Introduction
aFe POWER Twisted Steel Headers are a popular aftermarket modification for performance cars due to their ability to increase power and improve engine efficiency. By optimizing the flow of exhaust gases, headers can enhance the overall performance and driving experience of a vehicle.
What are Headers?
Headers, also known as exhaust manifolds or exhaust headers, are a set of pipes that connect the engine’s exhaust ports to the rest of the exhaust system. Unlike standard exhaust manifolds, which are often made of cast iron and have a single chamber to collect exhaust gases, performance headers are typically made of individual pipes for each exhaust port that merge into a collector pipe. This design helps optimize the flow of exhaust gases out of the engine.
Benefits of Headers in Performance Cars
- Increased Horsepower and Torque: By reducing exhaust backpressure and improving the scavenging effect, headers can significantly increase the engine’s horsepower and torque.
- Better Throttle Response: Enhanced exhaust flow allows the engine to breathe more easily, leading to more immediate and responsive acceleration.
- Enhanced Engine Sound: Headers can change the sound of the exhaust, often resulting in a deeper and more aggressive engine note that is favored by performance car enthusiasts.
How Headers Work
Improved Exhaust Flow: Performance headers are designed to reduce the resistance to the flow of exhaust gases. Each cylinder’s exhaust gases have their own dedicated pipe, reducing the chance of exhaust backpressure that can occur when gases from different cylinders collide.
Scavenging Effect: The design of headers can create a scavenging effect, where the exit of exhaust gases from one cylinder helps pull gases from another cylinder. This is achieved by timing the pulses of exhaust gases so that the low-pressure wave following one pulse helps draw out the next pulse from a neighboring cylinder.
Materials
409 VS. 304 Stainless Steel
No stainless steel is completely rust-proof. All stainless steel can rust to some degree, depending on how and where it’s used.
409 stainless steel, with its lower chromium content, might develop some surface rust, but it can be cleaned off. We use 409 stainless steel for exhaust components because it’s a good balance of quality, cost-effectiveness, and durability.
On the other hand, 304 stainless steel has more chromium and nickel, making it more resistant to rust and corrosion.
Why Are Some aFe Headers offered in 304 and Some in 409, or Both?
Both 409 and 304 stainless steels have their perks. 409 is the best bang for your buck and is super durable, while 304 shines in corrosion resistance and keeps looking good for a long time. Our engineers choose the right material based on how it’ll be used, who’s buying it, and where it’s being sold. We’re always on the lookout for ways to make our products even better.
Conclusion
Headers are a popular aftermarket modification for performance cars due to their ability to increase power and improve engine efficiency. By optimizing the flow of exhaust gases, headers can enhance the overall performance and driving experience of a vehicle.
When it comes to engineering for power, performance, protection and value, aFe POWER is the only choice.
