Continuing angst... headers today...

[billschroeder5842]

I'm still exploring my angst on some "light" upgrades; plenum porting, headers and a great tune. I do value the opinions of those what are actual users.

My question today is on headers. What is REALLY the difference between some of the major manufactures? There is a pretty good size pricing differential between SW and OBX and other, although all users swear by them.

My priorities are:
1) fit and installation ease; must fit to factory pipes as I'm keeping mufflers to reduce drone.
2) overall quality of constructon
3) performance gaines. yep, it would be nice to feel a pop
4) sound, tone as I'd like a bit more sounds but drone is a no-no

I'm a pretty sane driver, no race tracks but any freeway on-ramp is my own personal 1/4 mile. "flow at all costs" is not a thing as a couple of HP difference is not going to cause me to sweat.

What is the BEST value? Thanks!

[Vette73]

I went with OBX.....I too was going to keep my stock mufflers but went with the entire system...

I like the OBX and you can't beat the price.......A couple of HP here and there on a set of headers in my opinion are not a deal breaker....Double the price for a different system was....

Sent from my LG-TP260 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[Ccmano]

I went with OBX.....I too was going to keep my stock mufflers but went with the entire system...

I like the OBX and you can't beat the price.......A couple of HP here and there on a set of headers in my opinion are not a deal breaker....Double the price for a different system was....

Sent from my LG-TP260 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

Ditto, install was straight forward. Header quality is excellent. No drone but louder than expected. Removing the stock exhaust manifolds and cats was the tricky part. While it was all off I replaced the engine mounts (both broken) and fixed a PS leak. Once the system was in and adjusted I had a local shop professionally weld the entire exhaust. That way I’m not forever having to retighten clamps. Now I’m in the process of tuning to get the most out of it. Working with Dominic on that. Amazing to see how the tuning process changes the performance as you go along. I may still install high flow cats if the smell at idle can’t be tuned out.
H
:cheers:

[RichS]

I used the OBX headers and Maximiser cat back. (same as obx) The headers fit with out any modification. The cat back I had to extend the pass side after the fake cat with a maybe 5" piece. I also welded it all as I "massaged" it to fit properly. Sounds great, No drone.

[rush91]

Bill, I know you replaced your resonator with the Mangaflow resonator. Are you planning on keeping the stock exhaust pipes as well as the mufflers?

[efnfast]

OBX from front to back.
The OBX headers did not clear the steering shaft and needed to be modified.
I notice the OBX SS exhaust is showing rusty spots.
Can't beat the price.

[secondchance]

OBX from front to back.
The OBX headers did not clear the steering shaft and needed to be modified.
I notice the OBX SS exhaust is showing rusty spots.
Can't beat the price.

I too run OBX headers and exhaust. No complaint whatsoever.
I had an opportunity to display OBX headers to SW set. They were identical except for OBX collector being about 8-10" forward (shorter runners) to compensate for fake bullet cats.
As for the OBX cat back vs. Corsa, dimensionally identical (may be even possible to mix and match components from one to the other) but internals of resonators and internals of mufflers were different - OBX being traditional perforated pipe with housing filled with sound insulation vs. OBX with helm-Holtz chambers.

Again, no complaints over OBX.

As for the steering column clearance we hear periodically, I think this is due to steering coupler location variance on steering intermediate shaft depending on the year. My 94 coupler is almost right up against the steering box and had no issue clearing the header. Earlier year cars seem to have coupler close to the middle of the intermediate shaft.

[efnfast]

Yun, my steering column rubbed against the header, and ceramic coated, it's very abrasive to the touch.

[Ccmano]

I too run OBX headers and exhaust. No complaint whatsoever.
I had an opportunity to display OBX headers to SW set. They were identical except for OBX collector being about 8-10" forward (shorter runners) to compensate for fake bullet cats.
As for the OBX cat back vs. Corsa, dimensionally identical (may be even possible to mix and match components from one to the other) but internals of resonators and internals of mufflers were different - OBX being traditional perforated pipe with housing filled with sound insulation vs. OBX with helm-Holtz chambers.

Again, no complaints over OBX.

As for the steering column clearance we hear periodically, I think this is due to steering coupler location variance on steering intermediate shaft depending on the year. My 94 coupler is almost right up against the steering box and had no issue clearing the header. Earlier year cars seem to have coupler close to the middle of the intermediate shaft.

Common issue with all headers for our cars as I understand it. Had to dimple my header too. Not a big issue.
H
:cheers:

[billschroeder5842]

Bill, I know you replaced your resonator with the Mangaflow resonator. Are you planning on keeping the stock exhaust pipes as well as the mufflers?

This is the thought at the moment. Although the fact that the muffler is not a "true dual" I just LOVE the tips and how they complement/match the tail lights. I've also done to reading that says that the mufflers are not "all that bad" for back pressure, plus the no drone has me sold.

No, if I could find a true dual, with the stock tips, lower back pressure and no drone.... I'm in!

[Ccmano]

No, if I could find a true dual, with the stock tips, lower back pressure and no drone.... I'm in!

Corsa and Obx although they do sound different. Used to have a Corsa (on the last car) now have the OBX. I liked the Corsa better but couldn’t justify the cost difference. I’m cheap.
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:cheers:

[secondchance]

Yun, my steering column rubbed against the header, and ceramic coated, it's very abrasive to the touch.

Interesting. I wonder if the steering box location changed. Or, just car to car manufacturing variation. I'll make it a point to look at your car at Carlisle.

[RussMcB]

Interesting. I wonder if the steering box location changed. Or, just car to car manufacturing variation. I'll make it a point to look at your car at Carlisle.My OBX headers required a dimple, too. Even so, I still see evidence that they're trying to occupy the same space. Probably engine mount compliance.

Reminds me of this video you've probably already seen where they "dimple" headers and don't see the performance loss you might expect:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azPKIjxmmdU

[jss06c6]

No issues at all with fit and clearance with my SW headers.

Sent from my XT1585 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[efnfast]

Interesting. I wonder if the steering box location changed. Or, just car to car manufacturing variation. I'll make it a point to look at your car at Carlisle.
Yun, Pete actually had spacers made up for this. So, it ain't just me. - Steve

[billschroeder5842]

Yun, Pete actually had spacers made up for this. So, it ain't just me. - Steve

If this is a "known" problem, you'd think the manufactures would just do a work-around?

[Marc Haibeck]

The OBX headers are a copy of the Stainless Works short tube headers. The Stainless Works short tube headers also interfere with the steering column. Stainless Works long tube headers (PN ZR1CORV38) do not interfere with the steering column. The primary tubes are about two inches longer than the short headers and might be good for five more HP.

[ZBrink]

Common issue with all headers for our cars as I understand it. Had to dimple my header too. Not a big issue.
H
:cheers:

I have a '90 as well. If I send you a photo, could you show me where I need to dimple? I would like to do that before I have them ceramic coated.

[Marc Haibeck]

You are referring to a posting from a six years ago. The current version, made in the past four years or so, of Stainless Works headers does not interfere with the steering shaft. They currently make only the short tube type.

The OBX headers have not changed. They still touch the steering shaft.

[ZBrink]

You are referring to a posting from a six years ago. The current version, made in the past four years or so, of Stainless Works headers does not interfere with the steering shaft. They currently make only the short tube type.

The OBX headers have not changed. They still touch the steering shaft.

Thanks for the reply Marc. I just bought a set of the Maximizer headers this past week. Do you know if these are still the same design as the OBX which will hit the steering shaft on a '90. If so, would you recommend dimpling the header? Modifying or swapping out the steering shaft?

[Karl]

I have had OBX headed on both my cars. They touched the steering rack on my '92 and Pete dimpled them during installation.

My '93 did not require any clearance for the steering rack.

FWIW both were powder coated by the same shop (loco jet jot coatings a local shop) and yes maximizer and OBX are the same.

[Ccmano]

OBX and Maximizer are the same company and therefore identical in every way except finish. OBX has a polished finish and Maximizer has simply the natural stainless finish. When installing test fit the driver side header and you'll quickly see where it needs to be dimpled to clear the steering shaft. Keep in mind the condition (or lack there of) of the motor mounts play a roll in potential steering shaft interference. Old collapsed engine mounts will cause the interference to be much greater. If you've never changed out the mounts I can almost guarantee you have at least one broken one.
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:cheers:

[XfireZ51]

I realized that my P/S motor mount was broken after I kept seeing that the D/S exhaust tips would always end up slightly crooked after a ride. And it was no matter how tight I would make the exhaust hanger bolt. While Pete was doing some other motor work, we swapped it out. Works great now.