Need Guidance: Best UEL header for my buck

[Webster10]

So, I"m looking for a header for my 2013 FRS. I've looked at a few, including one from DC sports, Borla etc.

The problem is, I'm entirely clueless as to which header will provide me with the most WHP gains for the lowest amount of money. So, ft86club members, which header would you buy for the most bang for your buck, and why?

[Alltezza]

Gruppe-S UEL, people may tell you otherwise but dude 475 compared to tomei's 675 price. I can't think of other headers for that kind of price. I honestly think this is the best bang for your buck, there was a guy running the Edelbrock supercharger and he made 297 to the wheels with the Gruppe headers.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92104

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91167

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf7m0U1FXLk"]Drift-Office : Edelbrock E-Force Supercharged FRS - YouTube[/ame]

[Webster10]

Certainly looks promising. Thanks for the links!

[seant2h]

I have been running a Borla EL that I purchased NOS so it didn't come with the borla warranty and now that the flex joints rattle and I'm SOL. That said, I recently purchased a JDL UEL on their black Friday sale (which is still going on) and I think it's a great deal with all things considered (i.e. made in the USA, lifetime warranty, etc.). On sale the JDL still isn't the cheapest out there but considering my experience with the last header, I'd rather pay more for a header with a lifetime warranty than get a cheaper one from somewhere else and have to purchase again. I'm not saying the other recommendations are of a lesser quality or that they will break in some way... I just feel better spending the extra money to get a header with a lifetime warranty. Also, my tuner recommends the JDL above all else and that goes pretty far with me.
https://jdlautodesign.net/shop/ft86-...length-header/

[PrDarkKnight]

I bought the CNT UEL headers on ebay, did research first. Good company that specializes in subarus, great clean welds, lightweight but solid and only $349. Oh did I mention the sound!!! I'm happy, about to tune to see gains

[Alltezza]

Since we're on this topic does anybody know the difference between the OEM Style Donut Flange and the Rear Style flange?


https://jdlautodesign.net/shop/ft86-...e/#prettyPhoto

[Webster10]

How essential is the thermal wrapping on the JDL? A lifetime warranty does sound pretty nice.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using Tapatalk

[LOLS2K]

Originally Posted by Alltezza

Since we're on this topic does anybody know the difference between the OEM Style Donut Flange and the Rear Style flange?


https://jdlautodesign.net/shop/ft86-...e/#prettyPhoto

Looks like front is V band and rear is donut on the JDL setup.

[seant2h]

Originally Posted by Alltezza

Since we're on this topic does anybody know the difference between the OEM Style Donut Flange and the Rear Style flange?


https://jdlautodesign.net/shop/ft86-...e/#prettyPhoto

The OEM donut style works as a pivot point (with shoulder bolts and springs) whereas the flat rear flange is a solid connection point. I believe that most of the catback systems work with the donut style flange, unless specified otherwise, so that they can work with the OEM midpipe.

[seant2h]

Originally Posted by Webster10

How essential is the thermal wrapping on the JDL? A lifetime warranty does sound pretty nice.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using Tapatalk

I think thermal coating depends on your usage and goals. I DD my NA car 25k miles per year and don't do any track driving, so for me it is not that important. For people who go FI, go to the track, or have potential heat issues it is another thing you can do to help keep temperatures down. That said, I do like the look of coated pipes over non coated pipes but the extra cost was not worth it to me.

[kch]

Originally Posted by Alltezza

Since we're on this topic does anybody know the difference between the OEM Style Donut Flange and the Rear Style flange?


https://jdlautodesign.net/shop/ft86-...e/#prettyPhoto

It all comes down to which catback you have. If you have stock catback, stick with the donut gasket. Some catbacks (like perrin) use a flat flange instead.

If you have the JDL FP with a donut flange but get a flat-flange catback down the line, you can always convert the FP into a flat flange. It's super easy.

And while I'm here, I might as well chime in. I have the JDL UEL header and it's been great. It's also super discounted right now. I think I paid like $950 for mine and I still think it was worth it. The only concern is that for some reason JDL likes to put the second O2 bung super close to the flange, so it's a little difficult to do the header/OP connection.

[go_a_way1]

buy a used one for best $ to WHP ratio haha.

[KevinK121]

^^^ Truth


I bought CNT for 350 shipped also on ebay. Fitment was pretty fair. Not best fitment on stock over pipe but the fitment was near perfect on the nameless OP, luckily.

[DocWalt]

I'll chime in as well and say that the JDL that's on sale now for their black friday sale is VERY impressive quality for that price. I paid something a bit over 1k for mine a year ago, I'm VERY happy.