Maybe this has been addressed already, but I'm wondering if an SAFC would be necessary to tune the engine for proper air/fuel ratio with the headers. Or if you have an SRT intake with the ECU would that be able to handle the increased air flow capability of the engine with headers and hi flow exhaust system?
John, do you have any thoughts about the temperature of the engine compartment without the heat shields in place? I know the Jet Hot coating really reduces the temp of the headers too, but I'm wondering if there would still be any issues?

 

Mike,

The stock ECU/MAF/injectors/fuel system should have no problem with up to 25% more air mass flow. Mo at SRT suggested (over a year ago on a phone call) that the stock system should support nearly 400hp at the crankshaft. These headers and any supporting exhaust should not have a problem with either a stock or an SRT equiped engine.

Regarding underhood heat... I don't see a problem. If you have sensitive components that are close to the exhaust they generally have some kind of insulation from the factory, either a shield or wrap. Of course you can always use header wrap to spot insulate any actual components that worry you.

 

Great info, I was pretty sure you had already looked into this...

 

I have used ceramic coatings extensively in automotive and other powersports. On headers, a reduction in heat can exceed 200 degrees from using a ceramic coating. The coated headers also produced more power. Although I've never used Jet-Hot, I'm sure the results would be similar. Heat shields aren't usually required. The ceramic lowers the temp that dramatically. Forget about wraps too. They are fine and good for racing applications where the headers can be replaced often. The excess heat from wraps can cause the headers to degrade over time. Ceramic has no such issues. And it also aids in scavenging. Less heat, more flow, more HP and a nice chrome like finish. It's well worth the additional expense.

 

RRocket, I agree.

The only ones that should order non-coated headers are those planning on modifying the headers during installation. This would only apply to 1990-1994 LS400s and 1992-1995 SC400s. There is still an unknown for 1995-1997 LS400s and 1996-1997 SC400s. ALL others should go coated.

That said, we may end up with an application specific header set for the earlier cars but for now the VAST majority of commited participants have 1998-2000 GS400s, 1998-2000 SC400s and of course 1998-2000 LS400s and these are bolt in applications.

 

Okay Jbrady, I am convinced. Change my order to coated headers. I will return your call this weekend when I'm not jam-packed with stuff to do, but when do you think I should be looking at paying for/receiving these headers?

And just to clarify, how much would I be looking at for the install. Am I going to have to take my entire engine out like rumor had it on my 91 I would?

Thanks,

-Jason Elcan

 

Jason,

My best guess on 1995-2000 year cars will be the engine will need to be supported and the engine mounts removed. I do not expect to remove the engine. The hardest part is removing the stock heat shields. That is why the trouble. On earlier and later cars this should not be problem. Install time I am GUESStimating at 6+ hours. Should be doable by a competent mechanic on jackstands. Obviously the better equiped the shop the easier the install.

 

I'm excited.

I want to make my installation an EVENT. Buddies, Video, Snapshots, the whole works!

Oh, and a Dragstrip test too! We'll have to see what they want to charge me for the dyno runs. They don't always tell the full story anyway.... MPH at the dragstrip does!

I look forward to finding out how to best get that header in there! From the top, from the bottem, what part may need unbolted to get it in there.......I don't care. I'll look for the options!


I kinda wanted my heat shields though......good weather protection. I may want to see how I might be able to keep some of that around....

 

What are these headers going to be called? They need a formal name of some kind.
My vote is for "JB Headers"

 

i like

"BRADY Headers"

 

B. J headers.

 

I dont care what they are called. As long as they are made soon!

 

i too was in on this from way back in the beginning... man, now im getting excited too! i pm'd u w/ my updated info

 

any progress on the headers yet? any changes? Problems? good news? Who is like me and want to hear something?

 

I just sent an email update to all commited people. Anyone that didnt recieve it either is not on the list or there is a problem with their email.

The fabricator has now built the drivers side prototype. I should have more information next week and hopefully pictures.

This is getting very close!