I've had my xB for about 4000 miles and installed my first three mods over the weekend. Reviews below:

K&N Typhoon CAI($165.00 from hopupracing.com): The install took about an hour, mainly because my tool selection is lacking. The instructions were very thorough and the product is well made. The hardest step was attaching the filter to the pipe. Needless to say, there's not much room under there to manuever and you're working by feel. For some reason, my kit was missing the rubber hose. A quick trip to the local AutoZone and $1.00 later, I was good to go. This is definately NOT a BLING accesory, as you can barely see it.

... next up was the spark plugs

NGK IX Iridium Plugs($27.80 from sparkplugs.com): Install time- less than 10-minutes. Not much to say here, Remove engine cover, remove the 4-10mm bolts, unplug the plug wires, remove old plugs, slather new plug threads with anti-seize, tighten and reverse. We apparently have NGK plugs from the factory. The only difference I saw between the 2 was the size of the electrode; much smaller on the Iridium plugs.

--- and finally the headers

DC Sports Headers($120.00 on ebay): I've had these for quite a while and put these off until the end because, let's face it, I was afraid :wink: Turns out, my fears were unfounded. The install took about 45 minutes with the hardest part being removing the bottom 2 bolts on the outlet. Torqued to all heck and spring loaded. You're going to need a nice long extention when removing these. The top 5 bolts were easily reached from the engine bay and the stock header slid neatly over the engine when unbolted. Installing the new header was a breeze and you can definitely tell how the aftermarket design is superior to that of the stocker.

Road test: I probably should have done each mod and then test drove because it's really hard to tell which did what, but I'll try. The thing I noticed immediately was the sound when revving. I'm not quite that sure I like it. This sound wants to be ferocious, but it falls short and ends up a hybrid-sucking-gurgling noise. The xB still idles at 2K and still rests snugly at 4K on the interstate at 80mph. I have the manual trans if you hadn't already guessed. Throttle response is indeed improved as advertised and the power band really perks up between 4 and 6K. The car still starts/runs like a champ and no check engine light. I've driven about 70 miles since the upgrades and I have a sinking suspicion that I may have sacrificed some torque. Is this possible?

Overall, the jury is still out. I'll keep you posted.

Any suggestions for the next mod? Which direction would you go from here?

Thanks for your input!

next mod and or step is clearly a exhaust.....

may I suggest a Magnaflow from Precisionmuffler or a number of well priced aftermakrets from www.kozztuning.com, both of these contacts are regular posters.......

yes, Gabe over at Precision can hook you up with a nice full header-back system (cat back's just for making noise - spend real money, get a real exhaust) to complete the system - sounds good, works well - I likey likey

Just FYI, theoretically, you will sacrifice some low end torque after the install of aftermarket header as you will gain high end HP. If you got a AT then you will feel loose of torque rite even more.......

a nice exhaust ssytem will be a good idea for your next mod!

Thanks for the sugegstions. I looked on the Precision.com site but was unable to find a 'header-back' exhaust system. Any other info on these? Price? Brand? I also looked at Kozztuning.com . Apparently some site reconstruction is going on...

here you go..

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=33430

here you go..

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=33430

Vitek's (Kozz Tuning) website is not up and running yet, so just check out the link BleeK put up or just check the sponsored sales section for his ads ;) ....






JC

header back is the same as manifold back - but being that you no longer have a manifold - it's a misnomer to call it that. (although many still do, even though it's 'wrong').

Basically what you're going to get is EVERYTHING replaced from the header flange back to the tip replaced. Gabe's using Magnaflow brand. If you're not local to him - he'll ship it and you can bolt it on yourself or pay a shop to do it.

I forget what I paid, but it wasn't unreasonable (as far as full exhaust systems go). PM STYLIS (gabe) about it.

Will do. Thanks everyone!

per Stylis: "I hate to say it, but I am no longer making the manifold back systems. There was very little interest in them, so I stopped making them. If you are in my area I can make you one here, but I no longer make them to ship out. I can interest you in an axle back or a magna flow cat back. Or I can offer my advice to you for your exhaust needs."

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

header back is the same as manifold back - but being that you no longer have a manifold - it's a misnomer to call it that. (although many still do, even though it's 'wrong').

Basically what you're going to get is EVERYTHING replaced from the header flange back to the tip replaced. Gabe's using Magnaflow brand. If you're not local to him - he'll ship it and you can bolt it on yourself or pay a shop to do it.

I forget what I paid, but it wasn't unreasonable (as far as full exhaust systems go). PM STYLIS (gabe) about it.

Are you not a very intelligent person? A exhaust manifold is an exhaust manifold, no matter if it is a stock manifold, or an aftermarket manifold. If you had no manifold like you are saying then you would have no "header".

If you noticed a loss of torque from a better flowing header, with less back pressure, wouldn't you notice even more of a loss of torque by opening up the exhuast further with a full header back system? Will the massive top end horsepower gains on top of the 108 be worth it in trade off for the loss of torque. Or will it just make a lot of noise to draw attention to the fact that you are not actually going anywhere? I don't know. I'm just asking. I'm sure all the kind people here are going to be willing to tell me though, right below this post.

And $27.80 for 4 spark plugs!? To replace already new NGK's? I had Bosch Platinum 4's in my Bimmer for a while and my friend at his BMW shop kept telling me to throw them away and he guaranteed my car would run better with the factory 2 prong NGK's. the only reason I paid the premium for them is when I stopped at Autozone or wherever, they didn't have the original, the bosch platinums were all they had so I took them, at the time by friends shop wasn't open yet. Well one day, he just came out and put factory NGK's in, and threw my +4's away (they had less than 5K miles on them) I was ____ed at him, even though he gave me a freebie, he threw my expensive plugs away! Well I sure didn't stay ____ed at him when I noticed my mileage was up almost 3 mpg with the original equipment installed.

for the spark i carry it is Denso Iridiums. Best plugs on the market right there. They are costly though, at 60 bucks for 4

edit LMFAO, my post got edited from where i said retarded to, "not very intelligent person" that is awesome

second edit: In reguard to the plugs in the xB. They are copper tipped, and only last 30k. So changing from the stock may actually be better, as you will get more life out of them

[quote="SweetDaddyDelicious"]If you noticed a loss of torque from a better flowing header, with less back pressure, wouldn't you notice even more of a loss of torque by opening up the exhuast further with a full header back system? Will the massive top end horsepower gains on top of the 108 be worth it in trade off for the loss of torque. Or will it just make a lot of noise to draw attention to the fact that you are not actually going anywhere? I don't know. I'm just asking. I'm sure all the kind people here are going to be willing to tell me though, right below this post.


very good question... Can anyone confirm or deny?

I know on my motorcycle, the more free flowing aftermarket exhaust is loud as hell, but I did lose a bit of torque, and certainly gained top end power. It's got enough power that I didn't care if it lost a bit, I wanted the SOUND and got it!

Are you not a very intelligent person? A exhaust manifold is an exhaust manifold, no matter if it is a stock manifold, or an aftermarket manifold. If you had no manifold like you are saying then you would have no "header".

Whoa!!! Need to slow it down there buddy, saying that someone is not intelligent is not intelligent in itself. You say tomato, he says toe-mato; Leave at that and leave name calling at school. :D
I regret to let everyone know that the manifold back system is no longer for sale. Since there hasn't been one sold since scionlife member "windowtint" Keeping them in stock has stopped and I am going to concentrate on other fields. Sorry to anyone that didn't get a chance to purchase one. :( As for the question on hand that "SweetDaddyDelicious" posted.


The answer is: the torque will stay the same after you add a manifold back system. The torque can be lossed to a limit. Once you reach that limit, the only other way to lose it,is having the motor/tranny go bad. Remeber that our trannys are geared low, so our cars have to run at a certain power to keep us going. :D

Your xB idles at 2k !!!???...and why wouldn't the rpm at a given road speed still be the same...you've done nothing to change the gearing....??

you're kidding, right?

Your engine might not like your new spark plugs. Try putting your stock spark plugs back in, see what happen.

second edit: In reguard to the plugs in the xB. They are copper tipped, and only last 30k. So changing from the stock may actually be better, as you will get more life out of them

The factory plugs are iridium plugs NOT copper.

you're kidding, right?

Who are you asking if you're kidding?

yeah who are you asking? the stylis? or everyone in the world? :lol:

kita is who I was asking. Yes, the car idles at 2K and has from the day I ought it brand new. And yes, it sits right at 4K when going 80 on the interstate. This is the manual transmission. I've read in this very forum the same exact numbers.

btw, our cars does NOT come with iridium plugs, however, yours may have. There's quite a difference between stock and the iridiums.

Also, did the DIY ground wires kit tonight. Fun stuff, although, I too would highly recommend NOT using the 4 AWG wire. Very hard to work with, besides do you know how freakin hard it is to find 4 AWG ring connectors... much less crimp them!!!

our cars come with copper tipped plugs, which wear out quickly

kita is who I was asking. Yes, the car idles at 2K and has from the day I ought it brand new. And yes, it sits right at 4K when going 80 on the interstate. This is the manual transmission. I've read in this very forum the same exact numbers.


I have a manual xB and it does not idle at 2K. The only time it idles near 2K is when it is warming up and then drops back down to between 600-800.

hmmm, wonder why mine always has. maybe it is only when i first start up. to be honest that's the only time i've glanced at it. are you at 4K cruising at 80?

hmmm, wonder why mine always has. maybe it is only when i first start up. to be honest that's the only time i've glanced at it. are you at 4K cruising at 80?

4K is about right for 80 on a manual.

kita is who I was asking. Yes, the car idles at 2K and has from the day I ought it brand new. And yes, it sits right at 4K when going 80 on the interstate. This is the manual transmission. I've read in this very forum the same exact numbers.

btw, our cars does NOT come with iridium plugs, however, yours may have. There's quite a difference between stock and the iridiums.

Also, did the DIY ground wires kit tonight. Fun stuff, although, I too would highly recommend NOT using the 4 AWG wire. Very hard to work with, besides do you know how freakin hard it is to find 4 AWG ring connectors... much less crimp them!!!

Mine idles around 6-800 after warm-up....and I was only questioning that you seemed to think that the fact that it was still at 8K at 80mph after your mods was unusual.

No harm intended, but if yours is really idleing at 2k, I'd get it checked out.

I did check today... looked at it longer. At startup it goes to 2K then drops back 800 after a brief warm up. And I said 4K at 80, NOT 8K.... I'd REALLY be worried if that was the case. Good lookin' out.

Thanks!

second edit: In reguard to the plugs in the xB. They are copper tipped, and only last 30k. So changing from the stock may actually be better, as you will get more life out of them

The factory plugs are iridium plugs NOT copper.

This is false, our vehicles have copper tipped Denso plugs stock. I should know, I've tested various heat ranges and types while tuning my fuel system.

I got you all beat , I have the pics of the denso plugs and the iriduim plug next to each other. http://www.precisionmuffler.com/0bccd5a0.jpg

Also remember that the auto tranny scion and the manual tranny scion run at different RPMs because of the different gear ratios.

Mine too. No ones xB idles at 2000 rpm. If it does, something is wrong.

third time's a charm......

My idle is around 800RPMs, so I am cool. :)

Yup, my xB idles at between 600-800 rpm once its been warmed up.

header back is the same as manifold back - but being that you no longer have a manifold - it's a misnomer to call it that. (although many still do, even though it's 'wrong').

Basically what you're going to get is EVERYTHING replaced from the header flange back to the tip replaced. Gabe's using Magnaflow brand. If you're not local to him - he'll ship it and you can bolt it on yourself or pay a shop to do it.

I forget what I paid, but it wasn't unreasonable (as far as full exhaust systems go). PM STYLIS (gabe) about it.

Are you not a very intelligent person? A exhaust manifold is an exhaust manifold, no matter if it is a stock manifold, or an aftermarket manifold. If you had no manifold like you are saying then you would have no "header".

Oh man, can't believe I overlooked someone so mind numbingly ignorant as this dumbass. If an almost 2 weeks had already passed - I'd waste my time tearing him apart and humiliating him in public. Apart from arguing the point of intelligence (how many degrees do you carry and how many languages do you speak???) - but I digress - you're a moron and that's not the point.

"An exhaust manifold is an exhaust manifold, no matter if it is stock manifold...." etc etc blah blah blah. No dumbass, that's like saying a mule is donkey and a donkey is a mule, no matter how you say it. A MANIFOLD is typically a cast (metal, ceramic-plastic etc) network of passages that gathers the exhaust gases from the various exhaust ports and routes them toward the catalysts and mufflers of the exhaust system. A "HEADER" is (usually, sometimes factory) an aftermarket runner-tuned tube manifold. Or, otherwise, a manifold with free-flowing passages of a carefully designed configuration, called a "header".

So, dumbass, A HEADER IS a manifold, but a MANIFOLD is NOT a HEADER.

f*ckstick.

second edit: In reguard to the plugs in the xB. They are copper tipped, and only last 30k. So changing from the stock may actually be better, as you will get more life out of them

The factory plugs are iridium plugs NOT copper.

This is false, our vehicles have copper tipped Denso plugs stock. I should know, I've tested various heat ranges and types while tuning my fuel system.

I stand corrected, after doing some more checking they are copper. I appologize for any confusion :(

So, dumbass, A HEADER IS a manifold, but a MANIFOLD is NOT a HEADER.

f*ckstick.


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Well said!! :D