When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
American Racing Headers Lexus RC-F 5.0-Liter V8 Exhaust Systems
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US
Our race proven horsepower won ARH the attention of the "Big Three" American auto manufacturers. We are the proud Tier-one supplier of race headers for the Ford Cobra Jet Mustang, GM's COPO Camaro, the Chrysler Drag Pak Challenger and the Dodge ACR-X Viper. We are honored to be associated with these programs and to make a small contribution to the legacy of these iconic racecars.
First and Foremost, American Racing Headers is very proud to offer completely USA made header and exhaust components. Not only are our headers and exhaust systems made in the USA, but we use only USA made materials throughout the process and manufacture the systems from aircraft quality T304 stainless steel.
This process lays the foundation for American Racing Headers success in both performance, quality and fit. Designing a header that not only produces horsepower, but also a unique sound, led us to the record breaking, championship receiving and award-winning vehicles of our ARH equipped customers. Don €™t settle; go for 100% USA made American Racing Headers!
IMPORT / EUROPEAN INVOLVEMENT
We cater to the Import and European performance vehicle owners as well. We took our die hard racing attitude paired with our vast experience building the worlds best header systems for factory race cars, and from the ground up we developed the following systems for our Import customers.
-BMW E90/E92 V8 header and exhaust systems as well as the E46 M3 S54 - First of its kind on this platform- 6-1 rotational firing long tube header system which you HAVE to see! https://americanracingheaders.com/bl...-iconic-e46-m3
-Nissan / Infiniti systems developed for the Nissan Patrol and Infiniti QX56 for our USA and Middle East customers
-Toyota Land Cruiser / Lexus LX570 systems, Toyota Tundra, as well as the RC-F and currently developing GS-F systems.
-Mercedes CLK63, E55 AMG,and E63 systems
Understanding the Difference of an ARH Exhaust System
ARH headers are designed in-house on the specific vehicle for a custom fit at a production price.
ARH manufactures some of its headers with the option of choosing the primary tube size, and in some cases stepped design. This allows the system to be tailored to maximize the horsepower and torque for the specific application, whether it be supercharged or naturally aspirated.
ARH offers headers in a catted version for the street and non-catted for the track. The systems can be converted due to our modular design.
American Racing Headers prides itself in its customer service, so if you have a question regarding which headers are best, please give us a call.
ARH headers are mandrel bent. Mandrel bending is a process that does not crush the pipe, unlike traditional muffler shop pipe benders. For example, with a mandrel bender; if you start at 1-7/8 diameter pipe you end up with a 1-7/8 € diameter pipe. This attributed to the mandrel that goes inside the pipe while it is being bent, holding its shape, hence the name.
All ARH headers, except for the Mid-Length systems, require tuning to maximize the headers potential and to minimize check engines light occurrences.
THE FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RC-F DEVELOPMENT
After numerous phone calls and requests for American Racing Headers to develop a header for the Lexus RC-F, we really started investigating what made RC-F enthusiasts really fall in love with this car. If you told the team at ARH that you shoved a 5.0-liter V8 into a coupe, we would instantly be hooked, and that’s exactly what Lexus did with this car. This one just happens to boast 467 hp, and it’s mated to an 8-speed paddle shifted automatic transmission. The car also features some rather large brakes to slow it back down, and 19” wheels with plenty of grip to push the car to its limits. The RC-F takes a new place in the Lexus line up after the launch of the IS-F sports sedan years prior. This smaller and more aggressively styled car with its sharp lines appeals to a large group across the globe —while the GS-F is a step up from the performance and size of the previous IS-F. We were getting quite a few requests from the Middle East on this system as well, which is why we partnered with Kanoo Performance in order to help with prototyping, and to provide personalized service and sales for those customers.
ARH RC-F HEADER
ARH put the wheels in motion to start prototyping on a 2015 Lexus RC-F In April of this year. Upon starting this project, we were very curious as to what we would find once the factory system was removed and we had a chance to really look at its design. As you may have seen in our video blog, the exhaust was comical to say the least. The design of the factory manifolds caused great restriction in airflow exiting the engine. Some of the cylinder primary tubes actually merged into other tubes at a 90 degree angle. If you didn't know, air does NOT like to change directions at the velocity and RPM this engine would see. The design causes some cylinders to push double the air through the same sized pipe in the same bank. Right off the bat, we expected big gains from a proper header for this engine.
As with all of our systems, everything is 100% made in the USA and never outsourced. The RC-F system is fabricated from 1-7/8” primaries using 304 stainless steel and built to last the life of the vehicle. The flange itself is 3/8” thick, and laser cut for accuracy and a warp-free seal. After we TIG weld the flange to the primaries, which we arrange in a specific order and layout in order to maximize superior fit and performance. We go back in and hand-port the inlets to ensure a smooth transition of the air exiting the cylinder head as it routes down to the merge collector complete with scavenger spike. Don’t think you have to go with the off-road cat-less option in order to see gains from a system like this; even the catted version still provides substantial flow because of the high quality 200 cell metallic substrate catalytic converter, which is built for extreme durability. The ARH RC-F Header system will connect to any aftermarket axle-back, or the ARH Axle-Back exhaust.
ARH RC-F AXLE-BACK
We could not stop at the header once we saw the rest of the anemic exhaust system underneath the middle of the RC-F. If we were going to do this RC-F the right way, it was all or nothing for ARH. The piping leading to the rear muffler section was so unbelievably small, we wondered how that 5-liter V8 could expel the air that it pushed out. This would be like trying to swim laps in an Olympic pool while breathing through a drinking straw. But the end of that straw is bent at 90 degrees (can’t forget that manifold restriction). The ARH system was built to make power right from the start. That’s why we chose to use our Pure Thunder series mufflers, with 3” piping throughout — Incorporating the RC-F’s signature staggered exhaust tip styling. The header merge collectors exit with 3” pipe, which routes through an X-pipe, and toward the back of the car. The system steps to 2.5” on each side, and through a pair of resonators, connecting to the factory system there or our optional ARH Axle-Back RCF exhaust. The header section can be ordered without the resonators as well if you’re looking for a bit more sound. The Axle-back RC-F exhaust can be installed without the need to purchase the header, so you can upgrade the system if you would like to expand at a later date.
ON TO THE GOOD STUFF
Power. Everyone wants to know how much power the car makes before and after right? Well this car put down 380 HP and 330 ft-lbs of torque at the wheels when it rolled on to the dyno. After we fitted our long system, the car picked up 24 HP and 16 ft-lbs of torque, which brought its final power output to 404 HP and 347 ft-lbs of torque. This is on a bone stock car! With a bit of tuning and a free flowing BMC air filter, Kanoo performance was able to extract quite a bit more power even using an aftermarket axle-back exhaust. The RC-F picked up 59 wheel horsepower which shows the ARH system’s potential. After Nick’s initial test drive, he came back with a big smile on his face. The rest of the team was in awe after hearing the RC-F blast by in full song. We know the RC-F owners will love this system as much as we do.
QUICK RECAP
If you’re looking to wake up your RC-F and really feel it breathe, there is nothing on the market that compares to the ARH long system. We have seen a broad range of factory header designs in our years of experience, and knew that when we laid eyes on the RC-F factory system there was a ton of room left on the table.
-100% Made in the USA - Never Outsourced
-Made entirely of 304 stainless steel
-3/8” thick laser-cut flanges for a warp-free seal
-Hand-ported TIG welded inlets
-Optimized primary tube routing for superior fit and performance
-Merge collectors complete with welded scavenger spikes
-Catted systems feature 200 cell metallic substrate catalytic converters for extreme durability
-Includes hardware for installation.
ARH Lexus RC-F LONG SYSTEM:
The long system provides a deep, throaty tone without high pitch rasp. Available with 1-7/8" primaries and if you are looking for a louder sound, consider our "resonator delete" option. If you would like to see our long system pricing and options, follow this link here:
ARH Lexus RC-F FULL SYSTEM:
ARH also offers a full system for the Lexus RC F. There is simply nothing currently offered as a package that provides the incredible HP, torque and sound as an ARH full system for your Lexus RC F. The long system provides a deep, throaty tone without high pitch rasp. Available with 1-7/8" primaries and if you are looking for a louder sound, consider our "resonator delete" option. Want to see more? Check out the full system here.
WE HAVE CATBACKS!
If headers are not in your plans for your Lexus but the need for an ARH exhaust system is. ARH now has a catback system for your Lexus RC F that provides a deep, throaty tone without high pitch rasp. Available with or without resonators. If you are looking for a louder sound, consider our "resonator delete" option. Check out these systems here.
KANOO PERFORMANCE
Kanoo Performance in Bahrain had an Integral part in the development of the RC-F system. They were the catalyst that sparked the prototyping of the system, and helped us achieve our vision by working with us to perfect the system. We want to say thank you and to let you know that If you’re in The Middle East, Kanoo Performance is your go-to dealer that stocks ARH products as well as provides performance services.
For more information about Kanoo Performance and EKanoo racing division,
Thank you for taking the time to check out our new product offerings. Please feel free to call or email us with any questions you may have. We have a large network of dealers available for you to look up on our Dealer Locator. We can ship to you if you would like to purchase the system from our website as well!
Here's a bit of information about our ARH specific features.
Really like the overview and potential this setup appears to offer. Also like the option of being able to have a set of high flow cats in the system. Couple of questions everyone may benefit from.
In your description it states: "All ARH headers, except for the Mid-Length systems, require tuning to maximize the headers potential and to minimize check engines light occurrences." Have you or will you be partnering with someone in the States that will be able to provide a tune/ECU flash for our cars that will optimize performance and eliminate the CEL caused by removing the primary cats?
It appears that the o2 bungs are further down the line in the system. Will the stock wiring reach the new locations or will it have to be modified? Does having the first o2 sensor further down the line impact that reading/what the ECU sees?
Understanding the Difference of an ARH Exhaust System
ARH headers are designed in-house on the specific vehicle for a custom fit at a production price.
ARH manufactures some of its headers with the option of choosing the primary tube size, and in some cases stepped design. This allows the system to be tailored to maximize the horsepower and torque for the specific application, whether it be supercharged or naturally aspirated.
ARH offers headers in a catted version for the street and non-catted for the track. The systems can be converted due to our modular design.
American Racing Headers prides itself in its customer service, so if you have a question regarding which headers are best, please give us a call.
ARH headers are mandrel bent. Mandrel bending is a process that does not crush the pipe, unlike traditional muffler shop pipe benders. For example, with a mandrel bender; if you start at 1-7/8 diameter pipe you end up with a 1-7/8 € diameter pipe. This attributed to the mandrel that goes inside the pipe while it is being bent, holding its shape, hence the name.
All ARH headers, except for the Mid-Length systems, require tuning to maximize the headers potential and to minimize check engines light occurrences.
Really like the overview and potential this setup appears to offer. Also like the option of being able to have a set of high flow cats in the system. Couple of questions everyone may benefit from.
In your description it states: "All ARH headers, except for the Mid-Length systems, require tuning to maximize the headers potential and to minimize check engines light occurrences." Have you or will you be partnering with someone in the States that will be able to provide a tune/ECU flash for our cars that will optimize performance and eliminate the CEL caused by removing the primary cats?
It appears that the o2 bungs are further down the line in the system. Will the stock wiring reach the new locations or will it have to be modified? Does having the first o2 sensor further down the line impact that reading/what the ECU sees?
Understanding the Difference of an ARH Exhaust System
ARH headers are designed in-house on the specific vehicle for a custom fit at a production price.
ARH manufactures some of its headers with the option of choosing the primary tube size, and in some cases stepped design. This allows the system to be tailored to maximize the horsepower and torque for the specific application, whether it be supercharged or naturally aspirated.
ARH offers headers in a catted version for the street and non-catted for the track. The systems can be converted due to our modular design.
American Racing Headers prides itself in its customer service, so if you have a question regarding which headers are best, please give us a call.
ARH headers are mandrel bent. Mandrel bending is a process that does not crush the pipe, unlike traditional muffler shop pipe benders. For example, with a mandrel bender; if you start at 1-7/8 diameter pipe you end up with a 1-7/8 € diameter pipe. This attributed to the mandrel that goes inside the pipe while it is being bent, holding its shape, hence the name.
All ARH headers, except for the Mid-Length systems, require tuning to maximize the headers potential and to minimize check engines light occurrences.
Weswork, great questions and I appreciate you asking them. We developed a Mid Length system for the C7 designed to eliminate the possibility of tuning while still producing 18-20 additional RWHP. It was a tremendous effort that paid off by giving those that prefer not to tune their C7 a great option. Keep in mind that this Mid Length system replaces the stock cats with our very own Green cats. Most C7 owners prefer long tubes by far, which we also offer and represent being one of our top sellers. ARH is the number one manufacturer for Corvette header systems from C5 to C7. If your Corvette is winning races and setting records, chances are it's ARH equipped.
Yes the O2 bung locations are further downstream but we supply plug and play O2 extensions for the primary O2's. The secondary O2's reach without extensions by rerouting the harness. A very easy process.
As as far as tuning, I would say that RR is more than capable and would do a great job, but we're also speaking with Frank Smith from TTFS in Maryland. Frank has been tuning these cars as well and is highly respected as a tuner in the import world. I'm sure there are others. We would like to forge a relationship with any tuner that will see our systems regularly either in house or remotely.
We solidly believe that in time many in this community will realize that ARH takes a different approach to header design because our ultimate goal is to win the HP war. We leave no stone unturned in our search for unmatched performance. Thanks for inquiring Weswork. Please feel free to ask if you have any additional questions.
Guys, to follow up on the question of tuning for the new ARH long tube system, another rock solid option is Fred Smith from TTFS in Maryland. You can reach Shawn there at 443-482-5197. They have the capability of tuning the RC-F and GS-F backed by many years of tuning experience. Thanks.
Nick, thanks for the responses to my questions. I think it helps me as well as others on this forum. A couple of challenges we have on our cars (vs. ISF). A tune on our car requires the ECU to be removed from the vehicle and sent to the tuner, whether it be RR Racing or Frank Smith. Also, I don't think TTFS has sorted out a tune for the RCF yet. If these headers work best with a tune optimized for them, I would think they would need a car to run baselines on and then see how changing different parameters effects the performance to dial it in or at least be able to see what the readings are after the headers have been installed. This may not be an option for some of us who are not located within a reasonable proximity to these two tuners are can ship our car to them.
Any feedback on our the original test car is running?
Nick, thanks for the responses to my questions. I think it helps me as well as others on this forum. A couple of challenges we have on our cars (vs. ISF). A tune on our car requires the ECU to be removed from the vehicle and sent to the tuner, whether it be RR Racing or Frank Smith. Also, I don't think TTFS has sorted out a tune for the RCF yet. If these headers work best with a tune optimized for them, I would think they would need a car to run baselines on and then see how changing different parameters effects the performance to dial it in or at least be able to see what the readings are after the headers have been installed. This may not be an option for some of us who are not located within a reasonable proximity to these two tuners are can ship our car to them.
Any feedback on our the original test car is running?
Hi Weswork,
We are discussing the tuning with TTFS. Frank has said the tuning on that car has been sorted out, and we are now discussing the procedure and will let you know. The test car we used was 100% factory as far as the tune was concerned. As with any modern day performance car using upgraded manifolds, a tune is required to avoid the computer throwing a code for the new airflow parameters, as well as to correct the timing and fueling for the increased airflow.
We wanted to address a couple of concerns about the system that were asked of us by a customer interested in purchasing.
Does the installation require the relocation of the dipstick or a new dipstick tube like the PPE and Sikky headers do? If so, does the system come with a new tube like the Sikky set does? The installation of the ARH headers does NOT require any modification, relocation, or replacement of the factory dipstick tube aside from removing it during the installation and reinstalling it just as it was from the factory. We designed our header to retain as much of the car's integrity as possible, as this is the only way to ensure reliability.
You had mentioned in posts that the check engine light can be fixed with a tune. Is Kanoo making their tune available in the US? Just curious, I know RR Racing can do it, just looking for other potential vendors. That is correct. We installed a full system on one RC-F locally and it took a few days of driving for the computer to figure out that something was changed, which it then threw a CEL for. Going through Kanoo racing would be a bit more difficult due to the extreme distance. We would recommend either RR Racing or TTFS for the tuning on these cars. If you are interested in purchasing the system we can definitely link you up with one of these tuners who can take care of your exact needs.
Is this something that an exhaust shop can easily install? Any recommendations? I saw a how to that Sikky put together on an IS-F, it looked pretty complicated, even for guys very familiar with the Lexus cars. Any competent technician should be able to install the system as long as they are aware of the delicate components and take their time doing the install. It would be best to take it to a shop that routinely installs headers (Similar to Mustang, Corvette, Camaro, etc.) rather than a tuner shop that works on only Japanese imports (V8 cars are a bit different in that sense and resemble the Ford and GM power plant in that sense) We have a dealer locater on our website that can assist with finding a shop closest to you that specializes in installing ARH systems. It can be found here:
Nick,
currently I have PPE headers, meisterschaft x pipe and axle back. I'm happy with performance except the sound output since I don't have cats nor resonators. I get black flagged on tracks all the time for excessive noise even with the valves closed.
It's been a kill joy since I have to short shift to stay under the 98db threshold.
I'm hoping to find a different resonated x pipe only to replace the miesterschaft. One that will bolt up to my ppe and the axle back to reduce the sound output.
First, do you think that will bring noise level down a lot? Or is the high sound volume due to no cats?
I see in your pictures that your cat back system has flanges that bolt up to oem manifold. Does the other flanges farther down bolt up to the oem mufflers? Basically will your x pipe bolt up to all oem stuff without cutting/welding?
My exhaust is Ti so cut/weld is not even an option.
If not avail, is that something you can make for me?
Lastly, if I get your x pipe, all 3 pieces of my exhaust will be different brands. I'm guessing all the pipe diameter will be slightly different. In your experience, will that be an issue?
Nick,
currently I have PPE headers, meisterschaft x pipe and axle back. I'm happy with performance except the sound output since I don't have cats nor resonators. I get black flagged on tracks all the time for excessive noise even with the valves closed.
It's been a kill joy since I have to short shift to stay under the 98db threshold.
I'm hoping to find a different resonated x pipe only to replace the miesterschaft. One that will bolt up to my ppe and the axle back to reduce the sound output.
First, do you think that will bring noise level down a lot? Or is the high sound volume due to no cats?
I see in your pictures that your cat back system has flanges that bolt up to oem manifold. Does the other flanges farther down bolt up to the oem mufflers? Basically will your x pipe bolt up to all oem stuff without cutting/welding?
My exhaust is Ti so cut/weld is not even an option.
If not avail, is that something you can make for me?
Lastly, if I get your x pipe, all 3 pieces of my exhaust will be different brands. I'm guessing all the pipe diameter will be slightly different. In your experience, will that be an issue?
Thanks for your time.
Ming
Ming,
This is John, I'm one of three on the marketing team at ARH - We've grown quite a bit since last year and have had the need for the extra help managing the dozen or so forums that we contribute on. I'm glad to help answer your questions after discussing these key points with Nick today. The resonated mid pipe WILL help bring the noise levels down on your car, and we can sell you our "cat-back" system without the rear section so that you can use your aftermarket mufflers there. They are designed to mate with the factory mufflers at the flanged connection point, no welding required. This would be a direct bolt in piece for you, and we could do this one for $999 + shipping. The pipe diameter even in our system from the X-pipe to the rear mufflers drops from 3" to 2.5" in order to keep velocity and heat in the pipes for maximum performance, so this will not be an issue or restriction under 800-900 HP.
Please give us a call or email Sal@AmericanRacingHeaders.com and let him know you need the mid pipe from the RC-F system. We will get you taken care of, Thanks again
06-30-17, 07:48 PM
American Racing Headers Lexus RC-F 5.0-Liter V8 Exhaust Systems
