I am thinking of adding a header to my list of mods to my S. I like the looks of the J's header and the performance but do not like the price
I am new to the import seen and love the challenge to get HP from a little four banger, but the expense of the parts hell I had a 67 vette before this and it was cheeper to build.
Why is it that I can buy a set of used headers for a small block chevy for $50 bucks or new ones that are Jet coated for around $250 is it volume or supply/demand?

Also why I am on my soapbox why do most import owners say headers for a 4cyl. when it's just a header? Theres only one bank of exhaust ports on a 4 cyl. engine.

 

IMO (and from my cursory research), headers give you the least bang-for-the-buck of any mod. your money is much better spent on:
1) supercharger (far and away the best bang-for-the-buck)
2) gears
3) lighter wheels, ideally 16"
4) lighter exhaust (cat back or header back, you make the call)

in regards to a lighter exhaust-vs-header, think about it: the header is only a few inches of piping -vs- the remainder of the exhaust system, so overall the weight savings and/or smoother flow benefits are going to be negligible compared to good aftermarket exhaust. AND, the complicated welds and piping of a good header are going to be that much more difficult-- and thus, more expensive-- than the relatively straight welds of an exhaust system.

for me, the header is the last piece of hardware I'd consider changing.

$.02

 

[QUOTE=S2KPUDDYDAD,Dec 11 2004, 12:23 PM] I am thinking of adding a header to my list of mods to my S. I like the looks of the J's header and the performance but do not like the price

 

People have to realize that JDM parts are slightly more expensive than they would be if they were made here because of the shipping and the generally higher price level in Japan.

 

No, they're more expensive because of the JDM fog. It prevents people from seeing clearly.

 

Isn't "The JDM Fog" a soon to be released John Carpenter movie?

Dean

 

Yes Cris, there are companys that make more expensive headers for american cars but there high end racing types.

I have a light weight single TI exhaust and Spoon test pipe on the car along with lighter BBS rims 17" and a host of other mods.

I am going to make my own ram air/cold air induction system for the car that will have both form and function. I don't like the AEM it leaves the engine compartment looking like its missing something.

What about removing the oem exhaust header and having it jet coated and port machete? Will this give a similar HP gain as a after market header?

As for pics of the Vette I am going to join the S2K sight as a member I think I can post pics then. I am just learning the computer thing so I have no clue how to post pics The Vette was nice and a blast to drive I also had a 68 Camaro RS/SS 427 L-88 with 630 factory HP. The car was a clone of a Nicky Chevrolet dealer car. It looked just like a Hot wheel.

 

thats what i like about the aem, people seem surprised when they see all the space underneath the hood. im not sure about the oem header, youd probably just be better off getting an aftermarket piece in the end, especially if u plan on doing further mods. nice camaro! pics when u know how!
-Chris

 

One more thing, ppl should also realize the development cost which involve to develop something.

 

As AJ said and also the build quality is normally very good with the bigger JDM names. There are always cheaper parts/names out there but sometimes the gains would be minimal or even negative and in the long run if would have seemed you've wasted money on a part that's not been developed or designed properly rather than say you've invested in a quality piece for your car.