Ok, I know they don't do much without changing the cats, but I have to go slowly with the mods. Which headers are best, X-51 are cheapest and look it. I was more interested in an equal length style.

Tubi, look like they are beautifully built and finished but the price is huge.
Cargraphic also nice but expensive.
Fabspeed and AWE look well built and finished and are comparably priced.
FVD has regular and equal length models.
this is for a 997.1 with PSE that I would like to keep. Down the road I will change to sport cats and possibly a cross or x pipe.

 

I cannot speak for all the companies you have listed....BUT.....
AWE...IS a very well known Co. here on the forums and their customer service IS second to none!


Stacy

 

I just put them on my 2007 carrera s and the x51 + tubi + bmc filter sound very nice. They are an oem part vs after mkt and once they are on the car u cant see them anyway so why pay 2 or 3x for the same thing...

 

I agree with Stacy, AWE is a very good company to deal with.

 

I have the AWE cats and cans.....they r awesome

 

I'd not spend money on headers.
There's very little bang/ buck in that mod on a NA 997. Why are you looking to start with headers? If you want to go conservatively on mods, my suggestion would be to go with AWE cats and an EVOMS cold air intake.
CATTMAN

 

That's what I was planning on doing. I looked at getting the X51 headers also but ended up with Cargraphic headers instead because I got a set of used Cargraphic cats from a fellow 6speeder. RSS was the best people to deal with during the whole process and I would have no problem recommending them or the Cargraphic product.

The thing about the equal length headers is it fits wider under the car then the stock header and possibly the X51 headers. From this I mean that the mufflers can be removed from under the car with the stock headers but with the Cargraphic headers the pipes snake under the mufflers. I think that is an inherent design of the equal length headers, it is no big deal because all it means is you have to remove the rear bumper to remove the mufflers.

The Cargraphic header and cats sounds good with the PSE, fitment of the headers and stock mufflers is tight but the PSE mufflers weighs like almost 21 LBS and the Cargraphic mufflers are about 15 LBS each. But if you want it to sound great then get Cargraphic mufflers also.

 

I installed the X51 headers to compliment the PSE. Deeper tone to the exhaust and feels stronger in the mid range. Priced right, OEM and an easy install without removing mufflers or bumper. If you're DIY, do be careful when removing current headers from the cats. The early build 997S' cats had studs thru the flange. When loosening the rusted nut you can easily snap the stud. Not good.

 

Have you considered the Tubi Headers?

 

Didn't u sell u pcar?

 

I've got to agree with Cattman. Bang for the buck an intake and cats will definitely produce more results on the butt/smoothness dyno (not to be confused with butt smoothness). Regarding headers though, I have AWE headers, cats, and muffler and the quality of the products is outstanding. Their service, as others have stated, is some of the best I've ever received period...let alone in the car world. Mike is an enjoyable person to talk shop with and a real straight shooter. Highly recommended company.


-Alex

 

I went with X51 headers and am very happy. The are better than stock, OEM, and priced right.

 

Thanks for all the input, I am waiting untill I can find an x51 intake used,or some other completely sealed intake. I have had problems in the past with MAF sensors that have been affected by oil from K & N type filters. After the headers and cats, I will go for the computer reprogram/chip. For me the headers are the hardest project, one that I will do during the winter when I am not driving the car. I would not even change headers if I were going to use the x51's since I dont think their design would help much.

 

Nope.

 

The headers are actually a very easy self install. I did mine in the garage in about 20 minutes. I saturated the bolts with PB Blaster overnight and they came right off. Then it was a simple swap of parts, new gaskets and then rebolt them in. The Cats are way, way more difficult (at least I thought so), and mufflers are not bad at all.

Also, I wouldnt' count out the X51 headers. They are much better than stock as far as airflow having smoother lines and larger diameter. The more expensive ones may look better but there is only so much more you can get in flow once you correct the factory stock headers' bottleneck design.