Fresh Mods

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Ernest72

But they all can be improved!

But if it’s just for shows, then wheels and body kits or aero.

Changed. They can all be changed. Many do not "improve" anything except in the owners mind.

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by 41kart

Hey guys thank you for all the feedback!! You guys are awesome and I really appreciate all the feedback I can get. I would like to do a 50/50 on the performance/exterior. I think I will start off with a race stripe, headers, and exhaust. Then next thing some wheels and tires. I like to have a little bit of both worlds. I am considering throwing her into a car show but yet do a couple autocross events as well. I use to own a mustang that I used for shows but I didn't drive her much. I decided this time I wanted to get more use out of my car and have it look good. What is the use of having her if I cant use her too. lol...

Visual mods, that's your taste, so we can only give what aftermarket options you have. For performance mods, before going into buying header and so forth, recommend do some few autox events THEN decide. Not sure your local autox are strict or not, but header alone will bump you up into STX or SSC class (in SCCA). Not sure you've autox/track under the belt, but I've seen new kid w a lot of mods thinking he can compete... but he got roasted HARD at the event and never see him again. Plus you want to drive your car and see what you want/need, so don't need to buy twice.

My point is, go out and race few time. From there, ask yourself what you want from this car.

[AlexBRZ2]

As I’m sure you’ll see recommended elsewhere in the forums, I am really pleased with the ft86 speedfactory UEL header. It did a pretty good job at flattening the torque dip. This is the only mod I have made so far and it made a significant change, in my opinion according to the butt dyno. Super easy installation as well. And the super easy part is coming from someone who isn’t very good at working on cars and just enjoys the driving part!

Edit: That’s a good point by ichitaka05 regarding bumping you up in class and taking it out and racing a few times first.

[JesseG]

Originally Posted by AlexBRZ2

As I’m sure you’ll see recommended elsewhere in the forums, I am really pleased with the ft86 speedfactory UEL header. It did a pretty good job at flattening the torque dip. This is the only mod I have made so far and it made a significant change, in my opinion according to the butt dyno. Super easy installation as well. And the super easy part is coming from someone who isn’t very good at working on cars and just enjoys the driving part!

Edit: That’s a good point by ichitaka05 regarding bumping you up in class and taking it out and racing a few times first.

Do you feel some extra low-mid range power with the UEL header? And I’m guessing you have a tune also?

There are so many different ways to go with the exhaust system, it’s a little overwhelming. If I went for a header back system, I think I would go with a EL header because of the way they flow. No boxer rumble though, and I do miss that from my WRX.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by JesseG

Do you feel some extra low-mid range power with the UEL header? And I’m guessing you have a tune also?

There are so many different ways to go with the exhaust system, it’s a little overwhelming. If I went for a header back system, I think I would go with a EL header because of the way they flow. No boxer rumble though, and I do miss that from my WRX.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

As I frequently point out, much like an aftermarket CAI, changing the headers in these cars has a very limited effect on performance. Unlike changing out an old school flat (and usually rough cast iron) exhaust manifold on the family sedan there just isn't that big of an improvement in flow. The stock designs are already built for performance.
The real improvement comes in the tune. The manufacturers tune is limited by emissions and mileage constraints that don't take full advantage of even the stock components. Sure you may get a small bump by changing the header but you can reach almost the same with just tuning stock.
Now if we were talking 1992 Neons...

[AlexBRZ2]

Originally Posted by JesseG

Do you feel some extra low-mid range power with the UEL header? And I’m guessing you have a tune also?

There are so many different ways to go with the exhaust system, it’s a little overwhelming. If I went for a header back system, I think I would go with a EL header because of the way they flow. No boxer rumble though, and I do miss that from my WRX.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just to supplement what TCoat noted, I personally felt a difference specifically around the torque dip. As TCoat mentioned, you can probably get just as much or more of a benefit from tuning the car. I however did not go that route as I didn’t want to be kicking myself in the rare off chance something would go wrong and the dealership won’t cover it because of my tune. For the OP, a tune would likely do more, I just wanted to say Howe much I like the header. Nothing drastic but it did make a correction. I haven’t nor intend to dyno my car but below is Ann image from their sight of the impact of the header without a tune.

https://images.jbautosports.com/imag...a7uchk05exssug

[Ohio Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

The manufacturers tune is limited by emissions and mileage constraints that don't take full advantage of even the stock components.

I got the impression that the stock cats are the main thing that aftermarket headers "solve". People got similar performance gains (torque dip flattening, etc.) with breaking the cats in the stock header. Plus the 2017+ headers are improved over 2016- in that regard (was a thread a while back with the conclusion that aftermarket headers don't contribute as much for 2017+ Twins).

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Ohio Enthusiast

I got the impression that the stock cats are the main thing that aftermarket headers "solve". People got similar performance gains (torque dip flattening, etc.) with breaking the cats in the stock header. Plus the 2017+ headers are improved over 2016- in that regard (was a thread a while back with the conclusion that aftermarket headers don't contribute as much for 2017+ Twins).

Well since the sum of the total changes in 17 came to 5HP it is debatable that the header alone is much of an improvement.
Getting rid of the cats is probably not even giving a measurable improvement within the margin of error of a Dyno. It all goes back to the tune not the system itself. All in all we are probably looking at single digit numbers when talking headers in these cars not the huge increases you see by replacing a collector manifold.
No doubt people's butt dynos will argue that but they are usually calibrated by the Confirmation Bias Metering and Measurement Company.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

As I frequently point out, much like an aftermarket CAI, changing the headers in these cars has a very limited effect on performance. Unlike changing out an old school flat (and usually rough cast iron) exhaust manifold on the family sedan there just isn't that big of an improvement in flow. The stock designs are already built for performance.
The real improvement comes in the tune. The manufacturers tune is limited by emissions and mileage constraints that don't take full advantage of even the stock components. Sure you may get a small bump by changing the header but you can reach almost the same with just tuning stock.
Now if we were talking 1992 Neons...

I just can't find a picture of a production 1992 Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth Neon -

I think you slipped a year or two, in your old age -

Oh, BTW, you still haven't shown me a picture of a non-modified, 1955 Chevrolet 4-door hardtop -

OK,OK sooooo it's past ma nap time -

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by humfrz

I just can't find a picture of a production 1992 Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth Neon -

I think you slipped a year or two, in your old age -

Oh, BTW, you still haven't shown me a picture of a non-modified, 1955 Chevrolet 4-door hardtop -

OK,OK sooooo it's past ma nap time -

It was a random year model and make for emphasis and was not intended to be taken literally.

I still have not found the picture.

[Ernest72]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Changed. They can all be changed. Many do not "improve" anything except in the owners mind.

Prius tires!!

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by Ernest72

Prius tires!!

I’m pretty sure Tcoat will say this, but so called “Prius tires” actually ran in Lexus GS 430, Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6 as well. So it’s better off saying “luxury sedan” tires

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Ernest72

But they all can be improved!

But if it’s just for shows, then wheels and body kits or aero.

[86MLR]

For cheap performance I made typical power to a full aftermarket 2.5" catless UEL header and exhaust with the OEM exhaust with the cats punched out.

The most important part is the tuner and tuning software.

Ecutek worked well for me, as for your tuner, well, there was only one place that I was happy to take my Subaru's due to years of experience in building and racing.

90% of people who say they can tune are below average.

You will pay a premium for expertise, but I feel the additional cost is cheap insurance.

Or, drop some real coin and get a little boost, but you gotta risk it for the biscuit.

Shop smart

Have fun