Best Headers
Originally Posted by ZBoater
I vote for NISMO headers. Don't know about HP or TQ, I just like NISMO stuff... 
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From: Everywhere
What about mating STs to test pipes? Does that give the same (or close) effect as LTs? LTs replace the cats/test pipes, right?
Originally Posted by Dave B
Any real gearhead knows that longtube headers like the Sprints shown above, are the only headers that make real useable power and elevate the entire power curve. NASCAR, F1, and dragsters use LTs, not shorties. Topspeed, Stillen, Crawford, etc all are shorty header designs and aren't worth the money, time, and effort for the meager powergains (10whp). LTs have primary lengths well in excess of 30" and usually closer to 36-40". Install shorty headers on a Ford mod 4.6 or a GM LT1/LS1 and watch the car gain 5-7whp. Install LTs and the gains are 25-30whp. I installed LTs on my friend's 00 LS1 Z28 A4. It gained 29whp and went from 13.5s@103mph to 13.1@107mph. A VQ35 with LTs easily stands to gain a solid 20whp and probably closer to 25whp.
The FM VQ35s already has decent flowing manifolds. Yeah, they're ugly and appear restrictive, which they really aren't. This is easily proven by the small performance gains the shorty headers give over the cast manifolds. Sure, some of these headers see 10-12whp peak gains, but often the average powerband gain is closer to 5-6whp. That's nothing and may result in a fractionally quicker car. A set of LTs will give an average powerband gain of ~20whp. That will result in big improvement in driveability, power delivery, lower ETs, and faster traps. If you guys understood the concepts of exhaust velocity, you wouldn't be putting so much faith into these 20-24" primary shorty headers. Way too many people buy into advertizing.
The FM VQ35s already has decent flowing manifolds. Yeah, they're ugly and appear restrictive, which they really aren't. This is easily proven by the small performance gains the shorty headers give over the cast manifolds. Sure, some of these headers see 10-12whp peak gains, but often the average powerband gain is closer to 5-6whp. That's nothing and may result in a fractionally quicker car. A set of LTs will give an average powerband gain of ~20whp. That will result in big improvement in driveability, power delivery, lower ETs, and faster traps. If you guys understood the concepts of exhaust velocity, you wouldn't be putting so much faith into these 20-24" primary shorty headers. Way too many people buy into advertizing.
[sarcasm]
No Kosmic, and now, by thinking that, your aren't a "real geahead" either!
[/sarcasm]
Even if money is not worry, the "best" headers would have to do with application and need, not just total HP. Unless we are all building racecars I guess.
Case in point : I don't race, or track. Normally I would not even get headers. But at $300, the Topspeeds gave me what I wanted at a fair price so thats good enough. Even if price wasn't an issue, my car is a daily driver so I don't think I would go with long one, and this is why I went with HF cats and not test pipes...
And I would still consider myself a gearhead, even if DaveB disagrees...
No Kosmic, and now, by thinking that, your aren't a "real geahead" either!
[/sarcasm]
Even if money is not worry, the "best" headers would have to do with application and need, not just total HP. Unless we are all building racecars I guess.
Case in point : I don't race, or track. Normally I would not even get headers. But at $300, the Topspeeds gave me what I wanted at a fair price so thats good enough. Even if price wasn't an issue, my car is a daily driver so I don't think I would go with long one, and this is why I went with HF cats and not test pipes...
And I would still consider myself a gearhead, even if DaveB disagrees...
Hey Kosmic, sarcasm aside... If you look at the pic :
You will notice the individual exhaust runners are longer before they collect. If you match shortys to test pipes you are close, but the individual runners are still short and they collect too soon. So the efect is closer, but not the same.
You will notice the individual exhaust runners are longer before they collect. If you match shortys to test pipes you are close, but the individual runners are still short and they collect too soon. So the efect is closer, but not the same.
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From: Everywhere
LOL, that's true, I'm definitely NOT a real gearhead. Hell, I hate even changing my own oil. 
I'll probably never do headers either, and my biodiesel driving girlfriend would bust my ***** for a year and a day if I ever put test pipes on, but from an academic POV I'm curious as to the HP differences of LTs vs STs + TPs...
I'll probably never do headers either, and my biodiesel driving girlfriend would bust my ***** for a year and a day if I ever put test pipes on, but from an academic POV I'm curious as to the HP differences of LTs vs STs + TPs...
Originally Posted by slaponte
Hey Kosmic, sarcasm aside... If you look at the pic :
You will notice the individual exhaust runners are longer before they collect. If you match shortys to test pipes you are close, but the individual runners are still short and they collect too soon. So the efect is closer, but not the same.
You will notice the individual exhaust runners are longer before they collect. If you match shortys to test pipes you are close, but the individual runners are still short and they collect too soon. So the efect is closer, but not the same.
Those LT headers look good, and I'm sure they are one of the best offered now, but, I want a set of these.....Can you say 293 RWHP?
Last edited by EnthuZ; Jun 3, 2005 at 01:14 PM.
Nismo Headers
I am selling a set of Nismo headers (about 3,800 miles) Original box and papers for 825.00 shipped.
Thank You
Cesar Torres
Orlando Fl
407-963-2824
2004 350ZR soon power by APS TT
Thank You
Cesar Torres
Orlando Fl
407-963-2824
2004 350ZR soon power by APS TT
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Georgia
Dave B, Welcome...It's refreshing to hear hints of a technical viewpoint.
To all,
When we look at these dyno graphs, look for a correlation between where the engine has its biggest percent gains (low rpm torque vs high rpm hp), short vs long header, and other mods that impact low/high rpm operation.
Just like anything you do to the engine, mods should work in concert to support stronger performance in an rpm range. If you plan on a cam change, look for headers that compliment the cams rpm range.
To all,
When we look at these dyno graphs, look for a correlation between where the engine has its biggest percent gains (low rpm torque vs high rpm hp), short vs long header, and other mods that impact low/high rpm operation.
Just like anything you do to the engine, mods should work in concert to support stronger performance in an rpm range. If you plan on a cam change, look for headers that compliment the cams rpm range.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: san diego
[QUOTE=NismoGCoupe]Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave B
Any real gearhead knows that longtube headers like the Sprints shown above, are the only headers that make real useable power and elevate the entire power curve. NASCAR, F1, and dragsters use LTs, not shorties. Topspeed, Stillen, Crawford, etc all are shorty header designs and aren't worth the money, time, and effort for the meager powergains (10whp). LTs have primary lengths well in excess of 30" and usually closer to 36-40". Install shorty headers on a Ford mod 4.6 or a GM LT1/LS1 and watch the car gain 5-7whp. Install LTs and the gains are 25-30whp. I installed LTs on my friend's 00 LS1 Z28 A4. It gained 29whp and went from 13.5s@103mph to 13.1@107mph. A VQ35 with LTs easily stands to gain a solid 20whp and probably closer to 25whp.
The FM VQ35s already has decent flowing manifolds. Yeah, they're ugly and appear restrictive, which they really aren't. This is easily proven by the small performance gains the shorty headers give over the cast manifolds. Sure, some of these headers see 10-12whp peak gains, but often the average powerband gain is closer to 5-6whp. That's nothing and may result in a fractionally quicker car. A set of LTs will give an average powerband gain of ~20whp. That will result in big improvement in driveability, power delivery, lower ETs, and faster traps. If you guys understood the concepts of exhaust velocity, you wouldn't be putting so much faith into these 20-24" primary shorty headers. Way too many people buy into advertizing.
does anyone make longtube headres for the Z/G's? I thought crawford were longtube how about the Xerds?QUOTE]
??
Originally Posted by Dave B
Any real gearhead knows that longtube headers like the Sprints shown above, are the only headers that make real useable power and elevate the entire power curve. NASCAR, F1, and dragsters use LTs, not shorties. Topspeed, Stillen, Crawford, etc all are shorty header designs and aren't worth the money, time, and effort for the meager powergains (10whp). LTs have primary lengths well in excess of 30" and usually closer to 36-40". Install shorty headers on a Ford mod 4.6 or a GM LT1/LS1 and watch the car gain 5-7whp. Install LTs and the gains are 25-30whp. I installed LTs on my friend's 00 LS1 Z28 A4. It gained 29whp and went from 13.5s@103mph to 13.1@107mph. A VQ35 with LTs easily stands to gain a solid 20whp and probably closer to 25whp.
The FM VQ35s already has decent flowing manifolds. Yeah, they're ugly and appear restrictive, which they really aren't. This is easily proven by the small performance gains the shorty headers give over the cast manifolds. Sure, some of these headers see 10-12whp peak gains, but often the average powerband gain is closer to 5-6whp. That's nothing and may result in a fractionally quicker car. A set of LTs will give an average powerband gain of ~20whp. That will result in big improvement in driveability, power delivery, lower ETs, and faster traps. If you guys understood the concepts of exhaust velocity, you wouldn't be putting so much faith into these 20-24" primary shorty headers. Way too many people buy into advertizing.
does anyone make longtube headres for the Z/G's? I thought crawford were longtube how about the Xerds?QUOTE]
??
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From: Jersey
Originally Posted by thawk408
The Crawfords are longtubes. I am not sure about the Xerds tho.
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From: Nashville, TN
I believe the Crawfords are long tube (and equal length) - that's why they look like pretzels.
See pic from their website www.crawfordzcar.com/headers.htm
See pic from their website www.crawfordzcar.com/headers.htm
Last edited by randyshemin@comcast.; Jun 9, 2005 at 10:36 AM.
The FM VQ35s already has decent flowing manifolds. Yeah, they're ugly and appear restrictive, which they really aren't. This is easily proven by the small performance gains the shorty headers give over the cast manifolds. Sure, some of these headers see 10-12whp peak gains, but often the average powerband gain is closer to 5-6whp.
I was not impressed with the stock manifolds after getting them off. I don't think they're cast either...definitely not cast iron, which I thought they were
Inspect them... I believe there two stamped steel halves welded together. You can see the welds. There is also smaller piping within the header itself, even worse IMO. I will take my 10-12whp for $225 bucks
I'll bet you the long headers do produce those numbers
Zquicksilver
Last edited by Zquicksilver; Jun 9, 2005 at 10:40 AM.
