OFT ordered. Header is next
 

There weren't any used ones I could find so I ordered a new one for $485 delivered. Now the header decision is imminent. I have a Borla axle back and figured I'd mate it with the Borla header. Borla tells me they stopped making ELs because they got no improvement from them. I want as little extra noise as possible, just power and torque. E85 is pretty available where I live, so I figure I'll be running stage 2 tune with header and E85 regularly. If it makes the car feel a little more nimble off the line that will be a big improvement for me. I'm reasonably satisfied with its performance once it's up on the step and going through the gears, but from a standing stop it feels really sluggish to me.

E85 alone is biggest improvement. You will become relevant in stop and go traffic without having to scream the thing. Header will help a little.

Borla tech told me to expect 15-17 HP which is a lot more than I would expect from what I've read. He didn't give any torque figures.

200 dynojet whp is it for these cars right now (give or take). You can get there with just e85.

Good input. Maybe I'll decide I don't need a header.

From my experience the header will give a little more midrange kick and make it feel smoother.

I ran catless UEL's and an E85 tune and the difference compared to stock is HUGE. I noticed much better acceleration, no torque dip, and the car sounded much more aggressive IMO. Aftermarket catless headers will also shave off a few lbs of weight over stock.

If you want to keep the volume down, you could always get the headers and keep the stock cat-back on the car, or invest in an Invidia Q300 or Ark Grip exhaust. My buddy gave me a ride in his BRZ with Tomei catless UEL's, and a Tomei front pipe and there was 0 cabin drone with that setup. I also had the Ark Grip on my FRS previously with Tomei catless UEL's and a Hooker catless front pipe, and had no cabin drone at all!

-Sam

30 horsepower gain is profound in terms of driving experience.

Yeah try E85 first since you already ordered the OFT. If you decide you want a bit more, throw the header on.

This is all very encouraging. Thanks everyone. It'll be a week or so before the OFT arrives and I'm eager to try it.
Not sure how much the mileage drop will be, but E85 here is .60 cheaper than 93.
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About 20-30% drop in mpg with e85 compared to gas.

Header, e85, and weight reduction. The 3 best things that are best for our twins.

Dr. BRZ: and driver training to top those all :)