WalkerT

iTrader: (13)

This is a comparison between the stock headers and a set of top speed. I have been asked a lot to show proof of headers benefit on my 05 350z. Here are some photos and dyno info just so you can make up your own mind.

First is a side by side photo

Second is the difference in the outlet. Note the stock has a very small inner tube.

Third is the Head flange. Note the thick welds on the stock restrict airflow.

Fourth is my before and after Dyno.

Before
popcharger
5/16th spacer
Port and polish
nismo exhaust

After
popcharger
5/16th spacer
Port and polish
Topspeed headers
nismo exhaust

Now the cost is very high if you have to have these installed. I did mine myself and it took about 8 hour in my garage on jack stands and it is not easy. The headers I bought used for $140.

My results are only for you to be able to make up your own mind. For me I am a gear head and just to have the better design on the car was enough for me to swap them out. Stock 03-06 headers are crap.

In the end I did all I could with my DE motor and gave in and traded it for my 07.

HondaKiller

iTrader: (5)

nice comparison. As like most headers 4 hp gain at the top end could be agruementive, but the 12lbs of torque is solid. I did 0 up top with my borla and 9lb of torque through out the band, so that sounds about right. Over and above they do jack **** for our engines and unfortunatly still seems not worth it. You throw headers on a Z06 or even a mustang at that and your seeing 20hp gain up top. 1-5hp for twice the money they pay thats what makes this mod the most arguementive upgrade there is, beside maybe an intake lol

iStan

iTrader: (29)

Thanks for the review. I find it amusing after you type up and show this review on the headers you ended up trading it in for an 07

WalkerT

iTrader: (13)

I would not get to wrapped up in the peak numbers. The car drove soo much better at the track. The corner exit pull and mid range increase was great. It lived at 4000-6000 and that is were these realy help. If you are after your max numbers then FI is the best choice.

This was a year ago and the question just keeps getting asked so I decided to post it up and just link the thread.

kenpo_350Z

iTrader: (15)

Nice comparison thanks for posting up. How did it change the sound of your Nismo? Do you have any before and after video clips?

WalkerT

iTrader: (13)

It was only a slight change. I noticed it because it was my car but everyone eles could not. With the pop charger the intake was so loud it was harder to tell the difference.

kenpo_350Z

iTrader: (15)

How do you think these topspeed headers compare to other name brands such nismo. Thats a great price you paid for those. I would think about doing that mod if I could find some for that price.

8 hours to install holy shnikees! I guess it proved worth it to you. Do you think it would take everyone that long?

WalkerT

iTrader: (13)

I bet it would take the average person longer. I am a ASE and A&P mechanic and have every tool know to man in my garage.This install is Not for the weak of heart.
I bought these off of a friend and that is why the price was so low. They were built great and I had them for a year+ and no issue.

kenpo_350Z

iTrader: (15)

Okay I have a buddy like you but not sure if he would want to tackle something like this in one day. Maybe if I supply enough beer and steaks lol.

taurran

iTrader: (18)

I had next to zero gains when I installed my DC sport headers (same design).

The AFR graph is interesting. Were these two pulls on the same dyno, same conditions, and same gear?

kenpo_350Z

iTrader: (15)

With the S2000 I was told DC was horrible. I don't know if you can compare the two unless dc took topspeeds mold?

WalkerT

iTrader: (13)

Same dyno one day difference. 79 vrs 80 degress. Fourth gear.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the photos. Still nothing will ever end the “Should I get headers?” threads.

WalkerT

iTrader: (13)

Yea... I know but this is just meant to better educate everyone and let them make up their own mind.

Gary1107

iTrader: (11)

So whats your opinion on the stock 07+ headers?

Nexx

iTrader: (41)

you did see where the headers gained 14wp at around 4100rpm, probably averages out to around 10whp throughout the powerband, not mention 20 peek ftlbs of torque and possibly an average of about 15 throughout the powerband. i for one think the gains are significant if you look at the overall picture and not just the peek numbers.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

11. Davidv ----------------------04 Enth 6spd 13.331@105.24mph 1.947 60ft Street


The only numbers I have to work with is ET. There are too many variables involved to make an objective statement about headers. Still I am pleased with the combination of intake and exhaust mods.

mikez97

iTrader: (12)

good write up

davidv

iTrader: (2)

The OEM exhaust manifold on the VQ35HR motor is a damn good looking manifold. Considerably different than the VQ35DE exhaust manifold.

taurran

iTrader: (18)

Pretty much every header brand for this car copied the Nismo header design. They're all pretty much the same except for some of the inner welds. The only different ones that I know of are Crawford and Borla.

As far as NA mods, I don't even think I'd bother with any of them except maybe exhaust or a drop in filter. Call me jaded...