As of next week, I will have all the basic bolt-on mods, including:
-JWT PopCharger
-Motordyne 5/16" Plenum Spacer
-UR Crank Pulley
-Ground Kit
-Helix Test Pipes
-Injen SES Straight-Tip Exhaust

The only bolt-on I'll be lacking is headers, then a tune.

Now, I have a question for those following my path: after installing your headers, did you feel that they were worth it? If I decide to go ahead on the headers, I'll most likely end up with some TopSpeeds, Alphawerks, or DC, something that isn't going to break the bank, and I'll be installing them with friends, so wont' be paying a shop.

So basically, I'd like to know if the gains you felt after headers were worth $250-$400, or should I just go ahead and start saving for a UTEC at this point? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

It perked up my mid range area of the power band and i do believe that it was worth it, but then again i wish that i had never goten them. Reasons:
-They where a big pain to install.
-They'll be a big pain to take off in the event that i go FI...when i go FI.
In all honesty, headers are good to have, they just don't mix well with FI. Most off us started out saying that i just want to keep it simple and that i will never go the FI route, but as time go by, Fi gets just a little harder to ignore.

 

strups is worth the money...
they are nismo replicas and the quality is on par (just as good) as real nismo but cost so much cheaper!

 

^^If you dont go FI they're a good buy i think. it'll give your car a great sound and nice mid-range gains.^^

 

I had the Crawford headers when I was N/A, and I absolutely loved them. They made the car a beast. The mid-range pulled MUCH harder, and they made the car sound very nice. If there was a way to put them on with my TT kit, I would buy them again immediatley.

 

I believe that the exhaust is not complete without headers.

The answer to your question is similar to you other bolt-ons. How much are you wiling to pay for about 5 addition peak horsepower?

 

They are not Nismo replicas - Look at the collector. The Strups are like most other inexpensive header out there, three smaller pipes merging into a larger pipe that the manufacturer calls the collector. The Nismo and the Crawford have true collectors. The Crawford is a long tube design. And YES, they make a hellofa difference. I Love mine, They are HetHot coated.

Lou

 

I thought the Xerd headers were the only true Long tube headers for the Z????Anyone with the Xerds installed...Very interested in the difference in gains between long tubes and short tubes and if the long tubes are worth the price vs the shortys...

 

from what ive heard.......yes

 

Yes Xerd are the only "True" Long tube headers, they eliminate the cat. The Crawfords have tubes that are about 26" long, the longest of any header that will still accommodate a catalytic converter. BTW, some believe the Xerds are a bit too long.

Lou

 

So are headers bad if you have a supercharger?

 

i might be wrong but headers do more for a better power curve in the mid range, as opposed to generating peak hp.

 

Think this sums it up. Also I've read where the gains aren't worth the hassle or money.

 

I'm surprised at the poll results so far, it's almost even. Those of you who think that they WERE worth it, why? Did your car feel noticably faster? Did you pick up some HP on the dyno? Or was it just the change in sound, or the peace of mind knowing that your exhaust is finished?

 

My Reasons are all here:

https://my350z.com/forum/intake-exhaust/130789-my-crawford-headers-came.html

Lou

 

Really its a pretty simple question. Not too difficult to answer.

 

davidv, I think the other poster was commenting that your question might not apply to headers, as the gains would be felt greatly throughout the entire powerband, so you wouldn't be paying for just that "5 additional peak horsepower".

 

Crawford... the best hands down... no competition.

 

No, they aren't. Take this from someone who wasted almost $2k for parts/labor due to issues with them, and had them eventually taken off.

But then again, I'd say that any mod that doesn't work with the FI kit of your choice is a waste of money.

 

Actually the question is for you. Figure $450 for headers plus $300 install or $750 for about 5 horsepower. Some consider the expense worthwhile - others do not.

Also keep in mind the the entire exhaust system is only as efficient as its least efficient component. The photo above does not show the OEM exhaust manifold well (on the floor). But if you took it off and looked inside, its a wonder any air gets out of the damn thing.