Has anyone replaced headers in their 2.5 RS. I plan on installing the borla header system and I’d like to know if it’s worth it. I heard that the stock headers on imprezas are very restrictive and of cheap quality, but the borla headers go for around $500 so they’re not cheap, do they produce any power gains? What about the sound? Are there any other header systems?

 

I've got the Borlas on my 2000 RS.

There really wasn't much of a noticable gain from the headers alone.

I imagine if you were to do internals on the engine it may benifit from the added flow through the headers..

but for that to make any differnce, you'll need to replace the exhaust and cats with something a little higher flow as well.

The big thing the borlas give you is sound.
the car sounds amazing.

I've got a rallispec catback N1 with 2.5" midpipe.

This setup likes to pop and burble.. very satisfying.
has a much deeper note.. sounds like there are a few more cylinders hiding in the motor..

with the silencer out.. possibly one of the loudest, yet nicest sounding exhausts I've heard.

I've gotten comments from announcers over the PA at autocrosses and Ice races about the sound of my exhaust.

So, don't go into it thinking you're going to feel much of a differnce... headers are merely part of a package of mods that you'll need to do to make the car faster.

but you will get the sound improvement.

hope I've been of some help

 

borlas = rice

look for some nice equal length headers

 

25RS 2NV had headers put on his 2000 RS and found that the car ran better with the STOCK set-up. Contact him and he'll give you all the details before you spend your money.

 

Correction.. Borla's on an Automatic = rice.

eheh..

I don't consider my car ricey because of the borla headers. Funk.. I don't even have a spoiler!

Cobb intake.
S-AFC
Apexi ITC
Borla Headers
Rallispec N1 Catback
Lightened Flywheel

if you want to put your non rice car against my "ricey" car.. feel free.

 

ok auto-x time!

 

with pleasure fewl...

but, all and all.. autocross isn't my strong suit.

1/4mi is a better judge of engine mods.. wouldn't you agree?
my best 1/4 time isn't all that great... I can't say I've ever been pleased with my time at the track.
mustered a 15.5 on a slipping clutch.

Auto-X would rely more on the STi suspension.
Cusco rear strut bar
STi door sills (aw yea.. stiffens the body.. no really)
front strut bar.
20mm cusco rear sway bar.

wouldn't you agree?

 

he's an auto driver, they're typically not performance oriented.

mom said to go easy on him.. he's special