Looking for opinions on header options..355 | FerrariChat
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Looking for opinions on header options..355

Discussion in '348/355' started by jevs, May 16, 2012.

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  1. jevs

    jevs Formula Junior

    Oct 13, 2010
    477
    Missouri
    #1 jevs, May 16, 2012
    I want to get some opinions on what I should do in regards to my headers. It appears that my stock headers are good, so I have some options. Since the motor is out for the major and head rebuilds etc, I want to make sure I do the right thing with the headers to ensure my motor lasts a long time.

    Option 1:
    Use my stock headers as they are and as they came stock and use "test pipes" to help keep the system cooler. Of course this would be the least expensive and retain stock looks, but may not last as long? I am somewhat uneasy about not being able to see the condition of the headers as life goes on. I will not know if anything is going on until I hear a leak (if they were to ever fail).

    Option 2:
    Strip the heat shields and insulation off my stock headers, have them ceramic coated, and use fabspeed heat shields as they do with their headers. Test pipes will also be used. This would allow you to always be able to see the condition of the tubes and also allow them to breath and run cooler. This would be less expensive than aftermarket headers, would allow me to inspect the tubes externally right now (instead of just with boroscope), would retain the 4-2-1 header design. I am unsure how this will affect the lifespan of the headers, but I would assume they would last longer? I am unsure if these will run any hotter than open aftermarket headers that may be of different steel?

    Option 3:
    Buy aftermarket headers and sell my stock headers. Again, test pipes would be used. Most expensive option. Would be 4-1 design. Could sell stock headers to recoup some cost (assuming people buy good used headers). Lots of people have done this and there does not seem to be a lot of negative feedback as long as heat shields are used.

    So, there it is. These are the options I have, so lets hear some opinions.

    Thanks
     
  2. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

    Apr 1, 2011
    3,726
    Montreal
    Full Name:
    Fab
    #2 treedee3d, May 16, 2012
    I went with option 3. Got the Fabspeed headers with ceramic coating for a total cost of 3400$. Sold my stock headers that were still in perfect condition with only 13k miles on them for 1500$

    Total net cost: 1900$ for new headers and peace of mind. I do not have shields on them but I do a have a full catless setup and no challenge grille. I haven't yet had any heat issues.

    Good luck with your decision
     
  3. jevs

    jevs Formula Junior

    Oct 13, 2010
    477
    Missouri
    #3 jevs, May 16, 2012
    You did use the Fabspeed heatshields that come with the headers though? When you say full catless, what did you do with the secondary cat pipes (that go to the bypass valve)? That is something I am trying to figure out what to do with. I don't want to pay $1500 for a Y-pipe and so far no one has told me of a reasonably priced option other than hacking up my stock one that could be sold as a good used part instead.
     
  4. 355rockit

    355rockit Formula Junior

    Dec 1, 2010
    893
    San Marcos, CA
    Full Name:
    Vas
    #4 355rockit, May 16, 2012
    I purchased TreeDee3D's stock headers that were ceramic coated inside the tubes and on the outside of the heatshield. So far it has helped with the heat issue. I am glad they were coated inside the tubes as well since it will be less heat stress on the tubes than just coating the heat shield only.
     
  5. jgriff

    jgriff Formula 3

    Jun 16, 2008
    1,125
    Houston, TX
    #5 jgriff, May 16, 2012
    I'm in the exact same situation as you jevs. My car is in for a major now. My stock primary cats are bad and I'm replacing them with Fabspeed cats. I may replace the headers too.

    treedee3d: How did you sell your headers? Ebay?
     
  6. MicroFirm

    MicroFirm Karting

    Dec 6, 2010
    231
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Frank
    #6 MicroFirm, May 16, 2012
  7. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

    Apr 1, 2011
    3,726
    Montreal
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    Fab
    #7 treedee3d, May 16, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Yes, forgot to mention that my Fabspeed setup was complete and included headers, heat shields, catless secondary y-pipe and straight pipes.

    When I say that my setup has no shields, I was referring to blanket shields that covers the entire header, sorry for the confusion

    Bradan has a y-pipe for 595$ which is a lot more reasonable than the price of the Fabspeed one. I think Larini also has the y-pipe and test pipes for much cheaper but I'm not 100% sure
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  8. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

    Apr 1, 2011
    3,726
    Montreal
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    Fab
    #8 treedee3d, May 16, 2012
    Actually, right here on fchat
     
  9. jevs

    jevs Formula Junior

    Oct 13, 2010
    477
    Missouri
    #9 jevs, May 16, 2012
    I would rather do something that eliminates the heat shields than go this route because I want to see the headers and know their condition at all times. This is just my opinion because I like piece of mind. I never want the car to run on a bad header for any length of time.
     
  10. jevs

    jevs Formula Junior

    Oct 13, 2010
    477
    Missouri
    #10 jevs, May 16, 2012
    Looks like you have the 2.7 Y-pipe? I need a 5.2....
     
  11. MicroFirm

    MicroFirm Karting

    Dec 6, 2010
    231
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Frank
    #11 MicroFirm, May 16, 2012
    I would think the refurbishing is done with better materials eliminating the problems w/ the OEM parts.
     
  12. Yassa

    Yassa Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    May 23, 2011
    1,266
    London
    Full Name:
    Dr Yassa Hughes
    #12 Yassa, May 16, 2012
    Bradan had a "straight" y-pipe for I believe 600$. Also I saw some prices quoted from Tubi headers for 5k out of Australia instead of 7000$ in the US. Also I'd check with Capristo and Bradan as both were looking to offer header solutions with proper heat shields last time I checked.


    Yeah I've heard the same, Ricambi uses a place out of the UK who are known for their good quality workmanship.
     
  13. jevs

    jevs Formula Junior

    Oct 13, 2010
    477
    Missouri
    #13 jevs, May 16, 2012
    I have read some bad feedback on certain companies that are or have done them this way in the past. Not really on my list of options (may be fine for others though). I would rather just buy aftermarket headers than do this. Selling my good headers and buying aftermarket would be much less expensive. Other than just using my headers as they are now, I would not be interested in any other options that don't leave the header exposed for my viewing at all times. Tubi would be the only covered option in my opinion, but no way I would spend over $7k for headers.

    I have a call into Bradan now. Waiting for a call back....
     
  14. bobzdar

    bobzdar F1 Veteran

    Sep 22, 2008
    6,898
    Richmond
    Full Name:
    Pete
    #14 bobzdar, May 16, 2012
    I plan to pull my stock headers this winter, remove the heat shields and send to swaintech for their coating. After looking at a lot of pictures of the blown tubes, it looks like the factory insulation is at least partially to blame for the issue. I think with cat bypass pipes and the uneven factory insulation removed it should get rid of the issue. We'll see how it works out.
     
  15. Yassa

    Yassa Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    May 23, 2011
    1,266
    London
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    Dr Yassa Hughes
    #15 Yassa, May 16, 2012
    Yeah I hear ya...I will be looking into getting this from Europe/Australia for cheaper, if they don't ship direct to Canada (which will probably be the case) I will get some family members to purchase them locally and ship them to me. Tubi charging 1500-2000$ more for the US market is just ridiculous.
     
  16. jevs

    jevs Formula Junior

    Oct 13, 2010
    477
    Missouri
    #16 jevs, May 16, 2012
    I made my decision on the exhaust today. Thanks to some good pricing negotiations from Jeff at Fabspeed and George at Top Speed, this is what I am doing:

    Headers: Fabspeed (I am getting them coated myself which should be cheeper than $400)
    Secondary cat bypass Y-pipe: Fabspeed
    Primary cat test pipes:Top Speed
    Muffler:Tubi (Already have it)
    Rear O2 90º Spacers (modified): eBay (already have these, modified them, and logged 300 miles with no CEL-see my thread on it)

    I will have my stock headers, the stock secondary cat y-pipe, and some hollow stock cats for sale if anyone is interested.

    Stay tuned for the install of all this.
     
  17. Yassa

    Yassa Formula 3
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    May 23, 2011
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    Dr Yassa Hughes
    #17 Yassa, May 16, 2012

    Word of caution with Top Speed, I bought my test pipes from George and they didnt fit, one was 2 CMs longer than the other one, I can send you pics if you like. Mine are still sitting around since I have to now modify them to fit...on my to do list.
     
  18. jevs

    jevs Formula Junior

    Oct 13, 2010
    477
    Missouri
    #18 jevs, May 16, 2012
    Can you post a pic here for us to see? I will report back on the ones I get to see if they are all that way or if yours is a fluke.
     
  19. gatorgreg

    gatorgreg Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 13, 2004
    1,944
    NAPLES
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    Greg Griffin
    #19 gatorgreg, May 17, 2012
    Whatever you do. Do not remove the heat shield or you will be replacing the alternator every year. It does depend on how much you drive the car and how hard. I recommend Tubi with a heat shield or the stock system with test pipes no coating.
     
  20. jevs

    jevs Formula Junior

    Oct 13, 2010
    477
    Missouri
    #20 jevs, May 17, 2012
    I will be using the heat shields Fabspeed provides and coating the headers. Hopefully that will be enough protection. I do wonder if I should have the heat shield coated also? I also have a challenge grill to help some heat escape.
     
  21. 05011994

    05011994 Formula 3
    Owner

    May 1, 2004
    1,865
    Golden, Colorado
    #21 05011994, May 17, 2012
    Last edited: May 17, 2012
    +1, I have run the Tubi headers since 2008 and I am quite happy with them. Does anyone know why Fabspeed does not utilize heat shields like the factory or Tubi headers?
     
  22. F355steve

    F355steve Formula 3

    Apr 9, 2008
    2,089
    Honolulu - Seattle - Okinawa
    Full Name:
    Steve
    #22 F355steve, May 17, 2012
    Cost.

    There are already options out there with heat wrapping/shields like factory for twice the cost. I bought Fabspeed headers a month ago and have chose to reduce the heat by installing test pipes. My personal choice. More options are good for everyone. If Fabspeed went the same route as Tubi the price would go up and they wouldn't sell as many as they are now.
     
  23. BLAMPEE

    BLAMPEE Man Card Status: Never Issued

    Jun 28, 2008
    15,424
    Sunny Heavenly Beautiful Arizona
    #23 BLAMPEE, May 17, 2012

    Sorry I'm late. :)

    I took this option when I replaced the entire headers-cats-exhaust system.

    QV London is who he uses, and yes, they are a highly reputable firm in the exotic car industry.


    :)

    And Daniel is the best for customer service. ;)
     
  24. LmnsBlu355

    LmnsBlu355 Formula Junior

    Dec 28, 2009
    284
    NY
    Full Name:
    Jordan S.
    #24 LmnsBlu355, May 17, 2012
    Nope. ricambi now uses JP exhaust in the UK. I did one side direct with JP and the other thru Ricambi. definitely give Daniel a call before going thru the hassel of shipping to JP directly.
     
  25. BLAMPEE

    BLAMPEE Man Card Status: Never Issued

    Jun 28, 2008
    15,424
    Sunny Heavenly Beautiful Arizona
    #25 BLAMPEE, May 17, 2012
    Hmm....perhaps I am wrong???:confused:

    Hopefully Daniel can chime in here to clear things up. :)
     
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