Legal??? ....headers????

[sethrrogers]

Alright well I read the thread on the Test Pipes or HFC's and basically decided between the two and since I'm gonna run a NA motor I'm lookin for all the legal bolt ons that i can get my hands on...I was talking with a friend and they mentioned that HFC's would pass inspection...and since this is my everyday ride its of major concern to me....while i'd love to say screw it and do it anyways....i would rather not have to worry about it...are these things legal for road use???

Another thing...I was talking to a friend...once again...and they mentioned that he thought that headers would only add weight to my 6 cylinder...is it worth my time and money to invest in a set of headers or am I just going to wonder why I even bought them????

I appreciate all comments and I apologize to ask such a common question but I figured why not ask a few guys that actually know these motors backwards and forwards!!!

[TISon28s]

I got some headers and i noticed a big difference in sound and performance. They actually weighed in less than the stock ones. Im still waiting for my y pipe to come in the mail. I was thinking about getting hfc's, but i said screw it and now im waiting for my test pipes to come in..

[sethrrogers]

yea I was really interested in getting the headers so I'm sure that I"ll still go ahead and get them...what headers did you end up getting???

[cheapazz]

I run cheap knock-off headers and noticed a big gain, I still have my stock cats with an aftermarket exhaust (yes a cheap one) and I love the power. I may go with hfc in the future but in the post you read, if you go to the link provided in one of the first few replies you'll see how little it does help. It will be one of the last things I mod. IMHO yer better off to start with headers and then the exhaust.

[joe603]

Headers are legal if the emissions control system is unaffected. I would recommend against doing headers because the gains don't outweigh the cost/trouble of the install.

[cheapazz]

Yup, +1 on the pain in the butt part for install!!The book says 7 hours. Took me 8 1/2 with breaks and such. Plus the bandaids.

[tollboothwilley]

what makes headers take so long??

I've heard nothing but good things about HFC's for the G35, and thats from tuning shops I've talked to. They said HFC's allow for the biggest gains in the entire exhaust setup on the G35/350Z.

[cheapazz]

The headers are a pain because there is no room to work. The d/s isn't so bad but on the p/s the cooling line has to be removed because it runs directly over the exhaust on that side. Then the fact that I have never worked on this vehicle before also makes for a long day.

As for the hfc's, I have no arguement or reason. I just havent gotten to them yet and the article I was referanced to reported minimal gains +3 hp I think.

[joe603]

High flow cats are a significant upgrade from OEM cats which are fairly restrictive. Headers are not that much better than the stock manifolds (unless you go equal length long-tube headers).

They are a pain because it's very tight to get to all the flange bolts and other hardware that's associated with the exhaust system. Plus, as Cheapazz mentions, there is other crap in the way. Then, when you finally get them on, god help you if they leak!!

[tollboothwilley]

LOL

Ya, the HFC's add a measureable difference. COBB tuners allow for you to get a much more significant gain with HFC's than any other mod on our cars.

[cheapazz]

Ya beat me into submission TOLLBOOTHWILLEY!!! I just ordered a set of HFC's. The install should go well with the headers and exhaust system. Will update the sound clip from my original exhaust install. After that I will install the underdrive pulley set that I ordered too. Will TRY to get pics and install narative done soon after , just a pain with my job and all. Then I will look into COBB tuning. Have only seen small snipits about it here. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR helping me SPEND MY MONEY my wife thanks you too.......