Beeker

iTrader: (5)

So far I've only added a Popcharger to my 05 ZR. I am probably going to get a Borla TD exahust eventually but I was thinking about getting a set of headers first. I would like, one day, to go FI but for now I am staying NA. I have read on these forums that Crawford makes the best headers but they are very expensive and difficult to install. Besides, their website's hp claims are with their other upgrades. I haven't seen any dyno's with just their headers installed versus the stock exhaust manifolds.

I was thinking about getting a set of Strup headers while they are on sale. They seem to be of nice quality, dynos seem to show nice gains and the sale price is very reasonable. I do have a few questions though.

1. Will I notice a difference? If so, about how much and where?
2. Is coating the headers with jet hot necessary?
3. Does the additional engine compartment heat that is generated cause any problems? I've read that some people had problems with clutch and brake fluid boiling.
4. Will my exhaust note change if all I change is the headers?
5. Will I need new gaskets? I have 4700 miles on my car.

sentry65

iTrader: (11)

clutch fluid will boil with the crawfords

not sure about other brands, I don't think others do it



as long as you buy a decent header, yes you'll notice the difference - and hear it.

If you buy headers and are plannin on a twin turbo - don't buy them
they will work with some single turbo and supercharger kits though

Beeker

iTrader: (5)

I am leaning towards super charging if I do go FI. It won't be for a long time and by then who knows what might be the best bolt on FI kit.

I work for a Honda dealership so the labor of installing and uninstalling mods is not a problem. I am friends with a few techs that are big into modding their Honda's. They are happy to help me modify my Nissan.

thawk408

iTrader: (16)

You can change the clutch fluid to High Temp fluid and it takes care of the problem.

Beeker

iTrader: (5)

bump.

thawk408

iTrader: (16)

Before you do headers, I would do the Borla and Crawford High-flow cats first. While the factory headers are not good, they are not horrible by any means. The Strup headers will be good, but if you really want to sqeeze everything out of the exhaust, then get a set of the Crawford headers. Also, there is no need to coat the Crawford's because they are already coated. Intall on the Crawford's is an absolute ***** from what I hear. If I am looking at the install directions right you have to take off the engine mounts to put them on.

Header install manual:
http://crawfordz.com/support/HeaderInstallation.pdf

sentry65

iTrader: (11)

crawfords are ceramic coated

probably not as good as jethot though

thawk408

iTrader: (16)

True, not as good as jethot, but I am sure they still provide some good protection.

onyx350z

iTrader: (9)

What about the Alphaworks headers, they claim just as good of gains as Crawford and Avalon has a special on them for $400. The reason I ask is I was thinking of getting some headers myself but wondering if the gains are worth the $400 and the 6 hour labor install = a total around $1000 for how much rwhp? I have all the bolt ons except cams and the headers, is the $ worth it?

sentry65

iTrader: (11)

well no mods are really worth the money IMO

but you'll like the headers

they'll be ligher than stock by about 10 lbs total, realistically add like 8-10 ish whp. Sound meaner.

You might even wrap them with some thermotape before installing

onyx350z

iTrader: (9)

Would you recommend the Alphaworks, Strup, or Crawford?

thawk408

iTrader: (16)

Crawford 1st and then everything else underneath. Honestly, if you look at the Alphaworks, Strup, and some other brands they look identical. I think that one company out of China makes them and all the companies put there name on it...

Z BOY

iTrader: (41)

alphawerks made lots of promises of independent dynos when they first released their headers, and they never made good on them. i avoid all their products for this reason.

partshipperdave

iTrader: (17)

To answer your questions:

1) Yes, you will notice a difference when you add headers to your Z. This engine responds favorably to a header upgrade. That beautiful block of metal loves an easier exhale! You will primarily notice the gains in the midrange of the rpm band - usually where most street/spirited driving is done. Torque will be the most noticeable.

2) Coating the headers is not necessary. It has a purpose, but IMO, is not necessary - especially on street cars. Race cars, yes, I could see doing it on them, where the heat that is generated under race conditions is far more extreme than street driving.

3) The only headers I have heard that cause an issue with the fluids boiling is the Crawford headers due to their design with the pipes running too close to the ancilaries. This is not an issue with the Strup headers.

4) Yes, your exhaust note will change when you add the headers, but it'll change for the better! Everything will sound deeper, throatier, and more aggressive/meaner. But, the changes will not make your car obnoxious or unbearable. You can expect those changes to occur once you start changing the other exhaust components, like high flow cats, different mufflers, etc..

5) Your gaskets should be ok with that low mileage, but it wouldn't hurt to replace them.

Yes, as others have mentioned here, the Strup headers are of very similar design to the others - DC, alphawerks, etc. but there are differences in quality, design and build.

Strup's quality is top notch, and they are not made in China, they are made in the USA - contrary to popular belief. The fitment is excellent. The design is actually slightly different from the others in that the bends of the pipes have been modified so that you don't have to lift the engine or drop the tranny to install them. Install time is between 3-6 hours depending on skill and tools available. The 14mm ratcheting box wrench is highly recommended for this install - but not required.

They also come with a 2 year warranty that Strup will gladly honor. Something you probably won't get from an ebay ad! ;o)

Let me know if you have any other questions, and I'll do my best to answer them. Here's the special we are running for your reference. More info and pics can be found here:

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?t=135100

Wotnot

I bought a set of Alphawerks headers today and a K N typhoon intake and a Stillen cat basck exhaust.

I've read tons of posts, done alot of research and I think for me, this will be a good combo.

The best thing about this is, my dealer is Mod friendly and will guarantee the install and not VOID my warrranty.



Wish me luck guys

Silkk

iTrader: (11)

I have a buddy who just installed alphawerks headers on his Z with only popcharger...

he had the alphawerks jetcoated so Im not sure how mcuh that effected it, but he dynod before and after.

233whp and 225 tq before
243whp and 237tq after

worth it IMO

Silkk

iTrader: (11)

i can dig up the graphs for non-believers...

the alphawerks are worth the 440$ or so bucks.

Wotnot

and the dynos I've seen, Alphawerks are a good buy imo

Beeker

iTrader: (5)

Where can you find Alphawerks for $440.00?

Do you need to lift the motor to install Alphawerks?

How different, perfomance wise, are the Alphawerks compared to the Strupps?


Everything I've read says that Crawford headers are the best but I'm not going to spend over a $1000.00 for a set of headers. I also read the install instructions for the Crawfords. That is a SOB of an install.

dwnshift

iTrader: (1)

From everthing we have seen...the Crawford's are the best currently on the market.

BJ@350EVO.com