Aftermarket Header help!!!!

[chiefshayan]

Hey guys, so I bought my FRS about 2 months ago and have already installed a Milltek UnRes catback exhaust and put in a drop-in Cosworth airfilter. Also changed the oil (at 1,500 miles) and put in Amsoil and also fitted a drain plug underneath the car. After these modifications, the car feels more alive. BUT I want to take it to the next level (FI is in the future, don't have the funds at the moment) so I'm looking to purchase headers.

As I don't own a car lift (can only put the car on stilts), the passing emissions and CEL all worry me. The CEL doesn't worry me as much because I will eventually purchase an ECUtek that will take care of that. I live in stuck-up California and they are real assholes when it comes to these things. So I want to keep a system that keeps the 02 sensor and doesn't require me to throw on the stock header every 2 years to pass smog. Some companies that I've looked into are JDL, Rev Works, and Borla.

So I'm asking you what's your experience the headers on your car, did you install yourself, and to calm me on any of my many worries above. I'm really excited to modify my car instead of having the ricer-image of only putting an exhaust on the car lol. Thanks guys

[hyper4mance]

I ordered JDL UEL headers ETA June to arrive. They are uncatted, which most UELs are but if you are concerned about emissions, consider going a catted header (most at the moment are EL). UEL vs EL really depends on your preference on the typical boxer rumble. As a note of caution if you are planning FI in the future, they will require a new set of headers for turbo setups.
If you are planning to get a stock dyno baseline then see the gains after header and/or tune it may be easier letting the tuner install the header after the first run. I'd imagine it can be done on stands but of course it would be easier on a lift.

[hyper4mance]

this should also help
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31555

[ScottDRFT]

I just ordered the P&L header and it has the option of being catted. So far people have said that there are no CELs either.

[chiefshayan]

Originally Posted by hyper4mance

this should also help
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31555

Thanks that helped a lot. I think I want to go UEL, the sound is more like a subaru whereas the EL sounds a bit light for me. So you're saying if I want to go FI, I need to replace the stock headers? Makes sense. Are you at all worried about passing smog with the JDL headers? I would love to go uncatted..

[chiefshayan]

Originally Posted by ScottDRFT

I just ordered the P&L header and it has the option of being catted. So far people have said that there are no CELs either.

Those look sweet. Any worries of going uncatted and passing smog?

[ScottDRFT]

Originally Posted by chiefshayan

Those look sweet. Any worries of going uncatted and passing smog?

Yeah that's one of the reasons I went catted, plus the I heard the catted one was a little bit more tolerable as far as the sound goes for a daily driver.

[Hawaiian]

Originally Posted by chiefshayan

Those look sweet. Any worries of going uncatted and passing smog?

They also fit with the vortech kit, and will work with the P&L turbo kit so you won't need to buy a new header.

[Xdragonxb0i]

Originally Posted by ScottDRFT

I just ordered the P&L header and it has the option of being catted. So far people have said that there are no CELs either.

Im running the p&L for about 500miles now
My Car just got a CEL p0420.... im thinking one of the sensors got loose. will check tomorrow

[TheSlickOne17]

I ordered the UEL borla and a bung spacer so my CEL wont come on.
But isn't the law in Cali if you have a new car you smog every 4 years now not 2?

[mad_sb]

Fa20club.com's header has catted option AND converts to the turbo manifold so if you plan to go turbo in the future you can save 700 or so off the fa20club turbo kit.

[hyper4mance]

Originally Posted by chiefshayan

Thanks that helped a lot. I think I want to go UEL, the sound is more like a subaru whereas the EL sounds a bit light for me. So you're saying if I want to go FI, I need to replace the stock headers? Makes sense. Are you at all worried about passing smog with the JDL headers? I would love to go uncatted..

NA headers are not always designed for FI, so just make sure before you buy them they suit your needs in upgrade path. I plan on sticking to NA since the turbo lag for autox does not suit my needs. SC is an option, but id rather spend the money on autox or trackdays for the bike/car.

I'm not sure how emissions is in your area, but most say the cat delete in the header should still pass assuming you have a cat in the midpipe. I'd check with local people according to your state for help.

[ScottDRFT]

Originally Posted by Xdragonxb0i

Im running the p&L for about 500miles now
My Car just got a CEL p0420.... im thinking one of the sensors got loose. will check tomorrow

Were you able to fix it?

[Eyesacky]

I have the Borla UEL. Had a CEL for a few weeks but then it went away.