My headers have finally cracked so i need some decent quality headers but they vary so much, which are the best ones to go for?
I've looked at the RCM and the ZEN performance ones, any others?

 

Are your headers not repairable? my Gruppe-s one cracked where one of the cross pipes meets the collector, removing them to repair took longer than the repair itself.

 

No 3 of the pipes have cracked and I would rather fit a quality set now. any ideas?

 

HKS, but they aint cheap!

 

My HKS's have cracked around the collector!!!!

 

It doesn't matter how well made the headers are, if the EGT's get too hot, they can crack.

If they aren't wrapped, over time stainless steel can fatigue from having cold water splash on them (puddles, etc'), due to the massive changes in temperature.

And IMHO, headers that don't have slip jointed cross pipes are a crack waiting to happen.


Mark.

 

Which headers would you recommend or are you saying it all depends on how well you wrap your headers up?

 

It's a combination of things.

Some headers are just poorly designed, and made. They NEED to have the front cross pipes slip jointed.

And even if they are slip jointed, you also need to make sure that when they are fitted, the slip joints aren't locked up.

IMHO, they need wrapping, 1) to protect them against cold water hitting them, 2) it keeps the exhaust gas hot, and helps with gas velocity, 3) under bonnet temperature control.

I personally use the 3 bolt up pipe design headers on the Lateral, and customer cars, and have not had any issues so far.


Mark.

 

What sort of price are the headers you'd recommend?

 

Tracktive do a GT Spec 2 replica headers with 3 bolt up pipe.
Got them on my MY03 WRX, but not done enough miles/time yet to give any opinion on longevity.
Mine are ceramic coated though, not wrapped.
As for cost, bloody expensive, but it depends on what you want and of course where you get it from and then in my case who does the ceramic coating and for how much.