Header/Tune Decision
 

So I have a 2017 CWP that I've had almost 1 year. I was going to wait for at least my bumper to bumper to expire (3 years) before tuning the car just incase something happens...turns out that's not gonna happen.

I am currently looking at the Borla UEL uncatted header with a Perrin overpipe. Probably a canned ECUtek tune, but I am still trying to figure it out.

Do you guys have opinions on this combination or any better ideas for me? Thanks!

I am 100% happy with my ACE 350 headers and E85 tune from delicious on my 2013.

I am not sure if the ACE header works with your 2017 but if it does I would strongly consider looking into that one.

I wouldn't go with the Borla UEL. I know some have head success with them but when you think about it the header is the single most important part of your exhaust system and the only part that gives gains on our cars. I wouldn't trust a more "generic" brand such as borla who normally makes mufflers and exhaust systems that I've never found sound good.

I'd went with the Tomei UEL catless header and couldn't be happier with it. The build quality is obvious the second you pull it out of the box. The JDL UEL header also looks very promising.

That is the exact thing I just got as a response on /r/ft86 haha. You're talking about this one right: http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/tome...l#.WY3Db1Fg8dU

And the tomei overpipe: http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/tome...l#.WY3FWFFg8dU


I don't plan on doing E85 right now, but if I get an ECUtek license I get a canned tune for the catless header and I just do it with my computer, right? I've never flashed a tune, I guess it's through the OBDII?

Yup that's the right one. I haven't had any personal experience with the overpipe but I would assume it would work perfectly with the header and be of the same quality.

I haven't used ECUtek but from my understanding yes you will get the tune file and software and plug your computer into the car via the OBDII port and use the software to write the tune to the ECU.

the budget pipes can be hit or miss with fitment or durability. with that said im satisfied with no problems thus far with my 'cnt' header & 'top speed' overpipe. oft tuned. if youve got the coin by all means there are certainly better pieces out there but i got all that for about a grand. i was on a tune after 3 months & header another 9 after.

I'm currently running the JDL UEL header with a custom tune from Delicious.

I'm going to be honest, my personal experience is to spend the extra money and buy top of the line stuff. Buy used if you have to. With generic brand headers and whatnot, you might feel some gains but ive heard many comments on how people dont think it's worth the money. I have a definite increase in torque and overall power. The car feels like i'm running E85 with a tad less oomph. So running E85 is going to make it that much better.

Plus with a custom tune it's going to be geared more towards your car and the way you already like to drive so it's going to feel that much better. My previous header setup was hte Open Flash Headers with the off the shelf Stage 2 tune. My custom tune with the JDL headers feels WAY better and the car feels a lot more powerful compared to the canned tune.

im running a CNT uel and OFT...fitment was perfect on the header, haven't had it on a dyno yet, but theres a definite power increase felt.

ACE fits on 2017 without issue. :thumbup:

I wouldn't recommend the Borla header, even if you're on a budget - I just think there are better choices out there that offer superior quality and better proven gains in power and drivability.

Like @Xxyion said, I'd get the highest quality pieces you can afford, especially on things as critical as your header and tune. That said, I am extremely pleased with my ACE 4-2-1 Type-A 350 equal length header, EcuTek Pro ECU programming and datalogging kit, and Delicious Tuning ECU reflash/stage 2 tune.

Info on ecutek

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117520

JDL UEL!

I made 213HP with a JDL Uel and OFT E85 Tune..
Highest HP for NA car on 8/6 dyno day last year


Although im running JSRC now, that was a great combo.

Dyno video and sheet
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...97&postcount=9

I ordered the Tomei UEL header and overpipe from ft86speedfactory. They were both in stock so hopefully it doesn't take too long to show up. I'm gonna get an ECUtek license and a canned tune from a local shop around me after i install them.

Nice! I've got the same combo. I should get a dyno done sometime. Was that the OTS tune or custom?