So I am trying to decide if Santa should bring me a set of American Racing Headers or something else.

I want a set of headers from Santa. I know it will improve acceleration, MPG, SOTP feel and everything else. I dont know if I should spend the money on headers though. My car is just an 01 A4 (2.73 gears, 3.42's and converter in spring) with a K&N filter (ziptie mod in spring) and a catback B&B RT.66 from the previous owner.

Are headers really going to benefit me enough to justify the cost? By the way, how loud will they be? I dont want obnoxious loud, I already have too many complaints


*By the way, I am open to opinions about other header brands. I am just saying ARH because from what I have read, they are really good headers.

 

I'm still trying to figure that out after I spent about $2500 on headers, x-pipe, LS6 manifold and a few other pieces thrown in. I don't actually know how much it improved by the numbers, BUT I can DEFINITELY FEEL the horsepower burning through 3 gears when I hammer it. Especially once the RPMs hit 4000 or above.

My next plan is to NOT add heads and cam, but rather go for the widebody look and blow the bucks on wheels and rear fenders. Like you I had a loud enough exhaust without headers, BUT now it's REALLY LOUD! The soda can sized cats really are no help in the noise control and are just for looks.

Would I do anything different now that I know what I know? No I'd probably still buy the headers and make the bolt on mods and just start a rear tire fund. I'm gonna burn through these tires in 3 maybe 4 months at the max.

But that is why we do what we do isn't it?

Oh, I got the LG Streets 2 1/2" O.D. and x-pipe which is better for the budget and built for cars running less than 500hp. They run about $500-600 cheaper than their LG Pro's 3" O.D.
AND they are the most incredible looking 304 Stainless polished pipes you'll ever lay your eyes on.

 

I wonder the same, I am on the fence about headers, and thinking about additional mods in the future (heads, cam and LS6 intake) its always a debate of $ vs performance gains, are they really worth it??? It helps to have some dyno numbers to reinforce your decision, but what really counts is how you feel when you stand on tha gas !! Keep us posted on your decision and results.

 

I went with xspower headers from forum vendor Superman that are about 1/2 the price of the established name brands. Added a vararam and dyno tune along with a magnaflow catback (15713) - picked up 40hp and the sound is not obnoxious loud at all. Never heard the B&B cat with headers though....
Good Luck!

 

I got this ARH set, keeping the stock muffler setup and had this dyno test day before yesterday. Car is a 2004 Cpe., 25,100 miles, and this is the only mod done to the car. This was just a basic street tune.

ARH SET

 

AR Headers are an amazing product. Fit, finish are awesome. easy install. Made in the USA (with quality steel).

I love mine.