Looking at fitting a set of either ported OE headers or some unequal length aftermarket ones.
How easy is it to do, any tips would be good. I was quoted between 160 and 220 pounds by a few local garages?

cheers

 

Set aside a day and do it yourself.

Not sure if this is generally the 'correct' way to do it but it seems the easiest to me assuming the up-pipe is part of the headers or you are changing that as well.

Basically remove the downpipe, then the turbo and unbolt up-pipe flange from bracketry which secures it to the block. Jack the car up, remove undertray, remove header heat shields and unbolt headers from heads (6 nuts). Fitting is reversal of removal. If your headers are one piece get the car as high as you can on the jack and with some jiggery pokery you will be able to fit them without slackening the O/S engine mount.

It's all pretty straight forward once you get into it.

 

Agree with Carl.
Get some WD40, a good socket set and some 'knuckle bandages' ready, but simple job and you can save the $$$ for the custom mapped ECU to get the best out of the headers

Graham

 

Thanks for the answers. Going to have another look at all of the bits. Had a go at the d/p few months ago but no chance, had to get a local garage to do it. Same place would put the headers on for £160? Got to admit, getting Eibachs and ALK fitted soon so not really got the cash spare to get headers fitted?

Can get a set of ported OE headers for £90, would I be best going for an aftermarket set instead?

cheers

 

If the rest of your mods are 'light' and you are not trying for big BHP then the ported headers will suit you better than tube headers.
Worth considering!
Grham.

 

On a UK MY99.
Other mods are P1 short engine (on receipt from previous owner), VF28 turbo, full decat, STi Panel filter, STI V5 TMIC and Tek3 remap by Mr Hebron? Are these "light" or "heavy" mods ?

 

At that spec you could go either way in my opinion although ported OE headers sit better with me at your current spec. If you are going to do further significant modifications after the headers go for tubulars. If you're not looking to do a great deal more i'd stick to ported OE ones.

 

Agree again with Carl.
Several people on Projects have gone ported (usually by Harvey) or DIY (Flat4 and myself + others) and had excellent results.
I went tube headers (GruppeS) due to heavey external mods.

Gaham

 

Great advice as ususal.
As tubulars are £250 plus to buy, I can get some Ported OE ones for £90 and fitted for £160.
How much wrap do I need, got a link to Agriemach but not sure which and how much.
Get these done then just have to try and get in touch with Pat for another remap.

 

How do you get in touch with Pat? I`m requiring a re-map.


Neil.

 

Neil

yhpm

 

If you talk to Harvey he'll wrap them for you. Basically he'll supply them ready for the garage to fit them, negating any hassle.

harveysmith1@btopenworld.com

 

Thankyou

 

May be a silly question but can't the oem headers be taken off without removing up-pipe & turbo..?

Also, I'd agree that ported OEM headers take some beating, ant future mods aside. This would be my next mod if I ever feel the need for more, which at the moment I'm more than happy (then it's only been a week since remap..!)

 

I'm having ported headers fitted to my '03 wrx in a couple of weeks. Just wondered if there are any potential downsides. Can cracking occur for example?
I already have decat and am re-mapped. Will this mod require further mapping? Also going to have a green air filter at the same time.