What makes this header of lesser value then say, a Cusco or Perrin?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUBAR...QQcmdZViewItem

 

doesn't really provoke any thoughts here...just questions. are you serious? what makes a kia of lesser value then a subaru? but to answer your question it's mostly about quality. granted they are over priced but for the most part your paying for quality in materials and workmanship. the ebay and cheaper headers are more prone to cracking. the cusco header comes with heat shields and a uniquely designed flange that mimics porting, this accounts for some of the difference in price. the perrin is constructed from 321 stainless steel and 1/2 flanges. hope that helps. just a heads up you don't need headers unless your planning on going past 350whp. at the very most you should just port and polish your stck headers as they are more than sufficient. if you'd like i have a set you can send to get the job done and just trade me your stock ones when you get em on. either way hope this helps

 

and while you're on the subject I'm not sure you can put Perrin and Cusco in the same category either since Perrin basically copies every other companies work and stamps their name on it. I'm not saying their "products" aren't good it's just I haven't seen anything unique from them.

Perrin header is a lesser cheaper copy of the APS Header. The size of the ports are different.

Jon

Further, The APS/Perrin header are Equal length type and ONLY work with the STI due to it's oil pan shape. In order for you to run them you'll have to change out your oil pan...etc.

 

I would say Perrin is in the top 5 choices.

They dont crack like other cheap/imitation/ghetto brands (gp moto/borla)etc.

I've had my EL Perrin Header and had no issues; Running 10's on the track and daily driven still had no issues with leaks, cracks, etc.

P.D.
1-Zerosports 2. Fujitsibo 3. GT Spec 4. Perrin 5. Gruppe-S

 

i completely agree that perrin isn't a company that is of equal or lesser quality like the ebay products.

I'm probably going to get the perrin header once I get the oil pan or if I really want to push my limits i'll get the APS one or something special

I still cannot believe you've pushed your car to the 10s man!

Jon

 

you really do get what you pay for....

Take Cusco products for example:

I've never had "ANY" fitment or failure issues with Cusco products....everything that I own by Cusco from coilovers to the brake master cylinder brace fit "Perfectly"...their products are proven and rate high in my book...

I've been running the GT Spec V2 Header with integrated up-pipe for right around 3 years now on my 04 sti with no issues...fitment was top notch...had some decent numbers on our recent tune day here.

Although, there are quality, low priced, "not a big name yet" companies out there, they are few and far between...many try to make a quick buck, change their name, and re-sell under the new name...or re-badge...

Save yourself some headaches...go with what works...that means a company with a proven track record, or recommendations from your local Suby community whom you trust...

BTW: on our recent tune of cars running either the VF-39 or VF-34, the biggest Torque numbers within their category came from those wtih equal length headers....

Brad VF-39 STI (GPMoto EL header and RS*R TBE) had 296 hp 370 fT Lbs

Burt VF-39 STI (Perrin EL header/Ebay TBE/with modified Blitz Nur Spec axle back) had 309 hp 360 ft lbs


Mandelle VF-34 2.0l WRX (Fujitsubo EL + tbe) 294hp 285 ft lbs


Others running a header like Daniel, myself, Brandon, Steven, and a few others were all higher on the numbers list...

I'm sure there are better "bang for your buck" mods to do for your car, but I personally like the way my header adds to the overall performance of my car...

 

You did what you said you would do man...very nice numbers...10s wow!

the list below that Jose compiled are all proven headers...with little or no issues...Many of my friends/family run one of the header companies listed below...I am particularly fond of the Fujitsubo...what a work of art...(Roy and Mandelle run this one...)

 

err... well.. i guess my 2c isn't really "with the majority on this"...

correction:
Burt VF-39 STI (E-BAY SSAC FMIC/Perrin EL header/E-BAY Generic TBE w/ Modified Blitz NurSpec Axle-Back) had 309 hp 360 ft lbs

so... IMO (longevity not withstanding because I don't know yet)... performance parts CAN be had for cheap... but the parts that are exposed to the most harsh conditions (such as headers) should be purchased at the best quality you can afford.

Just my opinion on the matter.

 

i know that oldmansan will have something to say about this.

 

I'm sure he will^^^

 

I just said that because I saw him looking at the thread. I completely agree with your statements though about you get what you pay for.

Jon

 

ill take the rullrace ones ooohhhhhhh nice

 

now THAT is a piece of art...look at the welds...patience is a virtue....

 

This applies to everything and is all that needs to be said.

304 stainless is the most common grade of stainless steel and is far inferioir in strength and resistance to weld decay of 321.

 

I'd also have to say it's not just the construction/quality/service, but R&D as well.