are headers even worth it?

[dumpl!ng_]

Man, my buddy and I were just talking about this, and I gotta ask y'all, does anyone else feel like headers aren't really worth it on cars?

I've had these UEL Tomei headers on for about a month now. I knew they'd be loud, but it's the rasp that's really bugging me. Maybe I'm just getting old, haha. I've got the XForce 3" valved exhaust, and I honestly loved how it sounded with the stock headers.

Now, it just sounds like a glorified '90s Honda, and I love '90s Hondas, just not in this case!
I just got the car tuned on a Stage 2 flash by DT, so I'm kinda stuck on what to do. What do you think, guys, do you agree with me?

 

[I_am_Caleb]

Headers can be worth it depending on your goals. They improve exhaust flow and scavenging, which translates into better torque and power higher up the rev range.

The rasp is probably from the pressure wave tuning of UEL design mixing with the open 3" flow from the XForce. Did DT recommend the Tomei setup specifically for your flash or was that already installed? You might get cleaner tone with EL headers while keeping performance gains.

 

[Manga9]

I personally think headers are one of the most overrated mods for street cars. Everyone chases dyno numbers and "tuned sound," but half the time, they ruin drivability, drone like hell, and kill the factory balance

 

[tracktunedgr1022]

Got it. Headers can boost power, sure, but for a regular street car, the trade-off might not be worth it. And yeah, that UEL with the big ol' exhaust explains that raspy sound for sure.

 

[Tar.ott]

Thing about UELs, they especially bring that rasp and a lot of guys just end up going back to stock headers with a good exhaust and are happier overall.