I was just wondering what a good brand for these headers were, i was looking into buying these. Also anyone have a set up for 05 sti? just wondering what i should do, rite now im running with the injen cold air intake, and Crucial downpipe and Rsr cat back...i was going to get the AP but i was just wondering if there is anything i should do before that... and suggestions?

 

get your engine management first

 

I think the biggest gains are posted by the fujitsubo headers. Those and the cusco would be my first choices.

But if it's early in your modding life then consider an Ecutek, up & down pipes and a turbo.

 

04 STI

I have the XXTuning or GTSpecII header...APS 3.5" Race TBE, AVO Short Ram, and am running the COBB AP...

I like the XXTuning header...smoothed out the exhaust flow...not as much of the Boxer rumble though...a friend of mine wanted to go back to the stock sti manifold so we swapped...After driving it around for about 3-4 months now, and with the addition of the APS (had a PDE downpipe and B&B catback on)...I really don't feel like I've lost anything low...and gained in the mid and high rpm range...this using the Cobb Stage 2 AP Map...I've also tried the High Waste Gate mode...runs great as well...but it does not take into acount the Header, 3.5" or the Short Ram...so I am sure it can be much faster with a specific tune...

Here in Hawaii, we are a bit handicapped due to us not having a AWD Dyno or specific shops that can tune the ECUTEK or other engine management...

The Cobb is a good option for me, due to my not having any tuning experience...I know my car can be "unleashed" but I am content having the AP do it's thing...

If you have access to a shop that specifically works on certain chips and have proven results...go that route...otherwise, do your mods, get an AP...be satisfied with that, sell it, then go in for a specific tune after you have gotten your primary upgrade parts installed. Remember, everytime you change parts, to optimize the output of your car, you must get it retuned...it can get pretty costly if you like to buy and sell parts like most on this board...including me...heh heh

 

This was my path... currently at 340 WHP and 328 ft-lb.

1) AEM Cold Air Intake.
2) DC Sport Catback.
3) PDE UP and Down Pipe.
4) EcuTek Reflash.
5) Dyno Tune.
6) Port and Pollish waste gate.
(running 110% Duty Cycle on Injectors)
7) Walbro 255 l/hr fuel pump.
8) Perrin 816 cc injectors.
9) Perrin high flow fuel rails.
10) Stainless braid fuel lines.
11) Tein Flex Coilovers.
12) Tein EDFC dampening control.
13) Perrin front and rear 3 point adjustable sway bars - kill the understear.
14) DC Sport equal length headers.
---> Oh the Blitz Sequential Boost Controler.
15) Perrin front mount intercooler.
16) FP Red Turbo upgrade.
17) Perrin MAF Ram air intake - replaced the AEM for better flow. (yes Ram air give you better flow than cold air - I can prove it with the ideal gas law)
18) Perrin Oil catch can and lines for new turbo.
19) Perrin dual gague pod w/ Oil temp and Oil pressue.

This **** is not cheep - think very carfully about a goal, how to create a well ballanced car and be realistic and educate your self.

Pushing the car past the point that I am at will require a full engine rebuild with forged pistons and other more substancial engine components. To push the car past the 420 WHP mark, start to think about replacing the block with the JDM Legacy Closed block - you can stroke the engine up to 2.8 L and get a bigger turbo... you can then take boost up to 25 to 28 psi (I think) and really run massive whp. Don't forget, tranny, clutch, axles and brakes will need big time upgrade too.

Hope that helps... I think my process was a good one

 

Right now I'm running an Invidia Catless Turboback and Invidia Equal length headers with the integrated up pipe. There was a lot of power gain with this set up but all I gotta say is that its LOUD!!!! Even with the silencer in. If you're willing to sacrifice sound for some power then its a good mod but if you hate that "tin""rice rocket" exhaust sound then I dont reccomend equal length headers. Thats the price you have to pay for a full exhaust.