The headers add real usable power than you can actually feel to the GS400 and even more to the 430s since they have even worse factory manifolds than the 400s.

Even MORE important is the improvement in engine response and the mid range power and torque. While an improvement in peak power is great it is the mid range power than makes a street car that much more fun to drive. The power and response if everywhere in the RPM range.

For people that are really concerned about inspections: yes, they are direct bolt on parts and are designed specifically for the catalysts to be used just as stock. These were designed to fit INSIDE the stock factory heat shields. Although there are no provisions to install the shields on the S&S headers that would be a possibility for someone with a little ingenuity. I could see welding a couple of tabs to the headers that the heat shields could bolt to. If this were done it would look just like stock and never be given a second glance at inspection.

This would only work with the 400s as the shields for the 430s would not fit.
I guess you could buy some 400s shields and fit them over the headers on a 430 if you were really concerned.

Here is a picture of the prototype headers fitting inside the heat shields:

 

another view, remember these were NOT production headers but the very first mock up parts as the headers were under design

 

One more prototype while I am at it. Keep in mind this was S&S owner and fabricator Mr. Loren Barnes creating these WITHOUT a car!!!

I sent him the factory manifolds and heat shields and he designed them from there. He sent them to me mid way for review and that is when I took these pics. I suggested a couple of minor changes for steering clearance and requested 1.5" primaries vs. the 1.625" shown in the prototypes. This is key to getting the over all mid range response everyone reports.

Cheers!

 

Here is a pic of the S&S with cats installed

 

Here is a pic comparing to the stock 430 manifold. Notice the stock is a single restrictive tube.

 

The OEM GS430 manifold looks like it really suck the power out of the V8!

Inspection was what really killed it for me. I guess I will try to find a way to utilize the OEM shield.

Can any of you guys report fuel economy changes? I commute a good amount so I gotta keep my mpg up, but I also like the rush of power

 

Well, I really did not anticipate your response BUT...

I would guess (and can call and probably arrange) for S&S to custom add mounting tabs for the stock GS400 heat shields. Now, this would cost extra and require GS400 heat shields to be provided. I am not certain but I believe you could also request the titanium ceramic coating which would be very un-noticable.

So, if you really want this I will help you.

Also, if anything I would expect your POTENTIAL mileage to increase. With extra power and response it may be hard not to USE the power and that would of course reduce your gas mileage BUT with prudent use of the throttle the improved efficiency of the headers will actually allow for more MPGs. It will of course be up to the user to realize this potential

 

I think I might just throw some dirt on the headers and call it a day I'm still thinking about it because I stopped modding my car a long time ago. It wasn't until the other day that I realized how slow my car is. Looking for bang for the buck mod, hence why I'm turning to headers as my next mod.

 

Why post when you don't know
http://www.bar.ca.gov/

 

lol touche. I didnt know they had been reinstated either.

 

California actually got a budget passed?

 

this is good subject to talk about, i'm looking to gain more hp on my slow-gs300 :\

+bookmarked....

GSteg, let me know when you get ss headers, I wanna know how many hp you gain

 

I knew they were closed and I was told they would not re-open till next year, so it's not like I am making this ish up since they were closed last month. However; thanks for letting my self and the forum know that they are now re-open

 

why are you curious what he makes on his v8 when ur runing a i6. A i6 will never make decent hp without a tubo. Hell i remember reading about a i6 with a s/c that made as much hp as a bolt on v8. You need a turbo.

 

Because he is curious, even a few hp can make a difference. I was going to ask the same question