?

please help. thx..

 

I've heard many complaints about Megan headers and test-pipes.
Headers are a difficult enough project that it's really not worth it to cheap-out and then have to re-do it.

 

id suggest sg motorsport long tubes.. but theyre like $2k or something

 

Top Speed Pro -1 Headers on my 2003.5 G35 A/T Sedan rub with the steering colum shaft by about 1-2 mm's.

I then removed those and use DC Sports Ceramic Coated headers. must better quality. Welds are spectacular. The flange is easier to work with when installing, you will notice that you can get all the nuts in without having to pull and toggle with the headers.

I made a DIY in the event you decide to install them yourself.

Link to DIY (very old write up lost pics)

http://www.mygfrenzy.com/forum/showthread.php?p=84659

These are with the Top Speed Pro-1's but ultimately if they are not Crawford Z's or SG Motorsports you are fine as you wont need to drop the motor or install a tube
at a time.



With the DC sports you will not need to remove the shaft from the steering column to the rack and pinion they pass by with ease.

 

was it worth the hp gain? did u notice much difference through out the rpm rang?

 

sg motorsport long tubes and that's it. But you will need cams if you want to see gains.35 whp...

 

No more rubbing when taking turns for starters (going from Top speed to DC Sports)


reduction in power by about 2-4 whp very small also the temperatures and humidity was in favor of the Top Speed dyno.

The car is quiter. Temperatures under the hood are slightly less although I heat wrapped the Top Speed Pro-1's, just Ceramic coating works well... The headers are in the mid to low 400's with the coating, the Top Speed's were a bit higher.

Performance wise I can say the Pro-1's had an advantage. Slight advantage but the engine did seem to be a bit more happier on higher rpm's using the Top Speed Pro-1's.

But overall end of the day I am using the DC Sports.

I have a sedan not a 350z nor a 2dr coupe. I prefer to have the comfort of enjoying the ride of the car and elegance along with having a bit more than stock performance. It is nice not having to scream to your passenger, or actually being able to cruise and know the engine is there but not challenging you. The moment you get on the gas, Oh, it's there the sound definetly increases, the power of course is obvious as well.

 

I think more header owners will agree that any real or imagined gains were not worth the cost, then will say it was worth it. Thinking back to as far as 2004, I'd say it's a 6 to 10 ratio. I like the Nismo, Crawford and Stillen designs myself. I actually bought Nismo headers used awhile back, but sold them when I woke up the fact that I was just never going to install them.

http://www.my350z.com/forum/engine-d...tallation.html

 

hmmmmm thats interesting.......i didnt do any research on headers at all, all i know is that they really are expensive, my car is also my daily driver (but whos isnt), just thought i would hear from someone who has them (or tried them) thanks guys

 

Headers will give you best gains after a tune, without a tune gains are minimal.

 

^ you will get better results with cams. Tune is really a no brainer.

 

^^ agree

headers do sounds good tho. had mine on for about 3 years with no problems. did it myself with floor jacks and small hands. lol 4hrs for me.

 

cams + labor + parts needed to install cams = a lot more than you bargained for.


Headers will compliment a good camshaft upgrade.

 

Not if you do it all yourself. Basic bolt-ons it's just time consuming due to lack of space.

Cams will compliment a good header upgrade, other way around.

I like the write-up you did by the way, very informative but pics dont work.

 

Pics, were hosted on a private server. They lost everything


Cams are NOT easy to install.

Requires taking the ENTIRE front timing chain cover off, and then putting the engine back on timing.

But I do agree each mod compliments the other. But IMHO Headers > Cams (when it comes to ease) But if you just want more power all motor without nitrous then yes Camshafts are the way to go.