It is a direct replacement. My guess is thats a generic statement that they placed, like the picture. The headers are shipped directly from Borla, and as far as I know, they only make 1 header for the RS which requires no welding.
The lumpy V-8 idle is not as pronounced as it was the first month or so after install. The idle is smoother and quiter now Darn ecu!!
Fortunately still no CEL, (nothing has been done to the header in an attempt to retain heat). I'm pretty sure now I won't throw a CEL due to this header.
In my case this could be due to one, or a combination of have a MAF car, still using oe cats, or the mild SoCal weather.
I'm planning on adding some Borlas with an intake/exhaust. Have you had any problems with smog certification? Just curious because I "know" some have modded their RS"s and pasted the smog check.
-As a consensus, all headers currently on the market will cause a CEL because they cool the exhaust gases too quickly. As you are in San Diego you MIGHT get-by. It's really a gamble, you won't know for sure until you drive a few days with it installed.
The smog test itself won't detect the header, it is the technician that will SEE it when he/she does the visual inspection - no CARB E.O. #
First off, the claim is 7-10hp increase depending on your other bolt-on mods.
My personal experience was for 2-3 after install it felt like I had gained 20+hp, it was vicious during acceleration (btw, the Whiteline diff bushing kit works wonders!), back then I was certain it was just a matter of time before shearing the teeth off 2nd gear. I drove the same as I always did but I had to stay more aware to take it easy. I can't say specifically how long the car felt like that so 2-3 weeks is a fair estimate, then one day I noticed the car idle was less lumpy, also smoother and acceleration was more controlled. I blame the ecu for most of the change.
Of course I didn't get 20+ from bolting up the Borla header, but I definately got the full 10hp + some from it. In combination with my other bolt-on's everthing just seemed to wake-up for those few weeks. It's been two month since install, I can still feel some improvement.
As you are aware there are other more expensive headers out there that claim more hp increase, but IMO none of them sound as nice as the Borla. Currently selling for less than than $285 shipped, it's well worth it.
This is a strict bolt-on if I'm not mistaken so all the longer it should take to complete is however long is takes to get the car jacked up enough to get underneath it and unbolt the header from the motor and from the exhaust correct?
This is a strict bolt-on if I'm not mistaken so all the longer it should take to complete is however long is takes to get the car jacked up enough to get underneath it and unbolt the header from the motor and from the exhaust correct?
Plan on a couple of hours... Could go faster but don't bet on it... If you have a lift, you can do it in like 20-30 minutes, but not w/ jackstands... Gets some goggles or safety glasses... crap will fall in to your eyes...
Yep, plan on a couple hours if you will be laying on your back doing it.
The corrosion and crap buildup on the bolts will slow you down. I recommend a wire brush and 3+ sprayings of penetration oil before you even touch a wrench.
Did any of you guys "wrap" your header before you put it on? I've heard that you should and I've heard you shouldn't. Anyone shed some light on this subject?
header wrap causes the piping to fall apart over time due to extreme heat held in by the wrap. this is fine for race teams who replace stuff all the time, but not great for the average joe who doesn't want to buy headers all the time...
My plan IF I ever get a CEL is to get the header coated internal and external with a high temp ceramic coating, (the same or something like Jet Hot). The shop in my area wants $200 with a week turn-around time.
Ok other than borla headers what type of headers can I get? and what type of price am I looking at? Higher than borla, lower than borla? Or should I just stick with the borla header?
MRT is a full headerback system, but is mild steel. I have yet to hear of any systems failing due to rust, but many folks are scared of problems up north... you can have it coated. It comes w/ a high flow cat as well for ~$600... hard to beat that price. It takes a while to get, but makes more power than any headerback system.
Hope this helps...
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