4-2-1 vs UEL Headers

[Christian628]

I bought a FRS and the previous owner poorly choose to put basically a full Agency Power exhaust on it. I installed a Invidia N2 and a PLM High Flow Cat Front pipe. Still want to replace the Over Pipe and Headers. Over pipe is pretty easy choice, but I’m struggling with the Header. Help me out. Want something different from the EL I got rn.


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[Christian628]

Right now I’m looking at the PLM UEL and the HKS 4-2-1. I really would like to stick with a stainless steel option instead of titanium. Extremely firm on that and not really trying to debate that.


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[SydBRZ]

Other 4-2-1 setups are ACE and JDL, though ACE is out of production at the moment, so that leaves JDL.

Best UEL for the buck is probably Gruppe B, which is pretty much identical to the Tomei.

Main argument for UEL is better torque curve for street driving. EL will generally breathe better at high revs and are recommended for cars primarily used at the track. ACE EL is the exception to this, as it generally shows a big torque bump/space under the curve, along with good high rev performance.

HKS EL won't hurt torque, as it's very similar to stock pipe architecture, with the cats removed.

[Christian628]

Originally Posted by SydBRZ

Other 4-2-1 setups are ACE and JDL, though ACE is out of production at the moment, so that leaves JDL.

Best UEL for the buck is probably Gruppe B, which is pretty much identical to the Tomei.

Main argument for UEL is better torque curve for street driving. EL will generally breathe better at high revs and are recommended for cars primarily used at the track. ACE EL is the exception to this, as it generally shows a big torque bump/space under the curve, along with good high rev performance.

HKS EL won't hurt torque, as it's very similar to stock pipe architecture, with the cats removed.

I want to unleash more of that boxer rumble. Will I get that with the 4-2-1? Or do I need to go with UEL? What about the CNT UEL? I can only find one place with the gruppe s.


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[PulsarBeeerz]

Originally Posted by Christian628

I want to unleash more of that boxer rumble. Will I get that with the 4-2-1? Or do I need to go with UEL? What about the CNT UEL? I can only find one place with the gruppe s.


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The UEL will get you what you want sounds wise. I would PM Gruppe-S
down in the vendor section. He is responsive and easy to deal with.

[SydBRZ]

Originally Posted by Christian628

I want to unleash more of that boxer rumble. Will I get that with the 4-2-1? Or do I need to go with UEL? What about the CNT UEL? I can only find one place with the gruppe s.


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Only UEL will give you the off-beat boxer rumble, due to having two short runners, and two longer runners.

EL 4-2-1 will sound more like a conventional high revving four cylinder, due to all runners being the same length.

Yeah, Gruppe S not B, sorry

Old school rally cars on the brain.

[jflogerzi]

I am more found of the 4-2-1 sound. UEL can be pretty damn loud and drone with the wrong exhaust components. If going 4-2-1 get the JDL. By far best bang for your buck hand made in the USA by skilled welders.

[PulsarBeeerz]

Originally Posted by jflogerzi

I am more found of the 4-2-1 sound. UEL can be pretty damn loud and drone with the wrong exhaust components. If going 4-2-1 get the JDL. By far best bang for your buck hand made in the USA by skilled welders.

JDL is work of art, but not a bang for the buck unit. $1250 JDL vs HKS $650 vs Gruppe S $450.

JDL is the best premium EL header anyone can get their hands on since Ace is now $2000 and out of production with no ETA.

[jflogerzi]

I meant for 4-2-1 headers. But you are right it is a work of art

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[jflogerzi]

JDL has an UEL. If you can wait till BF they normally run special for free shipping and free coating.

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[Thefalls]

Or if you really want an Ace clone then go for Rogue Motorsport UK. They make the ACE 350 clone and they also made the Rally GT86 CS-R3 headers.

Quality is awesome and fitment 100%.

Don't ask me how i know.

[Brz866]

I have a JDL uel and absolutely love the sound. Deeper rumble than Tomei or gruppe s. Not the cheapest option but it's the best uel option for these cars by far. JDL's 4-2-1 is definitely the way to go for El as well. You can't go wrong either way quality is insane. Also I'm boosted c38 high boost on E85 and no issues with the uel.

[Turdinator]

UEL for 'that Subaru rumble' and cheap tuning solutions. 4-2-1 for smoother sound and better torque curve with a good tune. Given your exhaust choice I'd guess performance is a lower priority than aesthetic, so don't worry about the JDL offering and get the cheapest UEL you can and call it a day.