Looking to Buy Headers - Questions...

[srv2nv]

So I've started shopping around for a set of headers for my car and have become over whelmed with the amount of products available. I'm basically looking for something in stainless steel (Canadian winters suck), with decent quality/performance gains, and most importantly, a direct bolt on with nothing needed but for me to install them on my car (ie. no getting out the grinder to clean up any poor weld jobs) and built correctly so I'm not having to deal with "check engine lights".

So I'm asking for suggestions and information...Strup, Stillen, Z1 motorsports, ebay knock off, etc...what would be the best choice?

I'm driving an 03 sedan with Stillens true dual exhaust already installed, intake side includes pop charger, z tube and 5/16th plenum spacer in case it matters.

[joe603]

I would not recommend headers for the G...you won't get that much out for the hassle/cost of the install. I would save for FI...but it's your car. Go with Stillen.

[srv2nv]

Thats what I've read, the cost and hassle far out weighs the benefits, but the hassle means a day of working on my car, and the long day of working on my car combined with hearing and seeing the difference is worth it to me. I was planning on installing new spark plugs in the spring, so I figure while my engine bay will already be taken apart, why not go a little further and install some headers. No rear wheel drive car is complete with out dual exhaust, and no dual exhaust is complete with out headers. (and HFC, but thats a later discussion)

I would love to go FI, but theres 3 reasons holding me back.1. Mileage - My car is already sitting at 120k (km, so over 60k miles) and I'm going to assume I would need some engine refreshing to go FI.2. Cost - I just bought a house a couple of months ago (first time home buyer, also the reason why I haven't been around here much lately) so finding the money for FI would take a long time, which would only add to reason #1.3. Wife - I made a big fuss when she wanted to buy a $300 TV for the bedroom, what do you think will happen when I tell her how much I want to spend on my car?!

Thanks for the quick answer though, and Stillen seems to be where I was leaning in the first place, but I just wanted to get everyones opinion on here before I bought anything.

[4drmadness]

hey dude i have a 04 sedan. i just bought some used DC headers for 100, and just got them installed for 240, so a grand total of 340. imo that was a great price. i would recommend getting the ceramic coated headers because they keep he engine bay cool, the new stainless steel headers are made from china as well, and you might have to jet hot coat them as well this would cost some$$$$.

[srv2nv]

Thats a pretty good price, although why didn't you install them yourself? I've heard/read that its a bit of work, but I think from experience that its possible for the average gear head to install them himself in his garage or even drive way with the right parts.

Ceramic coated headers aren't bad, I had a ceramic coated header (DC I believe) in my Prelude VTEC, the only thing I found about them that I didn't like is the fact that in any crack in the coating and especially by the welds rust forms pretty quickly (especially in this Canadian winter climate), which eventually led to a hole developing in my Preludes header. Thats not to say that I'm completely against a set ceramic headers, I'd just like to hear more feedback about the ones available for the G35 first, and unfortuantly most of what I read is about and see are the stainless steel versions.
Modified by srv2nv at 3:04 PM 1/12/2009

[tollboothwilley]

Thats a pretty good price, although why didn't you install them yourself? I've heard/read that its a bit of work, but I think from experience that its possible for the average gear head to install them himself in his garage or even drive way with the right parts.

Vivek doesn't install ANYTHING himself

haha

DC headers are some of the best you can buy for the G

I believe Crawford makes some as well, and everything they make is top notch

[srv2nv]

I've checked out the Crawford headers online, they look great, and promise the biggest gains, but they also require the engine to be jacked up from the frame on install due to their design. I'm going to look into the DC headers though and try to find some reviews online for them. How would you find the quality of the DC headers to that of Stillens exhaust products? (ie. welds simular, steel quality, etc)

[joe603]

I did headers on my late model firebird years ago and I vowed to never do that mod again. Not only was it a major PITA (even with access to a lift!) but the gains were minimal. In fact I may have lost power because the damn things leaked all the time!

I hope the install on the VQ35 is easier than a GM LT1!!

[tollboothwilley]

I've checked out the Crawford headers online, they look great, and promise the biggest gains, but they also require the engine to be jacked up from the frame on install due to their design. I'm going to look into the DC headers though and try to find some reviews online for them. How would you find the quality of the DC headers to that of Stillens exhaust products? (ie. welds simular, steel quality, etc)

I think that DC headers are better. G35 owners have picked them probably 5 to 1 maybe even more.

Crawford are really nice though.

[4drmadness]

the crawfords are a PITA to install first off all. i have also heard people saying that it really overheats the engine. they are the best in terms of gains, but i dnt think they are worth it. btw some of the crawford headers have really nice welds and some have super ****ty ones as well. the only thing i could tell you is dnt get borla. you cant go wrong with the DC. i dnt like stillen too much, but they are pretty much the same as the DC, so i guess whichever you can find cheaper. get bolts with your headers as well because the stock bolts are pretty gay.

[srv2nv]

I did headers on my late model firebird years ago and I vowed to never do that mod again. Not only was it a major PITA (even with access to a lift!) but the gains were minimal. In fact I may have lost power because the damn things leaked all the time!

I hope the install on the VQ35 is easier than a GM LT1!!

I know what you're saying about the LT1. We changed the plugs and did a full headers back exhaust on my friends Camaro Z28. By the end of the weekend we were ready to throw the thing in the garbage. The first start up and run made it worth it though as the gains were pretty good and the sound was even better.

I think that DC headers are better. G35 owners have picked them probably 5 to 1 maybe even more.

So far all the reviews/installs I've seen have been from 350Z owners, and there seems to be 3 brands that come up most (Crawford, Stillen, and DC). Looking around though, DC seems to have a cheaper price and the reported gains aren't that much different.

Anyone know if the install for them is the same as Stillens? I just don't want to be surprised with "jack the engine up from its mounts" in the install guide.

get bolts with your headers as well because the stock bolts are pretty gay.

Thanks for the heads up about the bolts, I've heard using the old ones can be a pain and will most likely need a cleaning before being re-used. Since you have the DC headers maybe you can fill me in on whats included with their kit, and if there will be anything I have to buy extra before ordering them.

[4drmadness]

i actually got used DC headers for 100 with no bolts or gaskets. i reused all the stock stuff

[srv2nv]

You didn't hear of any problems with the flanges on the stock bolts interferring with the welds on the headers? I've heard of it being a problem on some header installs (especially Megan headers).

[cheapazz]

I bought cheap headers just to see if it was worth it to put 'em on. I'm still runnin them with no leaks no bolt clearance issues no cel issues no problems at all. AND I MEAN CHEAP!!! Under $50 bucks WITH delivery!!The ones I bought look just like Viveks DC's, I guess someone just decided to copy them. The install IS a pita, but you will feel the differance. Especially if you do all that you say with the hfc's and true duals....thats what I have. I did the headers first, everything else was cake compared to that.

[srv2nv]

Since you did your own install, was it simular to Stillens installation guide or different? I've also heard that there is a way to jimmy the headers into place without disconnecting the steering coupler, were you able to do that or did you disconnect it?

[tollboothwilley]

he removed the steering coupler during his install

[Jacko3]

Go Strupp! I am a Strupp man.

[WESIDE]

I was supposed to install my Stupp headers this weekend but my neighbor with the lift has the flu. These have been on my shelf for close to six months. How do you like your headers Jacko?

[cheapazz]

You could try to jimmy 'em in, but its not worth the time. It only takes a few minutes to remove the steering shaft couple and will save yourself from dents and scratches. I didn't remove the a/c pump either, just used a good socket/extension combo....it was very tight but it saved some time. Just make sure you have enough coolant to replace what you lose.

To tell the truth, I didn't even remove the under belly from my car, only the coolant line, a couple vaccum lines and loosened the steering shaft coupler. I guess I cheated. I also just did it in the garage with just a small jack and some jackstands. The hardest part was getting to the bolts on the cats....HEHE. yea right......

Good luck to you on the install........have lots of rags and bandages

[srv2nv]

Thanks for the heads up. I usually always start an install with a pile of rags for random cleaning or in case of an "oh crap" moment. I don't mind having to remove the coupler, it would just mean less steps if its something I could avoid, although I'm sure it would add to the time.

Thanks for the info, its been very helpful...hopefully I'll have some pictures of the install to share by the summer.

[Jacko3]

I don't have their headers. I only have their test pipes. Their test pipes are 2.5" compared ot the regular test pipe that is 2.25"

[WESIDE]

HMM I would be intersted in putting another set of test pipes on in the future after my header and afc+gauge install. How do you like those jacko? I had stillen test pipes a while back and noticed a nice increase compared to stock and hfc's. Wes

[TeflonG35]

This reminds me of how my headers are still sitting in my closet. Lol

[tollboothwilley]

Teffy

when you gonna break down and install these things you buy for your car?

[srv2nv]

lol. He sounds like me. Buys the parts but can't find the time so the boxes stack up in the closet. Its winter here right now so I have an excuse though. -28C without the wind chill makes for crappy install days.

[tollboothwilley]

I'm in Utah. Its winter here. NO EXCUSES!