Header Aftermarket FAQ

What questions should I ask of the retailer or manufacturer before purchasing?
1. Is this header equal or unequal length?
2. Do you provide EGT bung welding? (if applicable to the end user)
3. Do you provide ceramic or other coating services prior to purchase?
4. Does this header include an uppipe?
5. Are there any fitment issues (very important for STi and 2006+ owners)?

How hard is it to install a header? Allow around one hour for install time if using your factory uppipe or have already installed an aftermarket uppipe. Professional installation, depending on your area, is around $75. If using a header with an uppipe, and you still have your factory uppipe, allow around 3 hours for install time. This can depend on many variables. A lift and air tools will significantly speed up the process but aren’t entirely necessary. Professional installation, depending on your area, is around $200. Shadetree mechanics will install for around $100.

How do I install a header? Refer to the header manufacturer’s instructions.

What about ceramic or other heat wrap coating? Though there are pros and cons to heat retention treatments with exhaust components, the general consensus with headers is that heat retention benefits outweigh the liabilities.
Pros:
Increased heat retention, which is beneficial for exhaust flow.
Reduces underhood temps, which decreases IC heatsoak.
Cons:
Additional expense.
Additional lead time, in the case of coatings.
Increased heat retention, which in some cases, can accelerate metal fatigue, especially at weld joints.
No proven HP increase.
If you plan on using a coating, ensure you are aware of what impact this will have on your header warranty if applicable. Coating or wrapping your header can void exhaust component warranties. If using a ceramic-type coating, ensure it’s working heat range is above the known EGT. EGTs can be as high as 1400-1600 degrees in the extremes. Some normal coatings are not rated to this temperature level.

What types of ceramic or other heat wrap coating are available? The two most popular manufacturers of heat wrap areThermo Tec and DEi. The two most popular coating manufacturers are Jet Hot and Swain Tech Coatings. Wrapping is a DIY project with a shorter life span than the professional only coating with a longer life span.

Excellent coating thread
.pdf file on coatings
Car Craft magazine’s testing of Jet Hot

Should I reset my ECU after this mod? It is never a bad idea to perform an ECU reset after a mod. The traditional route is to disconnect the negative battery terminal, press the brake pedal for a few seconds to bleed the system of charge, and reattach. It’s best to get your car tuned by a professional on a dyno after installing a aftermarket header and/or uppipe.