Which Header

[North Coast Cab]

I would like to add a Header to my 944 NA Race Car. Any suggestions?

[hpservertech]

uh...you already have one on the car. What do you need to add one for? Am I missing something here?

If you want something lighter check out what Linsey Racing has.

[flash968]

there are many different designs for 4 cylinders, but they basically fall into 2 categories, 4 into 1 and tri-Y - different tube lengths, collector designs, tube diameters and such, all play into how they react to a given engine - each design has its ups and downs

which header design to choose depends on many things, such as:

what rpm section you want to focus on? (lows, mids, highs?)
what displacement is the engine?
exposure to elements
cat-back choices
other mods to the engine
normally aspirated or turbocharged? (you already answered that one)

generally speaking, and there are exceptions, for a road race car, i would choose a 4 into 1 long tube - for an autocross car, i would choose a tri-Y

[North Coast Cab]

Race car 2.5L No cat, factory muffler (for now)
If I go the 4-1 I guess I have to fab up a tail pipe since the exhaust manifold is 4-2 now.

[fast924S]

I run the Bursche header, I like the design but I think fitment and quality could be better, I think its a 4-2-1 header, long tube equal length

[flash968]

any header change should be done as a part of a complete system

just a note: 4-2-1 is called a "Tri-Y" by those in that business

[fast924S]

Ahhh, Learn something new every day, What the tri-Y setup best for??? Seems to work good on my car.

[flash968]

low end and up through the mids - very common to see these on street cars

[m73m95]

I believe MSDS has the header of choice for the racers.

[924RACR]

Actually, while the MSDS is decent and inexpensive (I run one on my 2.0L), Stahl actually makes the best one. Much more money, but better final output capability, apparently... this comes from a racer who upgraded his ITS 944 from the MSDS.
http://www.stahlheaders.com/

But it's about $700, vs. $250 for the MSDS!

EDIT: forgot the MSDS link:
http://www.msdsinc.com/exhaust.html

My first MSDS, which was ceramic coated, lasted maybe 5 years till it cracked from impact. The second one (mild steel, no coating, wrapped) only lasted almost 2 years, just blew it to pieces at Mid-Ohio. I definitely won't wrap another mild steel header, at least not without ceramic coating!

I'm pondering discussing custom options with MSDS for my racecar; not convinced I'm getting everything I can... but not ready to dump $550 at Stahl for unknown results...

[fast924S]

[Catamax944]

Hi guys

Msds sounds good,better than standard and cheap but if money is no object i would try to fit the lindsey racing 951 headers folowed by fabspeed cat back.Both are very high quality products.Lindsey also has on sale msds headers and 3" aluminized steel cat back for a direct fit at great prices.
I dont know about you guys but as for the exhaust being tuned for you're engine performance would meen a custom exhaust and all i see is different manufacturers making universal exhausts(by make/model that is) in their own way to achieve a predetermined price/quality level(by that i mean materials used and work quality).I never saw a exhaust sistem with a engine performance level limitation tag on it except for size limitation that is. I would appreciate if anyone can clarify all that.