Equal Length vs Unequal Length Headers

[SockMonkey]

I did a bit of searching and couldn't really find much info so I figured I'd post here. I need to replace basically my whole exhaust soon. From what I've found a full SS exhaust is only a $1-200 more then OEM replacements. But I can't decide if I want to go UEL and have the nice subie rumble, or basically give that up for a bit more power.

 

So my question is, how much of a difference is there really? For example, do I get 10hp with UEL and 15 with EL, or is it more exaggerated? Like 10hp with UEL and 20 with EL?

 

I don't really want people just saying UEL for the sound!! I get it, my car will basically sound like a honda. But I want to know if anyone knows of real numbers with the 2 options.

 

By the way I have a 97 GT sedan, I've done the intake (sort of a hybrid), I've done the MSD coilpack. and these are the two headers I am thinking about.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tsudo-97-98-99-00-01-02-05-Impreza-unequal-Stainless-headers-header-downpipe-/251885111407?fits=Year%3A1997%7CModel%3AImpreza&hash=item3aa585c86f&vxp=mtr

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OBX-Exhaust-Header-Manifold-Fits-97-98-99-01-02-03-04-05-Impreza-2-2L-2-5L-2-5RS-/121447409569?fits=Model%3ALegacy&hash=item1c46d467a1&vxp=mtr

[SoSubiZ]

OBX, only because the picture is prettier

[SockMonkey]

haha I tend to agree. I did just find this though...

 

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1031584

 

If I am reading the correctly, he installed a full MRT exhaust and moved to the OBX. He had already gained about 15hp at peak with the MRT. With the OBX he didn't really gain much too over the MRT at 4000rpm+ but gained another ~10hp between 2000-4000hp.

 

I think I will end up going OBX, giving up most of the rumble. Not to mention its a bit cheaper.

[SockMonkey]

In case anyone is curious I was able to find a completely stainless exhaust for basically $650 shipped to my door.

 

OBX EL header can cat-delete:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111476603720?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

SS resonator/mid pipe:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/320587234185?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

And a SS Legacy 2.5GT Axle Back:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261643427557?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

 

You can find much cheaper UEL headers, but then you have to source the cats and it ends up being much more.

[SoSubiZ]

Going for more power on your 2.5 isn't common but maybe you can go cat catless for the most power. idk if you would get o2 codes tho maybe, o2 eliminators would work. I'm interested in how gas mileage would be.

 

You can always NOS your car for less than half that price just don't blow the welds on your intake and end up frying your piston rings.

[SockMonkey]

I'll probably have to use a o2 defouler/CEL fix. But I'm fine with that. I am trying to track down a 96 outback I can pull the block from and make a high compression build.

 

I think I'll stay away from NOS. I've seen the way I drive, I have a heavy foot.

[Setnev]

Better yet, instead of O2 sensors, a variable resistor connected to a potentiometer in the drivers compartment. Haha this was my thought for the race car project.