Is am just wondering what kind of gains should be expected with headers on a Z like mine (06 auto, nismo CAI, nismo exhaust). Sound is quite important to me as well so I am also wondering how headers would effect me there, any vids or sounds would be very appreciated.

I basically have gathered that this mod is quite expensive and hard to install. I am thinking about nismo headers to go along with the rest of my setup.

 

the nismo is a nice piece and if you want to get every bit of hp doing naturally aspirated, the headers is not a bad piece. But for 1200 for a brand new nismo set, then another 400-600 for install, most would think it's not worth it. I'd say go for it if you just want every bolt on mod.

 

Well that is pretty much what I am after. My Z is my only car, so I need good california daily drive-ability (hence the AT). I decided when I bought the car that I didn't want to get too carried away with mods since I want to avoid any possible reliability issues that go along with mods, as well as the fact that I never really race people seriously anyways. I more so just like the way these mods effect the sound of my car, and the extra performance is nice too of course (although hardly noticeable), so long as it doesn't make my car loud when cruising on the freeway. So if it will make my Z sound a lot better, than I will most likely be interested. However I am thinking twice due to the seeming to be near $2,000 price tag after tax and install.

 

well since nismo are quality pieces, you can find a used set for around 500-700. They can't be seen when on the car anyways. Also, it will quiet down your nismo exhaust so don't worry about it being loud. It's a nice combo.

 

Just get a set of crawfords, their even $200 less than the nismo's, but they suck to install.

 

i've thought about it but after installing shorty headers, i don't think i even want to try some long tubes. They would be great if someone is dropping in a new engine. You can put them on first.

 

I say yes. I got my headers and installed for $450. It gives a nice kick in the midrange.

 

This forum is no longer about performance. Its about sounding cool. Very disappointing.

 

haha. You have the best posts ever. Great one liners that i quite enjoy.

 

Is it worth it? Well, that is a subjective question. If you're planning on staying NA, then yes I think it is worth it. Headers are compatible with NA and SCs, but not turbos...

 

I would definately do the Nismo headers. With your set up I would stay with Nismo parts. Sounds like you don't want to go to heavy into the after-market world of Mods anyway.

If you do decide to do get the Nismo headers then please post a sound clip and let me know what gains you think you got from it. I would like to do the same thing in a few months.

 

out of all the mods I had on my car (kinetix plenum, pop charger, top speed headers, AAM flash, exhaust.) The headers made the most difference. They were the last mod to be installed before the AAM flash and it was the only mod that I could feel a seat of the pants difference. It felt huge though

 

Good headers installed properly and with a thermal coating have been shown to be a valuable performance modification. However the $/hp (including install) concerns me.

Going cheap on the headers will likely result in more headaches.

 

go with the strup headers, nice gains/nice price and not too hard to install...just put tape on them knuckles...lol

 

Nismo & Crawfords are very quality headers. But you have to have money to WASTE if you're going to spend over $1600 dollars on just headers + labor. I'd never consider paying so much for headers. I'll probably be going to DC or Strup route; great headers for the price.

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couldn't agree more. I can't imagine doing the work again if some part of the header cracked. Even if it had a lifetime warranty on the headers, installation will make it not really matter.

 

Why not both performance and sound? We don't all have the inclination or time to be a track star like you. It's about personal enjoyment, and I personally really enjoy the sound and the performance of my headers.

 

but i read that doing NA on a 350z yield very minimal results. is this true?
i imagine going I/H/E should gain at least 10hp to the wheels at the very least?

 

yes, very minimal. People get mixed up because they add hp on top of each other with bolts ons instead of all of the mods working conjunction with each other as a whole.

 

headers help a lot if you go nitrous...think about getting utec also..i have a 06' Z AT and before i went boost i had I/H/E test pipes and plenum spacer with utec and 125shot and trapped 113mph so not bad..could keep up with a lotta boosted cars also