Exhaust Headers

Header and manifold fitments in this range cover popular Japanese and European performance platforms, including Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, Subaru WRX and STI, Nissan Silvia and Skyline, Honda Civic Type R and S2000, and Mazda MX-5. Fitment is strictly model and engine specific, so check the listing for your exact engine code and chassis before ordering. [VERIFY: confirm exact platform coverage against the 13 live products in this collection.]

• Equal-length headers for smoother exhaust pulses and a cleaner top end
• Tuned-length and 4-2-1 designs that favour mid-range torque
• Turbo exhaust manifolds for factory and aftermarket turbine housings
• Stainless steel extractors for naturally aspirated street builds
• Header gaskets, studs and hardware in Exhaust Accessories

A factory manifold is built to be cheap, quiet and emissions-friendly. It usually has tight bends, a cast collector and unequal runner lengths. A well-designed header replaces that with smooth mandrel bends and merge collectors, which lets each cylinder scavenge properly.

Runner design matters more than the material. Equal-length headers give an even firing pulse and typically shift power up the rev range, which suits a revvy naturally aspirated engine. 4-2-1 designs tend to help low and mid-range, which is friendlier for daily driving in traffic. On turbo cars, the manifold's job is to get hot gas to the turbine with as little heat loss and restriction as possible, so wall thickness, flange strength and bracing matter as much as bend radius.

Be honest about the gains. On a stock engine, headers alone are usually a modest power increase and a noticeable change in throttle response and note. The bigger returns come when the header is matched to the rest of the exhaust and the car is tuned.

Check the engine code, model year and market. Australian-delivered cars sometimes run different manifolds, heat shielding and oxygen sensor placement than JDM or Euro-market equivalents, and that changes which header bolts up. Confirm the number and thread of O2 sensor bungs your car needs, because a missing bung means a workaround or a check engine light.

Most installers find the job needs the car raised safely, the old manifold and heat shields removed, and fresh gaskets, studs and nuts fitted on reassembly. Seized and snapped exhaust studs are the usual delay on older cars, so penetrating fluid and a plan for stud extraction saves time. Torque the flange evenly and re-torque after a few heat cycles.

Some headers relocate or delete the factory catalyst. Catless and decat sections are for race and motorsport use only and are not legal for road use in Australia. If the car is registered and driven on the street, keep a compliant catalytic converter in the system.

Plan for tuning. Any header that changes sensor position or exhaust flow enough to alter fuelling should be followed by a tune from a qualified workshop.

• Downpipes for turbo cars running a matched front section
• Sports Cats to keep flow up while staying road compliant
• Cat-Back Exhausts to finish the system behind the catalyst
• Turbo-Back Exhausts for a complete turbo car solution
• Mid Pipes and Mufflers to dial in volume and drone
• Exhaust Accessories for gaskets, hangers, clamps and hardware
• De-Cat Pipes, for race and motorsport use only

Will a header fit my exact car?
Only if the listing names your engine code and chassis. Check O2 sensor count and placement too, since Australian-delivered models can differ from imports.

Do headers need a tune?
On most cars, yes, to get the full benefit and keep fuelling safe. Some mild extractor setups run acceptably without one, but a tune from a qualified workshop is the safer path.

Are headers legal for road use in Australia?
A header that retains the factory catalytic converter position is generally the safer option for a registered car. Catless designs are for race and motorsport use only. Check your state's requirements.

What else do I need to order?
Fresh gaskets, studs and nuts at minimum. Some builds also need extended O2 sensor extensions or a matched downpipe.

Do you ship Australia-wide?
Yes, we ship nationwide. Headers are bulky items and are packed accordingly.