Borla Unequal Length Header Review and DIY

[JDKane527]

I'm thinking of doing this on jackstands as well. Is it recommended to do it with the car level, or is it fine to install with only the front raised?

[swift996]

Originally Posted by JDKane527

I'm thinking of doing this on jackstands as well. Is it recommended to do it with the car level, or is it fine to install with only the front raised?

I should be getting my FA20Club header in next week/weekend. I plan to just jack the front up since I'm using the OEM overpipe. Not sure why you'd need the rear up. I'm guessing it's probably a good idea to have something under the OEM header unit so it doesn't slam down when it's unbolted. Either another set of hands, jack, or get creative.

[sinigang_guy]

Originally Posted by swift996

I should be getting my FA20Club header in next week/weekend. I plan to just jack the front up since I'm using the OEM overpipe. Not sure why you'd need the rear up. I'm guessing it's probably a good idea to have something under the OEM header unit so it doesn't slam down when it's unbolted. Either another set of hands, jack, or get creative.

from the f1point4 and the instructions, the overpipe and front pipe need to removed, or at least moved out of the way to take down the manifold. need to look it up again.

also, picked up gaskets from subaru today.
head to manifold gasket: 4411ac030
manifold to overpipe: 44011ag000

[jwjknorr]

I installed my self aswell. I am 400 miles no codes so far. I wanted to add that if you just remove the mount that holds the front pipe up, its just a couple of bolts, the whole exhaust will be able to move forward, and makes removing the orginal header easy as pie. I reused the factory gaskets with no issues, but i only have 7000 miles on my car. I also left the 02 sensors on and changed them out side the car. Look foward to you diy. I thought about it but im to A-D-D to stop and take pictures.

[F1point4]

It's taking a little longer than usual for me to get to the DIY. I'm about to downgrade my car back to NA. Sending the vortech blower back for the free upgrade.

Saw a few questions and I'd like to give some input on those;

1) It is very possible to do this on jack stands.
2) I think having the whole car level gives you more room, which makes it easier
3) I didn't think to remove some stuff under the overpipe. Good idea.
4) The header won't fall when you unbolt it simply because two welded studs at the header/overpipe joint will keep it together.



How did people torque down the middle nut on the drivers side header flange? The pipes got in my way so I couldn't get a torque wrench in there.

[jwjknorr]

I used a regular 1/2 inch socket wrench , and hand wrench one on each end, and some elbow greece. In order to make sure it was torqued enough and not come loose, i recheck it a couple days later. It might to be the exact way , but i had no issues.

[swift996]

I planned to unbolt the header from the overpipe before unbolting from the head. Is that alright or should I unbolt from the head first?

[MemphisR]

I may have missed it, but what is the benefit (if any) to having an unequal length header?

[swift996]

Originally Posted by MemphisR

I may have missed it, but what is the benefit (if any) to having an unequal length header?

It changes the exhaust note considerably. There isn't any real performance benefit relative to the same equal length header. Harley Davidson does the same thing.

[swift996]

Originally Posted by jwjknorr

I installed my self aswell. I am 400 miles no codes so far. I wanted to add that if you just remove the mount that holds the front pipe up, its just a couple of bolts, the whole exhaust will be able to move forward, and makes removing the orginal header easy as pie. I reused the factory gaskets with no issues, but i only have 7000 miles on my car. I also left the 02 sensors on and changed them out side the car. Look foward to you diy. I thought about it but im to A-D-D to stop and take pictures.

Do you just remove the front pipe from the bracket?

[jwjknorr]

I removed the whole bracket the front pipe needs some force to come off it, but the bracket comes right down.

[swift996]

Originally Posted by jwjknorr

I removed the whole bracket the front pipe needs some force to come off it, but the bracket comes right down.

So the two bolts above the pipe that hold the bracket? (Sorry just want to confirm and I don't have time to lift the car up this weekend):

[sweeney208]

yeah, i just changed mine and that bolt is all you need to take off, it will give wiggle room to get the header off easily. also did anybody have problems with the header? I ordered mine and the flange on both sides warped badly from the welds. I tried to double gasket and still had an awful leak. I called borla and it was covered completely and they're sending me a brand new one but nobody else had this problem? I probably could have heated it and fixed it but really didn't want to bother if they will send a new one.

[jwjknorr]

the two bolts that hold the bracket yet. not the lower bolt on the exhaust pipe