are you sure 
Headers + Stock Exhaust = ??
Headers + Stock Exhaust = ??
Hey guys, I was thinking about getting the S&S Headers soon and was wondering if I could install that with the stock exhaust? Are there any downsides to it, any problems I might run into? I'm obviously planning on putting on an exhaust a little later down the road but I wanted to see if i could do it one piece at a time since money doesn't fall off the trees 
... Is it better to do headers, then exhaust ... Or exhaust, then headers? Both at same time? O yea and I would be changing the Y-pipe to an x-pipe ... Start throwing suggestions at me 
-Thanks
... Is it better to do headers, then exhaust ... Or exhaust, then headers? Both at same time? O yea and I would be changing the Y-pipe to an x-pipe ... Start throwing suggestions at me -Thanks
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 32
From: Texas
Actually, the stock exhaust works surprisingly well. I have a hard time recommending replacing it at all.
Do the headers FIRST. You really do not need to replace the rest of the exhaust unless you want it louder. The S&S are a direct bolt in design and other than extending the O2 sensor wires on some models should not require any other changes.
BTW, the 430 manifolds are more restrictive than the stock GS400 manifolds and of course the engine is bigger. Even more reason to replace them.
Do the headers FIRST. You really do not need to replace the rest of the exhaust unless you want it louder. The S&S are a direct bolt in design and other than extending the O2 sensor wires on some models should not require any other changes.
BTW, the 430 manifolds are more restrictive than the stock GS400 manifolds and of course the engine is bigger. Even more reason to replace them.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 4
From: NorCal
I won't hurt if you do headers first. It is more labor intensive to do than the rest of the exhaust. And like jbrady said, it works suprisingly well with the stock exhaust.
Btw, here is a pic of my set up. S&S headers, custom X pipe and Carson Tuned mufflers. Enjoy!
Btw, here is a pic of my set up. S&S headers, custom X pipe and Carson Tuned mufflers. Enjoy!
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Any shop can basically do it. Putting in aftermarket header is just like putting in an OEM exhaust manifold. However, i believe JPI said some pipe needs to be extended because the header is a bit short.
But some shops charge more than others
