Lets talk headers

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I've done some searching, but all the header info is spread around and hard to spot.

So, what are you running, and on what year and engine?

Do you like it/notice the power difference?

Did it fit like it should and have proper emissions connections? (O2 sensor/EGR tubes)

Is it 50 state legal?

Do they still make your header?

I'm going to be rebuilding a 22R for a buddy, and he's thinking about a header while I'm at it... So lets hear it.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Jerod,

I did a lot of research before I changed my engine and added a header and new exhaust system. In my opinion, the only way to go is with the LCEngineering stainless header. It bolted right up, looks great, doesn't leak, and I think it will last a long time. The only downside is the price; there are cheaper alternatives.

I can't really say if it added any power as I installed a new DOA Racing engine at the same time but I'm sure, in talking to Tim at DOA, I wouldn't be getting the same performance from his engine without a header.

 

[WristPin]

the flange is most important. thicker the better. im sure we all know that.

i use a pacesetter hedder. there were two options. with or with out emissions. i used the with.

since were on the topic of emissions, i was at one time not understanding the components properly.
But the following is what i know now.
the pipes on the out side of the hedder or manifold are NOT for the EGR. those are for the air suction. which ultimately ties in with the air suction reed valve, and intake box.
the actual EGR is integrated through the head. you know that plate on the back of the head? thats where the spent gas flows thru and is thus cooled by the coolant. the spent gas continues through the head and is met by the EGR valve that is bolted to the head.

so those pipes that come as an option are there to simply 'oxygenate' the exhaust.

now thats out of the way,
my pacesetter hedder was inexpensive. thats why i chose it. when i worked on chevys and ford primarily, my preffered hedder was Doug Thorley hedders. at the time i installed mine, that brand was unavailible for a 22RE.

I did notice a slight gain in power.
I also noticed, so did my neighboors, the ploom of smoke that came out from under my hood. the hedder was coated in cheap ass paint that took a few days to burn off.

what i really didnt like was the construction of it. it was like they never test fit em before selling them.
the business end bolted on fine.

but the final bends to the collector flange made the end stick down so my existing exhaust wouldnt bolt up. so i used a torch to heat it up and bend it where its supposed to go.

i had to retourge the flange a dozen times, which is normal.

over all its a decent hedder. it sucks that i had to re bend it. but still there are no holes in it. its been six years.

i rate it 4 out of 10

 

[missouriman]

I have the LCE powder coated header, the larger,, I think 2.25 exhaust... it is good,, but see some of my other posts.
I think the header was around 300.00 the exhaust and cat added anouther 300.. I think that 600.00 would be better spent else where.
but it did make a difference.
the DOA cam made alot more difference.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

My 89 V6 came with Downey headers, with emissions controls, with a Gibson cat-back exhaust. Couple years old. Work great, there is a noticeable power increase versus other 3.slows I've driven. I would buy they again. Looks like the OEM gaskets were craptastic though, I just replaced them with Genuine OEM gaskets. I had to cut the connectors out between the manifold ports and use them as three seperate ports per side. Actually works great and is definitely nicely sealed. That and simply tightening and making sure the bolts are routinely tight. Some some reason header nuts like to come loose...

 

[Nail Bender Jerry]

I do not like headers.

Stock manifolds are fine if they do not leak.

 

[Ripper]

I put a Downey header and exhaust on my stock 22RE; very noticeable power gain. The 3-2-1 gives you better low end, the 4-1 will give you better top end for highway driving. Everything was quality parts and fit very well.

 

[muddpigg]

X2 on the thorley, tried pacesetter fitment issues and my o2 sensor through codes. No problems with the Thorley Tri-Y and good price. I I did a lot of mod when I rebuilt so hard to say how much of a gain just from the header.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

What about chrome vs. ceramic? Is it just a preference, for looks?

 

[KLF]

I have a LC header, it's kinda old though, I bought it in '00 for my earlier carbed truck. Fortunately it had an O2 bung in it so it swapped on to my '87 no problem. Mine is not stainless, I think it was just poorly ceramic coated. I've repainted it with header paint and man does that stink and smoke for awhile. I do have a significant rust area down at the lower end right where the 4 tubes collect together, I keep shooting more paint on it for now, trying to get it to last.

I did notice an improvement in power, but I don't like the tinny sound that comes from it. I also have a custom-bent 2-1/4" stainless exhaust with a Magnaflow stainless muffler. I like the sound, it's not too obnoxious.

 

[theo]

I've had the LCE 4-1 for about 2 years now. I noticed a small power increase above about 2000 rpm. Not sure about changes to low end torque except that I wheeled it the first summer and didn't have problems - seemed to lug down fine.

- I had to modify my existing exhaust pipe since the header outlet flange didn't line up with my stock tube.

- I'm on my 3rd flange gasket - they burn out easily.

- The O2 bung is clear down under the truck (a long way from the head) so I get an O2 code every once in awhile if I lope along at constant speed with only light, steady throttle. As soon as I accelerate the light goes out. I don't consider this a problem.

The flange is heavy and hasn't ever leaked. All in all I'm happy with it. My issues seem minor compared to what cheap headers cause.

 

[dizzidave]

I put a downey header on my 22R a 1.5 years after increasing my exhaust pipe system diameter to 2.25". I did not notice any power or acceleration gains with either of these modifications. I would not do either again with the 22R.

 

[pappy]

I've done some searching, but all the header info is spread around and hard to spot. I'm going to be rebuilding a 22R for a buddy, and he's thinking about a header while I'm at it... So lets hear it.

What are you running, and on what year and engine?
Doug Thorley tri-Y, 1985 with late plenum, bored TB, DOA 22re with about 80K.


Do you like it/notice the power difference?
Header was installed and connected to the stock exhaust at first. I sort of noticed a difference. But, installing a 2.25" system behind the header really brought the truck alive. And I mean really alive. There was a very significant improvement with the header and larger pipe. There is no going back.


Did it fit like it should and have proper emissions connections? (O2 sensor/EGR tubes)
Yes, it fit. The only emission connection is the Ox sensor. The Ox sensor reads from one tube, IIRC. I had issues passing smog as the sensor seemed to cool off at idle and the HCs went up. I ended up installing a heated sensor after the collector which did seem to help.


Is it 50 state legal?
Yes.


Do they still make your header?
I think so. The company either was bought out, merged, or something, but I seem to recall seeing the header for sale someplace. I think Jardin now markets them.

 

[pappy]

The O2 bung is clear down under the truck (a long way from the head) so I get an O2 code every once in awhile if I lope along at constant speed with only light, steady throttle. As soon as I accelerate the light goes out. I don't consider this a problem.

Just so you know this is an undocumented issue with early ECUs. I had the same problem with the stock exhaust, and the header. I talked with CruiserDan about it one day and he made a few phone calls. Toyota knows about it. I'm currently running a newer ECU and I've not had the code problem since installation.

 

[theo]

Just so you know this is an undocumented issue with early ECUs. I had the same problem with the stock exhaust, and the header. I talked with CruiserDan about it one day and he made a few phone calls. Toyota knows about it. I'm currently running a newer ECU and I've not had the code problem since installation.

Thanks! Since it happens so infrequently I'm hoping I can ignore it. I also figured a heated O2 sensor would solve it, but maybe that's wrong. I hesitate to replace the ECU - the truck runs real well like it is.

 

[pappy]

Just ignore it. Mine always coded at about 2000rpm under light off-road conditions. I just got used to it, and expected it. Didn't seem to hurt anything.

 

[Devil's Slide Doug]

So, what are you running, and on what year and engine?

Downey 4 into 1 ceramic header on 94 22re with Downey 2.5" stainless exhaust,cat, muffler

Do you like it/notice the power difference?

I have had this on for about ten years. I get to piss off my neighbors just as much as the other neighbor with the Harley. Loud enough to set off car alarms when I drive by. It is a bit loud for my tastes. I don't honestly notice the power difference since regearing and and adding larger tires. too many different factors have changed since the truck was stock. I think it gives up some low end torque for higher rpm power. I should probably reduce/choke the exhaust a bit unless I install the new cam and head. I have burnt through a few gaskets (possibly due to not retorqueing the header often enough and from not having a flex connector installed in my exhaust) The ceramic finish has held up well. My header exhaust was an "economy replacement" for a broken y pipe and smashed cat and muffler. I am not sure any perceived power gain is worth the hassle or noise.
Did it fit like it should and have proper emissions connections? (O2 sensor/EGR tubes)

It fit and had all the connections

Is it 50 state legal?

It passes in CA

Do they still make your header?

pretty sure

 

[muddpigg]

I've got alot of low end torque, well for a 22re. I think I mentioned it earlier I got a lot of mods and a reman engine so really can't say how much the Thorley header added. But you know if you increase exhuast you need to increase air intake.

 

[Devil's Slide Doug]

yep, air intake increase is in the works

 

[Downey]

I've noticed two major concerns on this thread, (a) performance gain, and (b) emissions equipment properly retrofitted:

(1) We did so much 22R/22RE header testing during the 70's and 80's, we darn near went bank rupt doing it. All 4 cyl. headers give about 10 h.p. at the crank, 7 h.p. at the rear tire. One guy notices this gain, another guy evidently does not notice this gain????? We tested 4 into 1's, Tri-y's, big tube, small tube, and did the full blown 3 hour test at $350.00 per hour---real deal.

(2) We received the first smog exemption on the planet, and haven't slowed down since. Alot of other header manufacturers received a smog exemption without having properly retrofitted headers. I'm not the "exemption police" so I'm not going to spend much time worring about that. But the big issue with alot of your check engine lights, trouble codes, and disappointing performance stem from improper retrofitting (including headers shown or talked about on this very tread).

Also, I am in total disagreement with the post that "thicker" header flanges are better---dead wrong. The problem with thicker flanges is that they also become uneven during manufacturing (welding and cooling), but their thickness makes it almost impossible to such them back into flatness during mounting. A thinner flange sucks-up and seals easily.