S&S Headers Update - No cracking on current design
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Texas
S&S Headers Update - No cracking on current design
I just spoke with S&S Headers owner/designer Mr. Loren Barnes.
There has been NO reported failures/cracking of the current Lexus V8 headers.
The first run of headers, aproximately 30 sets, tended to have tubing cracks develop after several thousand miles of use. This resulted in S&S changing both the steel tubing thickness and welding pattern.
Original tubing thickness was 16 gauge = 0.065 inch tubing wall thickness
Upgrade/current design is 14 gauge = 0.083 inch tubing wall thickness
This is an increase in tubing thickness of 28%
There has been NO reported failures/cracking of the current Lexus V8 headers.
The first run of headers, aproximately 30 sets, tended to have tubing cracks develop after several thousand miles of use. This resulted in S&S changing both the steel tubing thickness and welding pattern.
Original tubing thickness was 16 gauge = 0.065 inch tubing wall thickness
Upgrade/current design is 14 gauge = 0.083 inch tubing wall thickness
This is an increase in tubing thickness of 28%
Is Mr. Barnes going to have a limited run of 14 gauge on headers for both the GS300, 430, and 400 or only one of the listed?
If he decides to build one for the GS300 feel free to have him contact me. The only header on the market now is OBX, another choice would be welcomed.
If he decides to build one for the GS300 feel free to have him contact me. The only header on the market now is OBX, another choice would be welcomed.
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 32
From: Texas
Is Mr. Barnes going to have a limited run of 14 gauge on headers for both the GS300, 430, and 400 or only one of the listed?
If he decides to build one for the GS300 feel free to have him contact me. The only header on the market now is OBX, another choice would be welcomed.
If he decides to build one for the GS300 feel free to have him contact me. The only header on the market now is OBX, another choice would be welcomed.
For the 2JZ-GE I like the Mazzuri Super. Although built for the IS300 it should be workable for the GS300. The primary size is better suited for the powerband than I believe the OBX is and the use of merge collectors that much better.
http://www.mazzurisuper.com/shop/htm...eaders/45.html
jb....thanks for the update.
I have been out of the loop for awhile and logged in tonight just to get an update on the 2nd batch of S&S headers.
I'm currently on my 3rd re-weld with the original batch and have experienced another crack.
I wonder if S&S will give me some sort of discount on another set.
Anyone have Loren's direct email address?
I have been out of the loop for awhile and logged in tonight just to get an update on the 2nd batch of S&S headers.
I'm currently on my 3rd re-weld with the original batch and have experienced another crack.
I wonder if S&S will give me some sort of discount on another set.
Anyone have Loren's direct email address?
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 32
From: Texas
jb....thanks for the update.
I have been out of the loop for awhile and logged in tonight just to get an update on the 2nd batch of S&S headers.
I'm currently on my 3rd re-weld with the original batch and have experienced another crack.
I wonder if S&S will give me some sort of discount on another set.
Anyone have Loren's direct email address?
I have been out of the loop for awhile and logged in tonight just to get an update on the 2nd batch of S&S headers.
I'm currently on my 3rd re-weld with the original batch and have experienced another crack.
I wonder if S&S will give me some sort of discount on another set.
Anyone have Loren's direct email address?
Loren and S&S have made every effort to resolve all customer problems.
Let the forum know what happens.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,947
Likes: 4
From: Florida
I hope to hear they have held up after a year or so. maybe down the road I'll get them once I know the bugs are worked out.
do they bolt right up where the stock manifolds do now? no other exhaust changes necessary? I'm guessing the car will still be quiet with otherwise stock exhaust?
do they bolt right up where the stock manifolds do now? no other exhaust changes necessary? I'm guessing the car will still be quiet with otherwise stock exhaust?
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Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 32
From: Texas
I hope to hear they have held up after a year or so. maybe down the road I'll get them once I know the bugs are worked out.
do they bolt right up where the stock manifolds do now? no other exhaust changes necessary? I'm guessing the car will still be quiet with otherwise stock exhaust?
do they bolt right up where the stock manifolds do now? no other exhaust changes necessary? I'm guessing the car will still be quiet with otherwise stock exhaust?
Yes, they bolt right in. I actually recommend keeping the stock exhaust. Car sound is not noticeable. Maybe very slightly more noise at full acceleration since you are making more power.
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From: Florida
If that makes you comfortable. I would prefer to enjoy the car more for a year. The toughest part of the install is removing the stock manifolds due to the heat shields. The easiest vehicle is the GS430. Once the headers are in if they need to be removed it is MUCH easier since there are no heat sheilds.
Yes, they bolt right in. I actually recommend keeping the stock exhaust. Car sound is not noticeable. Maybe very slightly more noise at full acceleration since you are making more power.
Yes, they bolt right in. I actually recommend keeping the stock exhaust. Car sound is not noticeable. Maybe very slightly more noise at full acceleration since you are making more power.
also, with stock exhaust will I lose any low end power with the headers?
thanks jbrady, I know most of this has been discussed before, but I'm just now starting to look at this seriously since they seem to have the cracking issues worked out.
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 32
From: Texas
I just wouldn't want to deal with an exhaust leak, at all. that would be a pain for me and my wallet. I am pretty good at diy, but I doubt I'd tackle this. don't you have to loosen motor mounts and raise engine a little to remove the stock manifolds?
also, with stock exhaust will I lose any low end power with the headers?
thanks jbrady, I know most of this has been discussed before, but I'm just now starting to look at this seriously since they seem to have the cracking issues worked out.
also, with stock exhaust will I lose any low end power with the headers?
thanks jbrady, I know most of this has been discussed before, but I'm just now starting to look at this seriously since they seem to have the cracking issues worked out.
Read his entire very informative post here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...headers&page=3
Specific install post
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...9&postcount=37
Here are a couple of quotes that may help with your questions.
OK, everything is in and complete. I took my time, yet still managed to complete around 4.5 hours or so with lunch and breaks in between. Figure 5 hrs for your average Lexus mechanic if you take it in. Keep in mind that Lexus books the manifold install to include removing the engine which is completely not necessary. I also have many years experience with working on cars and have more tools than your Lexus dealer tech minus the lifts and Lexus scanner so the average Joe is going to take much longer. Perhaps as long as 6-7 hours even with the right tools.
Performance: There is without question a performance increase throughout the entire range and not just up top. The car no longer feels held back and instead launches forward and duplicates the feat in 2nd and still pulls hard into and through 3rd. I would rather not guestimate as to how much HP/TQ is gained and I am too tired to get the G-Tech out and install it but this car is much quicker and acceleration is very smooth or jolting depending on what your asking for.
Put another way ,I am feeling quicker acceleration with the headers than with the SRT intake install. Could be that the exhaust, intake, and headers are working in concert to obtain these results.
Part throttle acceleration is much better and the power/tq increase can be felt from just off idle straight to redline regardless of where the throttle is. This is more than I expected.
Put another way ,I am feeling quicker acceleration with the headers than with the SRT intake install. Could be that the exhaust, intake, and headers are working in concert to obtain these results.
Part throttle acceleration is much better and the power/tq increase can be felt from just off idle straight to redline regardless of where the throttle is. This is more than I expected.
I didn't have to raise my engine on my 400, but I did have to modify a wrench to get to the middle bolt on the driver's side manifold. I think it took about 4 or 5hrs, but half of that time was removing that one bolt and ripping the heat shields out, oh yeah and letting the car cool down 
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,124
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From: Texas
The 430 heat shields will not fit the S&S headers. The GS400 shields fit but their is no provision for attaching them. The headers are designed to be used without the shields. It would be possible to weld brackets on the headers to accept the bolts from the 400s shields but I am unaware of anyone doing so yet.
The 430 heat shields will not fit the S&S headers. The GS400 shields fit but their is no provision for attaching them. The headers are designed to be used without the shields. It would be possible to weld brackets on the headers to accept the bolts from the 400s shields but I am unaware of anyone doing so yet.
I'm sure it's a no or I don't know answer but... Can I purchase the heat shield of a gs400 and use it on the GS430 (after SS)?
Last edited by sam430; Mar 8, 2009 at 06:29 PM.