You have many different options when upgrading your vehicle and making modifications that can improve performance. However, new exhaust headers can significantly affect horsepower, sound, and engine efficiency. Automotive enthusiasts will often upgrade to exhaust headers to get more power and better performance from their engine. By understanding what new exhaust headers can do and how they affect performance, you can make the right choice for your vehicle.
What Are Exhaust Headers?
Exhaust headers are an engine component that is designed to direct exhaust gasses out of your vehicle’s engine and ensure nothing is left over when the next revolution starts. Since they are attached at the cylinder head, they directly connect the cylinders and the rest of the exhaust system. Because of this, upgrading them can significantly improve your engine’s performance and how it creates energy.
In most newer vehicles, exhaust gasses are pulled from the engine with an exhaust manifold, a unit made of one piece of cast iron or steel. Replacing the manifold with a header system can improve the engine's efficiency. Because headers use individual tubes that connect to one output, they are much more efficient at their job. Headers are popular with automotive enthusiasts and people who want to make the most of their vehicle’s engine.
Will Exhaust Headers Affect Performance?
New exhaust headers will almost always improve the performance of your vehicle’s engine. This is especially true if upgrading from a stock one-piece manifold to long-tube headers. Increasing the volume of space into which the exhaust gasses can be expelled makes it easier for your engine to operate and, therefore, improves overall performance.
There are several different ways exhaust headers can improve your engine’s performance. Many car enthusiasts want to know things like, “How much HP do headers add?” and “Do headers make your car louder?” Knowing what headers do and how they can help your engine operate at its maximum potential, you can decide if they are the right upgrade for you and your car.
Adding Horsepower
The horsepower gains from exhaust headers can vary between different engines, typically ranging from an additional 5 to 20 horsepower depending on the specific setup. By enhancing the pathway for exhaust expulsion from the cylinder head, exhaust headers effectively optimize engine efficiency. This improvement prevents backflow into the engine, a factor that can diminish power output. Essentially, increasing the exit points for exhaust gases simplifies the engine's operation, facilitating enhanced horsepower production.
Enhance Sound
One of the major questions asked about exhaust headers is, “Do headers make your car louder?” the answer is a resounding yes. Since headers increase exhaust flow and reduce back pressure, the result is a louder, deeper tone. This is especially apparent at higher RPMs, which will produce more exhaust gas and cause louder volume from the engine. If you want to improve your vehicle's sound, aftermarket headers in addition to performance exhaust mufflers will be your best option for a deep, powerful engine tone.
Improve Fuel Economy
Enhancing fuel economy is a priority for many drivers seeking to optimize their vehicle's performance. Upgrading to exhaust headers presents a viable solution, facilitating smoother gas flow within the exhaust system and mitigating the buildup of back pressure inherent in stock exhaust manifolds. Though the immediate impact on fuel efficiency may seem modest, its cumulative effect becomes more pronounced over time, particularly for high-performance engines like V8s notorious for their fuel consumption. Installing aftermarket long-tube headers not only enhances efficiency but also can translate to long-term savings.
Boost Engine Lifespan & Performance
Efficient expulsion of exhaust gasses is one of the best things you can do for your vehicle’s engine. Excess friction or energy use can damage your engine in the long term, and back pressure from a lack of exhaust flow can put undue stress on moving parts. By installing aftermarket headers, you can help improve the longevity of your vehicle’s engine and prevent premature wear and tear on its most crucial components. This way, you not only get better performance, but you also get a longer lifespan for your vehicle.
What to Consider When Installing New Exhaust Headers
When installing new aftermarket exhaust headers on your vehicle, it is essential to know what to consider. The first and perhaps most crucial factor you must consider is compatibility and fitment. Be sure to know what kind of clearance you have in your vehicle’s engine compartment and whether or not headers can replace your exhaust manifold. This will ensure that you don’t run into any issues with having enough space for your new headers and that you won’t have to make any further modifications to your engine to make them fit.
Depending on where you live, emissions compliance is another essential consideration you should be taking into account. If your state has specific rules for vehicle emissions equipment, ensure you will still comply if you replace your exhaust manifold with aftermarket headers. If you must find particular headers that will comply with these regulations, it is best to know the rules before investing. This will help you avoid any fines, fees, or issues with registration down the road.
JEGS: For All Your Automotive Needs
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