Defined Autoworks Header Install!

[Libor]

I got a few minutes so I test-fitted the new set of headers that I just received from Defined Autoworks.

This is only a test fit, as I still need to port-match them to an exhaust sleeve and build a new exhaust system for behind them. It is my goal that the car will get quieter with this upgrade, as louder will not be a step in the neighborly direction.

I did consider starting the car to hear what they sound like (in spite of the neighbors), but it currently has no radiator or coolant, so I figured it was a bad idea.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the old Racing beat headers before they were removed. They have seen better days, but still functioned fine (except for not making as much power as I want).



The headers that I got (I should say bought, but I barely more than stole them) from Defined Autoworks have an O2 sensor and EGT bung in each header, allowing individual measurement (intended for correcting fuel injector trims to allow for more accurate tuning).

The new headers are almost as long as the old racing beat headers and the presilencer. These pictures give a pretty good idea of the size and the excellent build quality of these headers.




Then I installed the headers on the car. I had to tilt the engine to the passengers side slightly from where the Racing Beat headers had fit, but this only required loosening the nut on the two motor mounts. The transmission shifter barely changed position. Note the position of the stud from the rubber mount in the engine mount:


Other than tilting the engine, the headers fit beautifully. I was pleasantly surprised by how neatly they fit:




The dual oxygen sensors fit like gloves, the attention to detail is phenomenal, The O2 bungs are welded on the inside of a turn, 8 inches from the collector and in such a way that the sensor that must be near the other pipe is furthest away without sticking down and is also below the pipe (allowing better air flow past the sensor and freeing it from the natural convection air path when the car is stopped):


Also to my surprise, the collector actually lines up with the stock Y-pipe. I was not expecting this, as I had informed Logan of my intention to build completely custom exhaust. This is convenient, as I could stick a piece of test pipe in if I wanted to take the car for a quick test spin (which I would if I had a radiator):


The printer at the dyno was on the blink, but I did my baseline run last weekend. The best 4th gear power on the dyno was 218 WHp @ 6800 - 7300 rpm (flat), the best torque was 171 W Lb-ft @ 6000 rpm. I only ran 2 runs in 4th gear (one at the beginning and one at the end) as the engine kept overheating (hence the missing radiator). All tuning was done in 2nd or 3rd.

I am looking forward to the power gain. These headers should flow like a drainpipe.

[NoDOHC]

I got a few minutes so I test-fitted the new set of headers that I just received from Defined Autoworks.

This is only a test fit, as I still need to port-match them to an exhaust sleeve and build a new exhaust system for behind them. It is my goal that the car will get quieter with this upgrade, as louder will not be a step in the neighborly direction.

I did consider starting the car to hear what they sound like (in spite of the neighbors), but it currently has no radiator or coolant, so I figured it was a bad idea.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the old Racing beat headers before they were removed. They have seen better days, but still functioned fine (except for not making as much power as I want).



The headers that I got (I should say bought, but I barely more than stole them) from Defined Autoworks have an O2 sensor and EGT bung in each header, allowing individual measurement (intended for correcting fuel injector trims to allow for more accurate tuning).

The new headers are almost as long as the old racing beat headers and the presilencer. These pictures give a pretty good idea of the size and the excellent build quality of these headers.




Then I installed the headers on the car. I had to tilt the engine to the passengers side slightly from where the Racing Beat headers had fit, but this only required loosening the nut on the two motor mounts. The transmission shifter barely changed position. Note the position of the stud from the rubber mount in the engine mount:


Other than tilting the engine, the headers fit beautifully. I was pleasantly surprised by how neatly they fit:




The dual oxygen sensors fit like gloves, the attention to detail is phenomenal, The O2 bungs are welded on the inside of a turn, 8 inches from the collector and in such a way that the sensor that must be near the other pipe is furthest away without sticking down and is also below the pipe (allowing better air flow past the sensor and freeing it from the natural convection air path when the car is stopped):


Also to my surprise, the collector actually lines up with the stock Y-pipe. I was not expecting this, as I had informed Logan of my intention to build completely custom exhaust. This is convenient, as I could stick a piece of test pipe in if I wanted to take the car for a quick test spin (which I would if I had a radiator):


The printer at the dyno was on the blink, but I did my baseline run last weekend. The best 4th gear power on the dyno was 218 WHp @ 6800 - 7300 rpm (flat), the best torque was 171 W Lb-ft @ 6000 rpm. I only ran 2 runs in 4th gear (one at the beginning and one at the end) as the engine kept overheating (hence the missing radiator). All tuning was done in 2nd or 3rd.

I am looking forward to the power gain. These headers should flow like a drainpipe.