I've been happy my my NISMO headers (JetHot2000 coated). I'm sure I would have been happy with the Crawford headers as well, but factors other than highest gains also played into my choice. Not that power gains weren't important... ...hence the choice to go with the NISMO header.

 

Where in texas are you? Want to install some headers? I can make a weekend road trip out of it and visit a friend in Dallas

 

LOL!!

I'm in San Angelo (West Texas, but not Far-West Texas). My speed shop would certainly do the job again, but they know what to expect this time. They spent a lot of hours on the install (around 10?), because the header studs have to be reinstalled in a specific order or you won't be able to position/fit the remaining studs in. They had a bit of trial-and-error to determine this fact, so anything in the future would certainly go smoother. I'm happy that the mechanic knows what he's doing and has long, skinny, agile hands to work on the G. I'm also happy their labor cost is still set at $35/hour!!

X'Cessive Motorsports, if anyone is in the area. They're also the shop that helped build my '97 Mitsu. GSX into such a F'n thug! Owner (Tony) has plenty of domestic experience as well (low 10-second 600+HP street Mustang), but imports/turbos have been a passion for them, resulting in some really mean rides in this small town.

 

Most local shops are in the $90 range. If it took them ten hours, that's a difference of $550. That's enough to cover the drive out there an back.

 

As far as any who say headers don't make that much power, no other NA modification other than installing and tuning a Unichip made as much power for me. Headers netted me 8whp and ECU got me 13whp. Even the plenum spacer, which many tout as one of the best modifications, didn't make significant power for me. Installing a y-pipe back exhaust actually cost me 7hp on the dyno.

As far as recommendations, a company called ForcedFed makes what I consider the best quality product in the $400-750 market. (Read my review in the Reviews section for full details) They may not be a "big name" company like DC Sport, Borla, or Alphaworks, but they have a far superior product to any of those. They're also reasonably priced at $499. They had been running a short-term special for $449 (for all of August I think) which makes them an even better deal.

If you're wanting a cheap product, you can always try the eBay-style products, but you get what you pay for generally. If you want the absolute maximum power, then Crawford is the best. But like others have said, you'll pay a premium for the install due to the engine needing to be raised.

 

I have a set of brand new Topspeed headers for sale. For the money they are one of the best buys and give you decent gains. $210 shipped.

I thought about some of the other ones but could not justify the price of the Crawfords for the few extra HP it gives you.