ACE Header Independent Testing Results and Review - 199.6WHP on CA 91 Octane

[Apoc]

I see CSG sells this now. I assume this is why they are providing this "independent" yet somewhat biased review of a header that is only available via drop ship from ACE $1400 or through CSG $1495. I really like the design as they have incorporated the runners where the overpipe existed and eliminated the need to have exhaust pipes stuffed behind the rad like with the nameless design. The downside may be that since this header is only being produced in limited volume (only 2 per month according to CSG's website) it will generate some serious wait times if more than a few people buy these.

[churchx]

Seeing how other companies with succesful products hired extra staff, it's very possible to happen with Aceheader aswell, given enough orders.

[phobos512]

Very impressive results. It was always only a matter of time to see these kinds of optimization on this platform.

That said, yes, I run the PTuning header, so call me biased, but I don't think its fair to include their results given it wasn't done by you or tuned by you and the configuration was in no way comparable...

A totally stock car with a header and tuning vice a fairly modded car we have no idea the pedigree of...Speaking as an engineer, that comparison is meaningless. But again, call me biased if you will.

[Hyper4mance2k]

Originally Posted by Apoc

I see CSG sells this now. I assume this is why they are providing this "independent" yet somewhat biased review of a header that is only available via drop ship from ACE $1400 or through CSG $1495. I really like the design as they have incorporated the runners where the overpipe existed and eliminated the need to have exhaust pipes stuffed behind the rad like with the nameless design. The downside may be that since this header is only being produced in limited volume (only 2 per month according to CSG's website) it will generate some serious wait times if more than a few people buy these.

Or we can just wait for PLM to buy one and rip it off. LOL

[AlexBinJackson]

Just ordered a set, have to say they have amazing customer service and mine should be stateside by the 28th
Very impressed they even sent me photos

[Alltezza]

Will there be a catted Ace Front pipe?

[CarGuy]

From the CSG web site the last line of the product description reads:

"- Aftermarket motor mounts recommended (not required)"

I suspect the wider twin-tube over pipe is in closer proximity to the motor mounts on one side and heats up the mount rubber more than with a stock header. Could header wrap solve the issue?

[juliog]

Originally Posted by phobos512

That said, yes, I run the PTuning header, so call me biased, but I don't think its fair to include their results given it wasn't done by you or tuned by you and the configuration was in no way comparable...

I'm the owner of the car with the PTuning header used for the last dyno plot in OP's post. Same dyno (Church Automotive Tuning), same software. Same 91CA gas, although winter (December) vs summer blend (May) could have a small impact in the results. Tuner spent 3.5 hours on my car, and used suggested intake cam timing data from Ptuning as a starting point.

So, totally comparable results IMHO. I've seen plenty of dynos from that shop, and results are usually very consistent and repeatable. I have had my S2000 tuned over there as well. The setup on my FR-S makes more peak power than most (all?) NA twins tested on 91 CA over there, which is great for the track but not so fun on the street. Have also driven many friend's twins tuned there, and the "butt" dyno always matches the dyno charts.

The way I see it:

• UEL headers such as Tomei (<$700) provide the most value. Filling the torque dip makes this car so much more enjoyable on the street.
• For track use (always above 4500rpm), Ptuning EL gives big AOE gains where it matters. It's also pricey, at ~$1200. Torque dip still there though, not so fun on the street and in some canyons it makes me downshift into 2nd for the slowest corners if I want to keep up with a car with UEL or something faster like an S2K.
• ACE header seems to give you the best of both worlds, but it's also the most expensive (~$1500). However I feel the price is justified, and worth the extra over Ptuning if you have the budget.

[phobos512]

Originally Posted by juliog

I'm the owner of the car with the PTuning header used for the last dyno plot in OP's post. Same dyno (Church Automotive Tuning), same software. Same 91CA gas, although winter (December) vs summer blend (May) could have a small impact in the results. Tuner spent 3.5 hours on my car, and used suggested intake cam timing data from Ptuning as a starting point.

So, totally comparable results IMHO. I've seen plenty of dynos from that shop, and results are usually very consistent and repeatable. I have had my S2000 tuned over there as well. The setup on my FR-S makes more peak power than most (all?) NA twins tested on 91 CA over there, which is great for the track but not so fun on the street. Have also driven many friend's twins tuned there, and the "butt" dyno always matches the dyno charts.

The way I see it:

• UEL headers such as Tomei (<$700) provide the most value. Filling the torque dip makes this car so much more enjoyable on the street.
• For track use (always above 4500rpm), Ptuning EL gives big AOE gains where it matters. It's also pricey, at ~$1200. Torque dip still there though, not so fun on the street and in some canyons it makes me downshift into 2nd for the slowest corners if I want to keep up with a car with UEL or something faster like an S2K.
• ACE header seems to give you the best of both worlds, but it's also the most expensive (~$1500). However I feel the price is justified, and worth the extra over Ptuning if you have the budget.

Thanks for the data. Makes it much easier to talk about. I am surprised at the magnitude of the dip though as compared to PTuning's numbers. I know 93 makes a significant difference. Your having been on winter blend makes a difference also, though I couldn't quantify it.

[OkieSnuffBox]

Originally Posted by CarGuy

From the CSG web site the last line of the product description reads:

"- Aftermarket motor mounts recommended (not required)"

I suspect the wider twin-tube over pipe is in closer proximity to the motor mounts on one side and heats up the mount rubber more than with a stock header. Could header wrap solve the issue?

No, it's the stock mounts allow the engine to move around so it might contact the subframe.

[duke_FRS]

Well I'm convinced. I'm gonna order one today

[continuecrushing]

whoa...freaking awesome!

[churchx]

Originally Posted by juliog

..

• ACE header seems to give you the best of both worlds, but it's also the most expensive (~$1500). However I feel the price is justified, and worth the extra over Ptuning if you have the budget.

BTW, if one substracts price of average overpipe from price of ACE's header .. suddenly price doesn't look THAT much more expensive vs price of other top headers.

[sw20kosh]

Originally Posted by churchx

[/LIST]
BTW, if one substracts price of average overpipe from price of ACE's header .. suddenly price doesn't look THAT much more expensive vs price of other top headers.

Wow I never thought of that. OP's generally run $300 new...