TheMack wrote:ummmm im stock except for an intake fellas lol
not sure where this info got lost, or if a search wasnt done...but here is the low down on headers on the 1mz:
IF you are not boosted (n/a), you will see very little to no gains from headers alone. The oem ones we have are actually a decent design and us guys that have played around with it a bit have not seen big gains from the headers themselves.
The big gains you are seeing are from the high hp guys that are s/c and need the extra exhaust flow. They/we are probably pushing 120-150+ more whp than a stock 1mz. I seriously doubt any n/a 1mz would benefit from aftermarket headers.
One of my best dynos came when I was running the OEM headers, dats y pipe and evo 2 exhaust (supercharged at 5.5psi). The headers are not a restriction in our setup.
The biggest mistake you can make with a n/a exhaust is to go too big. You will lose backpressure and torque will suffer greatly. I would suggest buying a used oem header to replace your cracked one. If you are not boosted, or wont be in the very near future, it would be pointless to go with the full OBX setup.
The biggest gains will come from an updated y pipe. N/A or boosted, this will show big gains. However, on an n/a, be sure to keep the cat back exhaust piping small (~2.25-2.5") or you will lose power.
The OBX y pipe design really isnt that great, imo. I saw bigger gains from my Dats pipe, which was as basic design as it gets. You could prob find one floating around here, or have an exhaust shop make one up for you.
It is a huge PITA to remove and install headers on our solaras/camrys. It is not for the novice and a shop will charge big $$$ to do it for you. This is why I say to only install headers if you are boosted and have high hp goals. On a n/a car, it will be a huge waste of time and $$$. The y pipe and exhaust are easy to switch out. Talk to a local shop about copying a dats y pipe for you and get a 2.25"-2.5" exhaust (or have one custom made at a shop with a muffler you like). That would be much more satisfying than paying $$$ for headers and install that will do nothing to improve your power.
Trying to save you some $. Not all "upgrades" result in better performance.
99 DWP SEV6 5spd 6.5psi+Meth, Tein+Tokico, EricSol+Brembos+EBC, OBX Headers+OBX 3" Exhaust, Supra MAF & 330cc, Spec 2+, Fidanza, TRD lip kit, Injen+Ext, Optima Red, Infinity 60.5+693.7i, 2 Kappa Perfect 12 VQ's+iPod+JVC DVD...etc
by TheMack » Fri Jun 03, 2011 9:39 pm 
