Before anyone says, don't waste your time, get boost, yeah I know. I have plans for that next summer, but I just want to do 1 more N/A mod within budget. Due to the cost, installation and tuning, cams isn't an option. Wish I could.

We all know the VQ has that power drop in the upper RPM range. I'm looking to increase that with the option of headers OR ART pipes. I doubt either one alone will help, but it's a try. Will also get a retune after.

Current Mods:
MREV2
5/16 ISO
X02
Test Pipes
Osiris

Here's my last dyno. You can see the high-end HP drop past 6k. Tune vs no-tune


Here's a dyno of Butkiss1's dyno as a reference (hope he doesn't mind) which was done on the same day on same dyno and same tuner. You can see where his high-end power past 6k stays more linear than mine. I think he has headers AND MD ART pipes. Tune vs retune with ART.


Please advise. I hope it's worth it. I've made hundreds of passes this year alone and can tell you that I can now notice that power drop in the upper RPM range since I shift around 7200 rpm.

So if you had to only pick 1, which would you pick?

 

well if you are going boost eventually dont waste your money on headers.

 

I should be more specific when I say "boost". Vortech SC. No TT for me.

Even with the Vortech, the headers should still be of assistance.

 

headers, since you already have TP

 

Headers might do more good on your rev-up because both sets of cams are variable.

The ART pipes are much better than the average set of TPs, but idk what they'll do above 6000 that will reverse the dip. They may add more power across the whole rpm band, esp. down low where traditional TPs lose power, but I'm not sure if they'll fix your problem.

Buy both!

 

There are turbo setups out there that allow you to utilize the stock manifolds/headers. Don't give out hope on TURBO just yet.

If you do the headers yourself, it might be worthwhile. Its a pretty tough job and requires some time but it will help with flow up top. It will change your tune a lot I'm sure.

 

+1. I think headers will help you with your top end. ART pipes are great for low-mid power, but they don't help that much in the top. I could check my dyno sheet from when I retuned for the art pipes at church's to see if I have that dip too, but I don't have a revup so I'm not sure if it'd help...