Here is my scenario:

I have an OEM intake w/K&N hiflo drop-in filter, a 1/4" Motordyne plenum spacer, a gruppe-s y-pipe, Fuji Legalis-R exhaust and as of tomorrow, Helix hiflo cats.

What are your opinions on spending $400+ on getting a set of Topspeed headers (that I already own by the way) installed after all this. Is it really going to be worth it? With the cost of the headers factored in thats going to be roughly a $700 investment.

I am planning a TS ECU reflash either way. Should I forget the headers at this point and get the reflash or would the headers really make a worthwhile contribution when combined with my current mods and the reflash?

By the way, to me worthwhile is a yield of at least 10 to 15HP so base your opinions and recommendations using that measure.

All opinions welcome.

 

Crawford headers hands down for bang for the buck. Plus the flash.

 

I already own the Topspeeds. I'm just trying to decide on sinking the additional $$$ to install or if they won't contribute much at my current mod level I would just sell them off and recover my investment and save $400+ on the install.

 

If I was going to do headers again....I would do the Crawford's for sure. Install is a nightmare so I would only want to do it once and get the max gains possible.

 

Considering you already have the TopSpeed headers, I would suggest getting them installed. The install should run you anywhere from $350 to $500 depending on the shop.

 

Take a look at the Strups, $549 and 10 to 15 rwtrq in the midrange...where you'll actually feel it.

 

I guess I didn't submit my question effectively.

Each bolt-on available for a car has an associated HP/TQ gain it can provide. But the effects are not linear/cummalative. In other words, a set of headers may state a potential gain of 10HP on a stock vehicle. But as we know a 10HP header + a 5HP plenum + a 10HP exhaust won't add up to a 25HP gain necessarily. As mods come together they kind of have tendancy to average out at less than their individual potential. For the most part this how it seems works.

So I go back to my question. I have a number of mods I list in my original message which are basically most of the breathing mods except for headers. Given this fact will the headers provide a meaningful improvement worth the $400 or so that getting them installed will cost or have I probably achieved most of the improvement already and would be better off skipping the headers and spending on the reflash at this point? I doubt that I will get the published 10HP that TS headers allegedly provide given I already have other mods in place.

So now what do you guys think.

 

Since you already have the headers - Get them Installed. You'll feel the difference and get your money's worth. The installation is much easier on the TopSpeeds than the Crawfords. My Speed Shop installed a set of DCs into a "Z" for $200.00. My Crawfords are going to cost me $350.00. $400.00 install for TopSpeeds is too much.

Lou

 

I agree on the cost being steep, but most shops I called here in Miami want $400 to as high as $480!

 

No.