Header/Dyno Tune
 

My 2013 scion FR-S has a Magnaflow Catback Exhaust on it. I was dead set on getting the Open Flash Header/Tune combo kit for about 1200$. The reason for that is I planned on doing some more engine mods, so the self tuner would come in handy. I have decided this Header will be the last thing I do for the for see-able future. I am now contemplating on which header to get. I live in Danville, VA. I am interested in a UEL header. I have been looking at the FT-86 speed factory UEL header for 989$ about, and carry it to a shop for a professional Dyno tune for about 500$. Or another header, possibly a borla which is quite a bit cheaper, also with a tune.

I want to know what you guys think about this. If this is a solid idea or what and what else I might need to do. Also, the down pipe, mid pipe, over pipe stuff I do not know understand much about so if I could benefit from that let me know.

Thanks!

Any reason you aren't considering going with the OFT/OFH combo and signing up for our custom e-tuning?

I just installed the Gruppe-S UEL header yesterday, so hard to say on long term results. But Super impressed with first impression! Just over can get over pipe and heat shield delivered for about $600. $70 less without the OP.

Honestly, I don't see a point of a professional dyno tune unless your going with catted headers or Forced Induction.

Also, remember, the catless header will make your car much much louder (see how i did 2x much)
And you may or may not have gas fumes. Varies on people's sensitivity.

I can't recommend a brand specific header since I never got one.

~ Regarding other pipes ~

Since you have a Magnaflow Catback, you already have a mid-pipe.

The front pipe is the next most restricted part of the car (after header)

Over-pipe is something that you could change while changing a header if you want because it's a pain in the butt to change on it's own since a lot of times it requires you raising the engine.

This picture will help you understand everything better i think


http://s18.postimg.org/dzsznty21/brzexhaust_diagram.jpg

Thanks for the feedback. Well, I was looking at the FT-86 Speed Fasctory header they just came out with. I believe it is catted? Which by what you are saying would require a professional tune. And so you recommend getting a front and over pipe? WHat would this do/help with, as in performance/sound wise?

I had actually emailed you a while back, we had a short combo and i never got another response-no big deal-. But as I said, I had considered and was dead set on getting those. But, for the sole reason of the self tuner. If I was to get the FT-86 UEL Catted Header, for around 9--$, which i have seen performs better in some forums, and got it tuned it seems to be the better option, power wise. I dont know what you mean about the custom tuning though? The self tuner downside to me is that a dyno would customize it to exactly what is on my car, whereas the self tuner has specific maps...also if I dont know what im doing i could really screw my car up..which I dont

I was also looking at that header before. I had an issue with it though.


1. Its expensive because with a custom tune it's pricey. I know people run it without tunes but you risk running into the cell code and you are not getting the full benefit from the header.
You could run oft stage 1 and disable the cel code but you won't be taking the header to its full potential.
Whenever I think about chatted headers my head hurts haha, its why I'm just keeping mine stock. The bigger gains are fem a cat less header, however they are very loud and smell of gas which is something I don't want.
Another chatted header I considered was the fujitsubo super ex, but it cats 2500.00 plus 1000 for a custom tune. 3500 is just too expensive for me. Rather use that money elsewhere in life because the gains will be no where's her worth that much money.


The front pipe/op will give you small gains compared to a header. But if you want the full potential out of your NA motor using bolt on exhaust parts its worth getting in my opinion. Just be careful with front pipes. Some are extremely loud and can give you rasp/drone.


For me personally, I have a catback, and will be getting a catless front pipe since I am keeping the stock header with the stock cat. Maybe over pipe in the future.
Then ill run stage 1 oft.


Afterwards a good mod for NA cars is the Cusco final drive. Improves acceleration greatly. However I'm still researching on this myself.

Yeah, money is definitely something I am worried about when doing aftermarket. But for me, since I dont see a supercharger or a turbo in the future, this will be my last major change. So If I did want the best(respectivly) and money not being too big a issue, the ft86 catted UEL with a custom tune would be my best bet?

Well in regards to catted headers there is not much choices haha


I think, (however everyone has an opinion on this) the best uel catted header in terms of gains and quality would the be the JDL UEL catted header.


I personally like the ft86speed factory header more though, just because the boxer rumble is more tamed compared to jdl. The ft86 speed factory catted header sounds more equal length once you go past 5000rpm.


JDL WILL sound like a traditional Uel throughout the whole rev range. I also think its a bit louder.


I hope this help you a little bit, I know its a tough process especially with these cars because you have many options and many things to look out for haha.


by the way I edited my post above, but I also write this.


Afterwards a good mod for NA cars is the Cusco final drive. Improves acceleration greatly. However I'm still researching on this myself

I actually just looked at the costum e tuning...says 200$ and nto exactly sure the whole process? I would be spending 1200$ on the OFH/OFT + Labor + 200 on the custom tuning.. hundred dollars more and I could get professional tune with a 1000$ header?

Anyone that finds they need to raise their engine to do the overpipe has already done it wrong (3" OP maybe being the exception).

Remove the heat shields prior to unbolting the overpipe, then unbolt the overpipe, then rotate the overpipe out. It should be loose. The replacement goes in exactly the opposite way. I've done four overpipes with no issues.

Their is rearly little point in getting a full dyno tune on Naturally aspirated cars. Their are plenty of good off the shelf canned tunes arround from ecutek guys of oft guys to suit most header types.

The gains you get with a full dyno tune over a good canned tune that suots your mods is minimal.

Leave the intake stock, just put a drop in filter in instead less hassle cheaper and very little power difference

I highly recommend taking the advice from Steve.

That's good to know! I'm glad there is an easier way. :thumbsup:

So, if i was to get of OFT/OFH I would be in really good condition? ALso, when putting a header on, what other modifications need to be done? I know the check engine light will come on, is there anything else that might happen?

Also, if you know how to get that light to go off.