what is the best cheap (price) header out there (megan/DC/Berk, etc.) that can actually give some gains when used with intake/test pipe/exhaust/VAFC or neo? should i just bite the bullet and go for the invidia which is supposed to give decent gains?

TIA for your advice guys

 

From all that I've read on the matter there is no cheap header. Most cars have inefficient headers that can be improved easily. Not the S. We already have a header that looks like most aftermarket one. Anyone that actually improved performance had to do a lot of testing on multiple designs to see any improvement.

If it's cheaper (<$800 or so) then chances are you'll only benefit from a lighter weight header of only a couple pounds if that and quite possibly reduce your performance because the stock header is so good.

I'd look into other alternatives unless you're getting serious and doing lots of other expensive mods.

 

People seem really excited about the Berk piece, but there are no independent dynos yet. The Megan header uses the same size piping, but also has no independent dynos. The DC is smaller, and generally is considered to yield poor results.

I'm torn between the Megan and Berk right now. I'll probably go Berk, since I own their TP and have seen the quality they produce. I'd say it's an even money bet between the two.

If you can spend a few $$$ extra, get the Invidia.

 

OCMusicJunkie--how do you have 233.7 with just an invidia/tp/drop-in??

and what is a CDV? (sorry for the n00b question)

 

The Invidia V3 is a very, very underrated exhaust. 70mm all the way through with almost no mufflers = lots of power. Plus, the Berk TP is the largest (63mm) pipe you can buy.

Other than that, I don't have many answers. A stock AP2 was in the shop an hour later and hit 208 on the same dyno. Go figure.

CDV is the clutch delay valve. It keeps the clutch from fully engaging the moment you drop it at high RPMs. It's very bad for the clutch, but can save your diff if you're doing something you shouldn't be. Many people opt to remove them- the AP1's didn't have them.

 

The OEM header is pretty nice I hear, you should give it a try

 

Berk looks to be a very nice header especially paired with the test pipe. That would probably be your best choice of the ones you listed.

DC from what I heard is sorry. People have lost power from this header.

I talked to a couple people that havce the megan header and like the results. I had a megan exhaust manifold on my Evo and it was a very nice piece.

 

There is no proven 'cheap' header that gives improvements. Remember, you usually get what you pay for.

 

yeah i agree, you get what you pay for. It would be best for you to probally save your money up until you can afford the quality piece that is proven to yeild gains. You will probally be happier that way anyway in the long run.

 

thanks guys. after reading you guys' advice, Berk seems like the way to go for me. not too steeply priced, and they have a good track although their prices are low.