I was asking you because you stated they outsource to China. At least up till a couple years ago I know that's 100% false and pretty sure at present time that still stands true. I've actually asked HKS about this. Back when HKS USA was around they did some R&D stateside and some parts came from the US, but those were US specific parts.

Yeah IMO HKS, Cusco, etc aren't top quality stuff like Dome or Mooncraft since they market stuff to the average guys like us. Although like you said they still can produce some good and bad stuff. You have to remember places like Amuse use HKS parts as well.

FINALLLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wish they would do a dual tip setup, I hate how the twins look with only one exhaust pipe. Guess I won't be buying this :-/

It depends on the titanium alloy used. Some are fine, others need more specialized design considerations.

Interesting, I wonder if Tomei will do an ARMS turbo setup for the 86.

i asked a distributer if amuse would be making a titanium header for the 86 and the response was there were no plans but not because of the material not being able to handle heat but because the cost associtaed with making a titanium header would be way to high for a low cost platform like the 86. I guess companies don't think many people will want to buy a header that cost half as much as the car.

what they are saying is that they can't outsource to china because there isn't enough volume. ;)

I don't see why a Ti header has to be more than 2k USD.

If a catback in 304 runs 500-700 and a Ti catback goes for 1k-2k why would you think the header will be over 4k?

Am I missing something? I mean most people won't spend another 1k just to save 5lbs but I'm sure someone would

i'm not expert but i think it's more material and it's harder to work with i'd imagine cause of all the bends needed for a header. i think titanium is harder to bend

There might be a Ti alloy that can handle the heat, but it probably is crazy expensive.

If you look at Ti exhausts, they aren't bent, they are welded segments, and I'd expect headers to need to be made the same way, meaning Huge labor and costs.

If Ti were a good material for headers, you'd find them on race cars where cost is no issue, and you just don't see Ti headers.

If you want light, you're talking about Inconel.

The front pipe is out!!! :D
http://www.tomei-p.co.jp/_2003web-ca...pipe_86-e.html

Looks like pipe diameter is same as stock.....?

I think Rallysportdirect posted a bunch of pictures, including the front pipe installed, but I received my front pipe today and here are a couple of pics. The pipe is 60mm so basically the same size as the stock exhaust, but obviously weighs almost nothing. Uses a slip-fit junction in the middle.

http://philbedard.com/pics/expreme1.jpg
http://philbedard.com/pics/expreme2.jpg

Got my front pipe in yesterday and installed it as well. Wow this mated to the 60R is amazing. So many compliments on the sound that it puts out. Really roars! Also feels like it might have helped with mid-range to top end power.

Now where are the over pipe and header!