It's quite possible that with brullen headers you will get a Cel. There is mixed information on this web, on whether the header or the cat causes a CEL. I've installed several sets of headers, including Brullen on 99-01 2.5RS' and it's impossible to predict which year and header combination will cause a CEL. However, for $19.95 from Cobb Tuning and easy wired in CEL fix can be had. As far as which header is best, each set of headers have to be judged under your criteria, ie. price, ease of installation and overall performance. I personally installed on my 2000 2.5RS a set of Borla headers which fit my criteria, in that they smoothed out th power band without a lose of low end. They installed in about forty minutes and fit perfectly and matched up to the OEM cat. And all important, they were routed almost exactly as the OEM headers, and did not block anything like some headers do, as in oil filter and tranny drain plug. And lastly, for under $300 a set, it can't be beat. However, if you are going to build your subie for the maximum horsepower ie. turbo, cam and heads, neither Brullen or Borla are the way to go. Equal length heades are the best way to go.

 

Sundance nailed it there.

I have the borlas, I may go with equal length headers (Syms or MRT i think as well) eventually, but the borlas are great, and they are a steal compared to the Syms in terms of price. However, if you like the sound of the borlas (if you have heard them in person or sound clips) dont expect the same sound from an equal length header, it will be quieter then with the borlas I've been told. I would personally go with the borlas, I love mine, and they have an amazing guarentee on them.
Dan

 

Borla header is the way to go. We have them here for $308 and they are one of our most popular item. We have had no problems with check engine lights(the CEL fixes do not work(not even Cobbs)). The PO420 CEL is from the cat. We have installed The CEL fixes here(including Cobbs), they simply do not work. Some cars are ok after the resistor is installed, some are not. If a CEL is a concern, use a header that allows use of the factory cats. Borla works with factory cats.

[www.rallitek.com]

 

Borla's are the way to go, you can't beat them for the price. I'veseen them on the interweb for as little as I think 260 dollars. Equal legth would probably provide a little more gains, but try finding aequal lenth header that will be compatible with FI later on, I may be wrong, but I don't think there is one..

 

I dont think so either...that a good point.
Dan

 

Well, I'm willing to bet that a Borla-Random Tech-stromung would equal the same amount of HP as a MRT Headerback. Plus, like previously stated, it is conductive to forced induction, which most people aspire to accomplish anyway..

 

hey guys, I'm in the exact same boat as Imprezzive, 99 2.5rs wannting to get headers. I got 2 questions:
1. what's a CEL (i'm newbie, excuse my ignorance)
2. would it be worth it to get UR pulleys before I get the headers? (I already have a cat back exhaust, so i already have some nice sounds)

thanks

 

CEL= Check Engine Light

If a CEL is solid it is usually emissions related
if CEL is flashing it is more serious and the car should not be driven ie. a faulty injector or something that could seriously damage your car.
The codes are what the ECU thinks is wrong.
P0420 is cat inefficiency
P0303 is misfire number 3 cylinder P0304 is misfire number 4 cylinder etc ad infinitum...
A dealer will pull your code for free under warranty but otherwise it costs between 25-75 dollars depending on where you are in the country. A code puller can be bought for 200-500 dollars at any auto store. It plugs into the port under your dash and pulls the code. In most states the CEL cannot be on to pass inpection, therefore it's somewhat important to at least have it off when your up for new tags.

 

so the borlas are compatible with a turbo later i plan on that later but want a good exhaust system now.

 

Ok guys, there's a few things you need to make clear of before purchasing a header.

1) Do you intend on keeping on with the N/A modding route.
2) If Yes, will you be doing extensive N/A mods like cam, valve train, head work etc.

Different headers are designed for different power bands.

The iON/Brullen header system is designed to maximize street performance (ie: torque). It's designed solely for N/A use (so no turbo'ing later). You get best results with the full header-back that has the matching 2.25" cat-back section. This system was modelled after the SYMS EJ25 N/A header-system, however tweaked to allow for passing North American emissions standards. There are no CEL issues with MAF equipped cars. Certain MY01-02 cars were throwing CEL's however that's solved as well.

The MRT system is our closest rival, however due to materials and construction it's in a different league. There've been several cases of cat failures with this, as well as CEL issues.

The TWE system is designed more for those looking to do lots of N/A mods. It allows the option of going turbo later, however there are material differences between the N/A and turbo versions. This would be great for someone going crazy N/A looking for peak hp.

 

Borlas also have a mixed record on their fitment. Mine required the use of a crowbar to get the bolt holes to line up with the bolts and then me pounding on them to make them go up onto the bolts enough to get a nut onto the bolt. The welds also aren't that impressive for being a Borla product.