Hello All, My '97 355 spider had the cats and the R.H. header replaced back in 2004; I am doing the 30k service in February 2010; is it likely that I will need to have the L.H. Header replaced at that time? how much would that cost? I have read people talking about $5500 range to replace cats and headers... Thanks, Francisco
Not a 355 owner yet, just on her doing research, but since a new OEM header runs in the $2k range each I believe, why not go aftermarket for both the headers and cats. Personally when I get a 355 if it doesnt have aftermarket exhaust I will get Fabspeed headers, highflow cats and Capristo exhaust.
Please do not replace your stock headers with stock headers. Headers and cats are both flawed designs and need to be replaced with aftermarket replacements. Headers run from about $2k for QV to about $7k for Tubis (both shielded). Fabspeeds are about $3k. Hyperflows (2) are $2280 from Daniel. Let me put it another way. QVs - 2k Hyperflows - 2k Installation - 1k Not worrying about headers and cats - PRICELESS!
I would rebuild the originals by JPExhaust in UK. According to Capristo the original headers are as good as they get performance wise and the price for rebuild is only about £500... Mor info on header and exhaust in this link: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=253387
After spending countless hours researching this very topic I decided to go with QV London rebuilt headers and Hyper-Flow cats. Daniel at Ricambi was more than accomodating in getting these sent to my mechanic as I was out of the state on business when my 30k service was being performed. This was the best and cost-effective option for me.
I spent 7k on shielded tubis ( both sides). Any non shielded header is going to have the same problem down the line.
Why would a non-shielded header have the same problem down the line?? Seems the problem is too much heat build-up under the shielding for the thickness (thinness) of the original tubing. Granted, non-shielded headers could cause heat-related problems for other components in the engine compartment but the headers life span will likely be increased.
As others have stated, the QV headers + Hyperflows are an option to consider. We have both in stock and certainly can discount on a package of both items. http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?products_id=343560 http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?cPath=175&products_id=209 But.... make sure your mechanic confirms you really need them before going down this (albeit somewhat cheaper) pricey route.
Like Daniel said, don't replace them if they don't need them. My headers are original at 34k miles and counting. But if I need to replace them I will be getting the QV's. They are the cheapest, studies show the factory headers flow the best, and they retain the factory heat shields. What's not to like?
Daniel, quick question. Does QV replace all the pipes or just the damaged ones? I heard they simply fix the damage areas but not the whole set of pipes.
GULP!! I replaced my headers with QV's at 34,000 KM. I heard some are smoke tested to check for leaks when doing a major service & that will only tell you if they are leaking. THAT is not the only issue as you can see by photo as they melt inwards causing a restriction & eventually crack. One of my manifolds had a hole the size of a quarter on one tube that butted up against the adjasent tube causing it to seal the opening. I think the only way to check them is to get in there with a camera to see inside tube. Whatever you do if you are thinking of going with QV's is not to remove shield from old header as they cut it off neatly & reweld it onto rebuilt ones. (I did on this one & it cost me $750.00 for my curiosity) (Core deposit). Also remove the 8 plugs & end piece on manifolds as you will need them for the rebuilt units. This was not explained to me by Ricamby & it caused some delay in finishing job. When it was all said & done I am glad I went this route as I wanted to retain the stock look. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
All tubes were replaced in the ones I bought. You can tell by looking at where new tubes are welded on.
