I'm looking into purchasing headers and an intake. Which headers would be best (fittment, quality of product, etc.), X-51, suncoast, or the evo headers. As far as the intake goes, does anyone have experience with the evo? Also, I was concerned with the airfilter, when I had my E46 M3, Some members on the forum had problems with the pre-oiled filter. The oil built up on the Mass Air Flow sensor and caused failure of the sensor. Thanks for any info provided.

 

I am leaning towards the X51 header ... its cheaper, OEM and proven to add power (through the X51 kit). I just replaced the Filter on my EVO intake; aside from some humidity issues, Its been rock solid for the past ~10,000miles.

 

My Fabspeed headers and exhaust system have been perfect for 20k miles of thrashing. I can't comment on the intake, as mine's blown, but Fabspeed's products have been perfect, added power (I assume... did a bunch at once) and haven't had to be tightened back up.

Good luck!

 

I am doing the x51 intake today or tomorrow. I just did the headers(suncoast/ebay) yesterday. I think the x51 in general is a bargain. The headers by themselves don't add much and I do not think I can tell. Suncoast says their headers MAKE power. I believe them, but you gonna feel 10hp??? You may also want to consider a plenum. I heard they are a good bang for the buck.

 

Neil,

Let us know how the X-51 Intake goes. It is something I want to do.
So far I am very happy with the improvements from the E-bay headers and the RSS Plenum.

David

 

What a coincidence.

I installed a set of X51 headers (from Jeff @ Sunset) yesterday on my 2005 997S. I was simply going to 'size' up the job after spraying the header & cat flange nuts/bolts w/ some anti-rust a few days ago. I tested one of the header nuts and it easily snapped loose so I said to myself . . . Let's do it.

I used Rhino ramps; gave me plenty of clearance. The headers fit perfectly (lined up w/ the exhaust manifold and cats). The 'hard' part (wasn't really that hard) was removing/installing the upper nut on the cat flange and getting the header gasket to stay in place while I started a couple of header bolts. I did put a smidge of anti-seize on the header bolt threads to avoid any future removal problems. I used all new hardware; gaskets, bolts & nuts.

Total job took a couple of hours. I could have done it quicker but why. Took my time and made sure everything went smooth.

My next step is to install a Sport Exhaust that I bought a few weeks ago. I did the cabin wiring last week (ie. running an independent on/off switch). I decided against wiring to my Sport Chrono in favor of controlling the muffler port myself from a ashtray mounted mini switch. The interior wiring and bringing the PSE harness into the cabin from the motor area was not a job for the faint hearted. It required a lot of trim/carpet removal plus working in the rear of the cabin for a normal sized person is not a lot of fun. Getting the harness through the motor-to-cabin grommet was a PITA.

Sorry for straying off the thread.

Good luck w/ your header selection and install. I recommend X51; genuine Porsche part that fits perfect.

I didn't take any pics but there are plenty out there if you search.

 

Neil...did you get my new email?? Keep in touch..

Dave

 

Dave,
You had to change your email? Just kidding. I got it and I will let you know when I am done. Should be tomorrow morning sometime. Headers in. Any change? I don't know.

 

I INSTALLED THE x51 HEADERS AFTER INSTALLING SPORT CATS, MUFLLERS AND EVO COLD AIR; THE HEADERS ADDED TO THE MIX, THEY WERE VERY REASONABLE IN PRICE AND CHEAP COMPARED TO THE COMPETITORS. NO PROBLEMS WITH THE HEADERS OR COLD AIR BOX. I GOT MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK.

 

I wouldn't bother with headers unless changing the cats and mufflers. What's the point of opening up the diameter of headers if the rest of the system is restrictive? I bought the Evo intake and returned it immediately -- I didn't like it at all, especially the oiled filter. If I went intake, I'd go with the X51 intake... If this is a budget item, I'd spend the dollars on upgrading the entire exhaust system (I went AWE and am 100% satisfied). My car breathes just fine with the oem intake and Revo woke everything up. My experience is 100% track oriented, though I do notice a big improvement in response and throttle map on the street.

 

Thanks for the responses! This is not a budget build up, but there is couple hundred dollars difference between the X-51 headers, and the others. I dont believe in throwing money away, but spending it wisely. Thats why I asked about the evo and suncoats headers. There do look extremely similar, but which is better quality? Right now I have the muffler bypass pipes from fabspeed. At $300 I figured it was worth the try. I personally think it sounds amazing and so do my buddies, but the interior noise is alittle excessive. So thats why I'm looking into headers, cats, and mufflers. I want to do this once and be happy with my choices and not want to change out parts because I don't like the sound. Did it with my E46 M3, paid $1k for mufflers and the next week spent another $1k to replace the ones I just installed.

So, I'll ask this question. I love the way the PSE sounds, but it's not loud enough. I would like something in between the PSE and muffler bypass pipes, any suggestions? I also want to avoid any drone, idiot lights, and fittment issues. Performance gain and sound is what I'm looking for! I used borla mufflers on both my E46 M3's and loved them. I wanted to go with them again, but there is alot to chose from and all have there own distinct sound. I plan on spending about $4500 in exhaust, and ? for an intake. So what do you think will suit me the best?

 

Ron,
I have read all your threads about the chip and how you like it. Do you think that the chip front loaded the throttle, kinda like the sports chrono does? I read that chipping a car with a sport chrono has less affect because it is already front loaded by the remap that porsche does. Is the throttle still linear all the way?

 

Revo did change the throttle map slightly and I honestly can't tell if its that or other adjustments that explains the much smoother response of the engine. The Vanos hesitation is gone -- no more micro-lag at 3k RPM. My foot is pretty adaptable -- When I drove a SC car for a while it took my foot about 5 minutes to adjust to it so then there was zero difference in feel of the car. But the Revo did much more than that... No idea on the impact of adding it to a SC car -- one way to find out, take them up on the 5 hour (engine time) test drive.

 

I spoke to the guys at the porsche service facility this past sat. They told me to stay away from doing any mods to the ECU. They had a customer blow an engine, and in 5 minutes rejected his warranty. They found that the customer actually swapped the ECU from another vechicle, and would reconsider when they got his. When he brought it in, they were able to tell that it was modded and denied his claim. He said for the claimed additional 10hp it isn't worth it. He then assurred me that bolt on's could not void the warranty on the engine. To each his own, after spending 100k on my dream car, it changed my mind.

 

I guess it depends on the software and the dealer. My dealer encourages software upgrades, such as Revo and claims there is no warranty issue. I suppose there's a big difference between a minor value swap via an ECU flash and removing an ECU and soldering things to it, or physically changing it.