Well... I havnt yet posted my experience installing DC headers.. Now this is the calm after the storm. Here is my take and advice for anyone planning on doing headers themselves.

Top 5 tips.

#1. This job isnt for a newbie. Its not as straight forward as the directions seem.

I consider myself an above average mechanic... some of the bolt\stud problems I was experiencing were rediculous. I was doing the install solo. I wouldn't do it alone again.

#2. When the car is in a million pieces and prestone everywhere don't loose your mind.

DRAIN THE PRESTONE FOR THE BLOCK AND RADIATOR. I had a straight up mess all over. I felt a little overwhelmed and knew this was going to take longer then 7 hours to complete.

#3. When your so pissed off and ready to kill a kitten take a break.

Comment speaks for itself

#4. Have Multiple size extensions and sockets readily available. ESP 10MM and 14MM

I used a braker bar to getall the bolts loose. USE A SWIVEL!!!

#5 Taking off the AC Compressor is a must, and the coolant lines above that.

DO IT!

So....... Would I do it again. Probably
.... I know more about my car then I did about all my Ex. GF's combined.(Which I guess doest say to much )

If your johnny bolt-on and think you can take on this project and think to yourself "I INSTALLED THAT NISMO CATBACK IAM THE MAN"... you might want to reconsider.


The butt dyno says the call pulls harder..... good bang for the buck you ask. YES. Its more of the problem trying to figure out if its worth the install.

GOOD LUCK!

PS> No kittens were harmed in the process of installing the headers.

 

Hey im going for a similiar setup that u have now. Haven't bought it yet, but soon. Can u tell me how big of a difference the 3.9 FD made? I heard it makes a half a second difference in the 1/4, is that true? Also how fast is your car now overall with all those mods?? Is it comparable to say a stock m3 or faster??? I would assume it is if the 3.9 FD really made a half a sec difference.


PS Sorry if my reply is a little off topic. Nice review of the install of the headers tho. When i bought my headers, i didn't even bother doin it myself, i asked around and this shop only charged me $180 which i thought was a great deal.

 

You shoulda had to give him a hummer for 180!! I woulda jumped on that deal in a heart beat.

Right now with my setup Iam faster then a stock M3. I havnt had the oppritunity to hit the 1/4 mile with this NA setup but I love it. If you plan on staying NA.. get the 3.9FD

 

LoL yea i know. He told me he didn't expect it to be that difficult. I felt bad and i tipped him good though. By the way what kinda mpg are u getting with your setup??

 

24mpg with hot doggin it everywhere.

 

24.. you lucky @$$. I am only getting 21mpg. BTW how do u like your DC headers.

 

wheres a link to the 3.9?

 

they are awsome.. my car adjusted and pulls quite a bit harder from 2200 to 6000. Usually mods I put on I dont notice besides the FD, but the header was noticable. I will post up a sound clip so you can hear this exhaust setup.. sounds pretty nasty. Almost F1 like.

 

Yeah I know how they sound like. I have them on my car too along with Crawford HFC's and Nismo exhaust. I noticed the pull from the headers the most out of all of my mods and the cats are a close 2nd. But I do agree with you.. they are definatley worht it.

 

Hurry up with the sound clip, man!!!

I'm getting those kinetix test pipes and have similar headers as you and want to know if it's raspy or not.

 

All test pipes make rasp.