headers
 

I've been looking up prices of headers on various sites, and it seems that generic headers can be found for around 130 dollars, while brand names such as stillen run much higher. In the case of headers, would a brand such as stillen provide my engine with a significantly greater amount of power than a generic brand or be more reliable? Is there anyone that might know of a cheaper selection of headers? Also, does anyone have a ballpark estimate as to how expensive it might be to have them installed in my car? I'm a full time student who has little time to do an operation like this by myself.

Before ZLover beats me to it.... being CHEAP and owning Z32's don't go well together.

Buy the real thing, or sell the Z. :D Zlover can take it from here...

^ +1 on each account. And it's not just about performance, here. Cheaply made exhaust components will cause all sorts of fitment issues, because you have to get 3 or 4 sections to line up properly or they end up crooked or misaligned. If the header's flange is twisted or improperly angled even by just a little, it will throw off the angle of the mufflers and make your car look like an ebay special.

But with that said, do your research about gains from headers. If memory serves, they're not worth it. There's a writeup in General Tech about modding an NA, and do some reading on TwinTurbo.NET (it's not just for Twin Turbos).

I wouldn't bother with any mods on an n/a except maintenance. ontop of that you would have to pay someone about $6-700 for the install alone and for no real benefit.

I disagree with "no real benefit."

I installed headers on my NA a few years after I did the cat back and their is definitely an improvement in top end power. Im not saying its knocking a second off your track time, but there is some improvement.

As for pricing to install, 600 probably seems about right. You should probably get your clutch done and maybe throw in a flywheel since the trans will most likely be taking out by any mechanic who does the work.

I went with a set of JVT headers, I think theyre like 300 or so, I got them from a guy I know at a shop, brand new for 180. I think. Dont remember.

I dont know if Id say theyre worth it, but it certainly wouldnt be the only exhaust mod I would make.