You will notice HP gain from one header to another thats for sure, how much I'm not sure, you will more notice the TQ numbers going up higer than hp probably though. SDJ custom builts every header to order, you can keep them seperated if you want too also. But the way i see it 2 pipe means more weight which is a big no no to any real racer unless its really going to give him that much more in return.

Also the header you posted that is another one of SDJ's, I've never really inquire why it it connected in the center but meh I have mine and I'm happy with it

 

right, i cought that, but it doesnt wxplain anything....why is it water cooled?

 

Probably because boat engines succumb to higher RPM and maintain that high of RPM, so it requires water to keep the header from glowing red hot and melting other components.


And, who/what is SDJ?

 

thank you.

 

Ok so U might "notice" a little difference. My point is put a stock port 12a orig nikki carb'd car on a dyno and swap out a RB standard street header, a Pacesetter (or other cheapie), and an SDJ or other expensive brand.

I'd put up some good money there is not more than a 10 hp difference between them. I'd guess maybe 3-5 hp difference to the wheels at most between them.

If you have a budget like myself and want to get the most out of the car dollar for dollar it would make more sense to invest it elsewhere...

If you've got the cash more power to you! I'd have a 3 rotor with a T-88H myself...this NA stuff is for the birds!

 

SDJ claims an average an of 10 hp gain at the top end. While that may not seem like much, it's a definite advantage racing.

As far as why the boat header it's watercooled, they don't have radiators, the cooling is provided by lake water sucked up and ran through the engine. Not entirely sure why the exhaust mani would be water cooled, other than to cut down on heat in a confined engine compartment.

 

Agreed, 10 HP is nothing to sneeze at. But when you compare the price of a 2000+ dollar racing beat full exhaust system vs say a camdon blower system at $3000. And gaining 30-50 hp. I'd have to go that route.

Dollar for dollar seems it would make even more sense to just do a late model 13b or TII swap. Why even bother with a 12a?

 

Wel, for one thing, the RB system is not 2k, second, without a decent exhaust system, the blower won't give that expected gain. Fwiw, Sam has dynoed his car with the SDJ header and pulled a littled over 147 whp, iirc. When racing, every little hp gain counts. There is point that those extra 1-2 hp can get quite expensive, but if you are racing in say SCCA or IT7, it can make the difference between 1st of 2nd place.

Sure there are cheaper options for exhaust, but the bottom line is what is the extra hp worth to the buyer. As far as doing a TII swap, not everyone wants to go that route and it's well over a 3-4k upgrade if done right, and that doen't include labor costs.

 

On top of that, Blowers and turbos are not class legal in racing.

 

I thought SDJ made 6hp more than the RB header due to its design. I like RB just like everyone else, but if there is something that much better for a lil more I will go that route in the long run.

Ive had many 7s and many exhausts and the ones that pulled the hardest NA all had an SDJ.

 

Your right, but like I said I was just saying for the avg shmoe like myself that isn't racing, drives his car daily, and wants the biggest bang for the buck buying a hugely expensive exhaust system isn't the way to go. I can have a 2.5" non mandrel, header back system build up at the local muffler shop for $180 bucks. Pair that up with a pacesetter header and I'll be within 5 hp of the 1000+ dollar systrems.

Also don't those stainless steel tubular headers have a horrible tendency to crack? Not exactly daily driver material.

 

It always comes down to how fast do you want to go. And i still don't get where you're getting your money figures from

RB Exhaust system - 690$
RB SP exhaust system - 870$
SDJ header (custom back) - ~1100$

The price of my system includes the price of shipping to canada, SS piping, magnaflow muffler, and installation at a shop. The RB prices are just off the site without shipping price or installation, when i calculated the number it was 100$ cheaper for me to go with the SDJ route mostly due to the expensive shipping to canada as i was able to buy everything else cheaper here locally.

So it really no where near what you're thinking price wise.

Also about stainless steel cracking that is true, but SDJ know about that and when i asked them about why there was joint left unwelded this is what he replied back with:

Quote:

That joint is left unwelded intentionally. The pipe is
a "swage" fit (ie: Press fit) it is designed like that to
allow for expansion of the header without cracking.

So there you go about that part too.

Lastly about who you can contact:

John
1-803-646-1840

This is the number that i last contacted him with should still be up and running. Just call him up, tell him what you need he'll give a price and within a few weeks it'll be at your door steps.