Hello all, I finished topspeed head install over the weekend. I got a good deal on the headers and installed them myself. I have a popcharger and no other mods on a 2003 Z.

The install took 2 days over the weekend, I did it myself. It would've went faster if I had all the tools required and extra hand. The install was on jack stands, and I only had to move the steering linkage to get the driver side header installed.

The car doesn't sounds much louder except at WOT. The but dyno yields a stonger pull from 4k rpms. I great upgrade but a hard install. I was ready to give up serval times, and wondered how I got all the bolts tighted up. I hope this review helps anyone thinking about headers.

 

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Good deal. Another Do it your self person. Any Tips?
I have a set of Strup header's coming my way this week. So I have been mentally reading my-self for the install.

 

Best bang for the buck header IMHO. Love my topspeed headers

 

how many hours did it take?

 

It might help if you had some info on what kind of tools you recommend. Swivel joints, extensions, etc.

 

no pics

 

yeah, i attempted it on jack stands first too. After 2 hours and only 1 heat sheild removed i was like f*ck this. Paid $400 for the install... probably the most compact area i've ever dealt with. Good job getting them on, hope you enjoy.

 

don't get headers if you're planning to go TURBO!!!!!!!! heads up noobs

 

It cost $400 for the install? That's the price of the headers omg

 

well if they plan on doing the install on the headers and doing turbo later down the road it isn't that bad a idea. Taking off the aftermarket headers is much easier than the stockers.

 

Sorry no pics of the install, nothing to really see that can't be found elsewhere. I bought a 20$ jack and jackstands from Kmart, chocked the rear wheels, and used two jackstands in the front. Placed some cinder blocks under the car too just incase it fell but it seemed very solid. I recommend when you buy sockets, make sure they are 6 point, they grip the bolts better, and make it a little easier to break the bolts. I bought some cheap extensions from Big Lots, and endded up bending one, and I also broke two socket wrenches trying to break the bolts. The area is extremely tight, I would recommend wearing gloves, as I have a nice scar on my hand from breaking a bolt and ripping skin fromt he back of my hand. I only removed the pop charger and MAF senser, and had to disconnect the steerling linkage to put the topspeed headers in. I have some miles on them now and they still drive good, The sound is not obtrusive and most people wouldn't otice a hughe change in tone, just a bit louder. They are uncoated, and I would like to get back under adn put some nomex heat shielding on fuel lines, etc.. but I don't think it's absolutely necessary. I jacked the car up Friday night, started sat about 9am till 4pm, and then sunday all day 9am to 6pm. I took lots of breaks and made several trips to the hardware store. There were points where I didn't think it was possible, one bolt on passenger side (middle bottom, I had to tighten with a stubby box wrench by hand, as a socket wouldn't fit. This was the case on a few bolts, but I only had to use a stubby in that one area, very frustrating. My basic tools included a break bar (small pipe) a socket, deep metric sockets (6 point). I found it easier to not use elbow adapters on the sockets whenever possible.

Also I have not had any interference problems with the steering linkage on my 03. I am going back under soon to check the bolts and make sure everything is still tight, and look for any scraping or interference witht he steering linkage. I think it's a rewarding modification, and definately worth the money you save on paying for a install. I did it myself with no help, I don't think 2 people doing it would add alot other than taking shifts on removing bolts. A few hundred bucks might be worth the scarrs and headache.

 

I had my mechanic try to install a pair of top speed headers on my 06 rev up, but myechanic couldn't get one of them to clear my steering shaft. He even tried to dent it a little in order to make it work with no avail. I've now spent close to $800 on labor attempting to have these professionally installed by a reputable shop, and now I've got my stock headers back on, no horsepower gain, and I'm out almost a thousand dollars.... Wow, how dumb could I have been....Should have just bought nismo headers from the get go. Let this be a warning to anyone thinking about ordering a set of headers from top speed! the ports are not all free flowing, it doesn't have a ceramic coating, and the bends/welds are absolute crap! I was surprised to read a
A post from one of the guy's above...He actually claimed gains with his top speed headers on the dyno, but didn't specify how much. Considering there's
Only two people vouching for top speed's headers on this entire forum, I wonder if they're actually top speed sales reps trying to boost buyers confidence...hmmmmm, I smell something funky...