Don't most headers gain at least 10-15whp? I've seen a couple on the Alphawerks that claim gains of 15whp and Crawfords are supposed to be more than that.

 

By themselves, I believe that most of the Nismo-style headers (i.e. DC Sport, TopSpeed, Alphawerks, Strup) are supposed to show gains of 10-12 hp on average... I think that probably drops to between 5-10 if you have other bolt-ons already, but I can't confirm that.

 

I was about to vote no, but in your case I would say yes. I think headers make all of the breathing mods work in unison and is well worth it if you are tying to extract as much power NA

 

If I got the horsepower claimed by manufactures, I’d be driving a 12.5 second 350Z.

 

That's exactly what I'm shooting for, the most power I can get with bolt-ons and a good tune, no nitrous, no FI (for a long time, I'm just a poor college student... lol).

 

Ok, how about this... WHOEVER VOTED, also post WHAT BRAND YOU BOUGHT!!! This would obviously help for a variety of reasons. Perhaps those that are against bought cheaper headers and those that are for it bought more expensive ones (you DO get what you pay for!)

Indicated:
1. Yes or No
2. Brand!!!

 

You know what else I think would help to add? How about those who voted also tell whether they installed the headers themselves, or paid a shop, and how much. I think that if you pay $250 for some TopSpeed headers and install them youself, you may have a different outlook from someone who paid $1500 for their Crawfords + installation.

 

$450 for headers.
$200 installation.
Total: $650.

I figure about $130 per 1 additional horsepower.

 

davidv, you must have got a deal on the install! I called a couple local shops, and the lowest I was quoted over the phone was $490! A shop that specializes in Z's and claims over 25 header installs wanted $600!

 

 

LOL
I wasn't asking for proof! Hahaha, I was just wondering if you knew the guy who did it or if it was an experienced shop, or what the deal was.

 

hahaha...

I watched the shop do a header install on a friends 350Z. I was impressed with their professionalism. When I got my headers I went to the same shop.

 

Then buy some headers I went with Crawfords since I figured that I wouldnt be getting in that area anytime soon following the install so I went with the big dawg headers LOL

 

Keep in mind that the crawford headers are one of the most difficult headers to install. Harder then the Alpha Werxs Headers that me and two friends installed in my Z...way harder. HARD,HARD,HARD...of course, if your going to have a pro shop do the work then disregaurd everything i just said and get ready to pay up.

 

dc ss headers

paid $250 (forum member)
install $300

total $550. love em.

 

Have you guys seen the headers from Ichiba or from Clear Image Automotive?

Ichiba: http://www.ichibausa.com/ststheni35.html
Clear Image: http://www.clearimageautomotive.com/350Z.htm

 

WOW, amazing deal! How long did the install take (assuming they charge hourly)? I know regular headers go for around 3-4 hours, but I heard Crawfords can take up to 8.

 

I have the borla dual exhaust and headers going on my Z right now. I got them for free so as long as I don't see any loss then I guess I am happy. It should at least sound a heck of a lot better. Is anyone else running this setup on a stock Z? My Z is a completely stock 03 track and this will be its first mod! When I first got my Z I was all about FI but my priorities have since changed and I am just going to stay NA for the sake of reliability...

 

David, we picked up more than that with our Alpha's. I dynoed before and after and got about 15 torque and 10 hp (edited- just looked at my old dyno). I think my headers were worth it alone for the nice torque increase. Mostly in the mids too, but it was an increase over the entire power band.

My advice is get them, but be prepared to pay $. If you live near PA, David and I know a shop that will install them for $300 (not too bad)

 

The labor hours is written on the invoice.