before upgrading headers, do the downpipe. downpipe is definitely the better cost effective method of power gain and at this point, a set up equal length headers won't net you more than about 10 hp. stage 2 OTS maps also require an after market dp as well. since youre in hawaii, id say just go with catless and get an EWG to control boost better. that combo will be about the same price as a set of headers and there will be a noticeable difference.

 

+1, the dp will make more of a hp dif/most cost efficient gains, you will also gain a lot more tq going catless over catted. if it weren't for the fact that I was stationed in CA b4 getting stationed here, I would have gone the catless route.

 

Thanks for the advice! Yes I'd like to keep that boxer rumble for as long as possible. This car is my DD so will there be any effects from going catless as opposed to catted?

 

If it's to loud then you may be a little ripe

 

as far as downpipe goes, going catless will net you more gains since there is less restriction on the airflow. this can be in the neighborhood of about 3-7 hp difference. the sacrifice you make is venting out a strong smell of exhaust gases and there are often issues with boost creeping, hence why i advised you to go with an external wastegate

 

the smell is actually an exaggeration tho, i don't mind it and neither should you if you're into cars lol

 

Come to a meet up and u can hear every ones exhaust in person it might help with making the decision