If you have the need for speed you know that adding certain car mods can increase the power your car makes. From a new tune to cams and an intake, any of these can create more horsepower. Another common mod is car headers. Headers are the replacement for standard exhaust manifolds.
Do headers make your car louder? Yes, car headers increase the volume and change the sound of your car. These headers alter the exhaust airflow and allow the engine to breathe better. This in turn can create more noise and cause your car to be louder.
What are car headers?
Car headers are an exhaust modification. They replace exhaust manifolds. When your car is running it creates exhaust gases. The gases exit the engine through the exhaust manifold. While the manifolds work okay they are usually restrictive.
Car headers replace these restrictive manifolds and create better airflow. The headers usually have a larger inner diameter which allows more exhaust to exit at once. Plus they can create a more uniform flow which is great for increased horsepower. If you have certain cylinders creating backpressure equal length headers can improve performance.
How do car headers work?
Headers work by allowing more exhaust gases to exit the engine at once. They provide increased airflow which can help your engine run better. Headers are usually larger diameter pipes which give more space for the exhaust to flow. After installing headers you can get your car tuned and see some performance increases.
How are an exhaust manifold and car headers different?
Exhaust manifolds come stock with your car. They are what attach the head of the engine to the exhaust. They work okay from the factory. Although, with better airflow, you can make more power. This is where headers come in. These car headers decrease backpressure and allow your engine to breathe more freely.
Both exhaust manifolds and headers work on the same principle. They both allow exhaust to flow through them. Headers just do it better.
Can car headers make your car sound better?
Car headers can make your car sound better. While you won’t know how your car will sound until you watch a video or install them on the car yourself there will be a noticeable sound change. You might notice a more throaty sound. More than likely there will be a tone difference.
Do headers increase horsepower?
Car headers can increase horsepower. The more exhaust your engine can move the better the airflow will be. We know that the more the engine can run the more horsepower the engine can create. With car headers, this creates a great area for the exhaust gases to escape. This can increase your horsepower
Do Headers make your car pop?
In the right conditions, exhaust headers can make your car pop. The pop itself is more related to a rich running condition. This means that there is unburnt fuel making its way into the exhaust. With increased airflow, there is a chance that a small amount of unburnt fuel might enter the exhaust and cause a pop.
You can have your tuner adjust the air-fuel ratio to better suit the performance you’re looking for. While running rich will make your engine pop it may not be best for longevity or for overall performance.
Do headers make a difference in sound?
Yes headers, can make a tonal difference when installed on a car. While the exhaust manifold had a more restrictive flow, headers will free up the gases and cause a difference in sound. The shape and the length of the exhaust headers can also affect the sound.
To sum up
Headers can make your car louder. By increasing the flow you can have a difference in volume and tone. Whether or not you change your exhaust muffler can play a role in this.
