Ok I have researched this as much as I can stand and still dont understand the headers, s-pipe, mid pipe, exhaust set up. I already have the TRD exhaust and want the DC Sports headers but i also want more power. What do the s-pipe and mid pipe add? Do i need the s-pipe or mid pipe or can i get both? It seems like there is only so much room under the car! lol I know i need to get the 02 sensor and the anti fouler. Can someone please explain this stuff to me? Sorry i'm a girl! lol jk

 

So the parts you described are all just pieces of the exhaust. It all goes in an order. The TRD exhaust you have would be considered an axle back exhaust, it starts where the midpipe ends and finishes the exhuast. So the order off of the engine is this:

Header -> SPipe -> Mid Pipe -> Axleback

There are other setups too where the midpipe might be incorporated into the last part and just considered a "cat back" exhaust (header -> spipe -> catback). And some people also sell "spipe back" exhausts. They're just talking about the point at which their piping starts.

The idea to increase power is that you're making it easier for the exhaust gases to flow through the piping, so a larger diameter is often better (though there are limits - if you go too large, you might lose power). The spipe has been discussed as the most restrictive part of the exhaust b/c of it's size, but just replacing that might not make too much of a noticable gain.

So I'm not sure what you're looking to spend or what your plans are... so I hope this at least gives you some info to start with.

 

Thanks i understand that a little better now. Is it possible to omit the s-pipe and go

header > mid pipe > trd exhaust

or would it not line up right? The reason i ask is because you made it sound like the s-pipe restricts horse power. It is very possible that i misunderstood tho. lol. Also there are a lot of people that say that headers and cold air intake do nothing for you. Is this true? Sorry for all the questions

 

The s-pipe is still required or you would have a 3 foot gap between the header and the mid-pipe. The aftermarket s-pipes are simply larger in diameter with smoother bends to reduce restriction. Adding a header will generate more HP than just about any other simple bolt on mod since the precat built in to the stock exhaust manifold is removed. This greatly increases ariflow and helps to make more power.

 

^^ Yup... I don't know about the other headers (like the DC, or Alphawerks) but the Monster Motorworks claims 26 hp to the wheels with their header and spipe combo (only sold together I think). But it's a bit pricey.

 

I've got the Alphawerks headers, ZPI S-pipe, ZPI midpipe, and TRD axleback with 2 14" resonators in the midpipe. I've got some fitment issues with the midpipe right now (it's rattling some but getting fixed) and I'm very happy with it. The only thing with the exhaust is leave a cat in place. I'm running without one right now and your bottom end drops. It pulls hard towards the top but go ahead and get an exhaust that incorporates a cat or get one put in to get your low end back. They don't hurt performace that much and it's not worth losing your low end that much. I didn't think it would bother mine as much as it did but I'm definetly going to get a high-flow magnaflow cat put in soon.

 

I'm not saying that removing the cat in the header is bad, in case it sounded that way, just make sure you keep one after the headers

 

Theres no way it added 26 Whp to my car, but ill let a dyno confirm that in 2 weeks...

 

Ok lets just clear this up. The 26whp gain that MMW claimed was on a car that already had an intake and exhaust. That remains to be seen. On a bone stock tC, the MMW gained 15whp and 14wtq

 

so your saying in the midpipe run a high flow cat? i have AW headers, s-pipe and was going to install a resonator in the mid section, so add a high flow as well?

 

If you still have the stock one in there than just leave it. Since youre in CA, you'll still need to get it smogged and a smog shop can fail you visually if youve replaced the stock piece with a hi flow unit. The header is an easy swap for getting smogged, while the cat would require cutting and welding to change.

 

I know about the smog thing, i would remove the header and all before i went to go get smogged, i think i dont have to get smogged for atleast 4 years, since the car is an 06.

I know that the AW header removes the cat, (unless im wrong?)
and that i would most likely have to install it in the mid pipe, i was considering making the mid pipe with the 30" resonator with flanges so it can easily be reomoved when needed. bad idea?
i have a general idea what im going to do, but as always your information is on point.

 

Just use the header and leave the midpipe alone (go with the bigger resonator though). There is a cat in the midpipe from the factory so you are good there. The AW header will eliminate the built in cat in the factory exhaust manifold which is where most of the HP gains come from when installing a header. There would be no benefit to adding another cat to the midpipe since it will reduce power and wouldnt help you pass smog anyway.

 

that is what i thought.........just needed confirmation

thanks again

 

^I agree with instigator, I was just saying that I'm running no cats and it's not worth it because of the low end power loss. I just fixed my rattle so I'm liking my exhaust more now. I'm running two 14" resonators with no cats and it sounds better than when I had the factory cat and resonator. It's no louder and it's a little deeper. I think I'm going to add a cat anyway to gain some of my low end power back but I'm honestly pretty happy with the sound I have now.

 

where/how are you running the two resonators? i was just going to run a 30" like instigator recomended

 

I've got one in front of the bracket on my pipe and one behind it

 

i have the AW headers and TRD axle back. I was going to get the zpi s and mid pipe. should i just get the s pipe and leave the midpipe with the res on it? or should I get both and get a high flow cat with a 30' res? is the mid pipe going to do that much for me? im definately getting the s pipe.

 

Pretty much the same as every other company who sells a header & s-pipe.. save some money and go with megan.

 

what people seem to always forget is that the MMW header shows increase throughout the ENTIRE powerband vs only above 3500rpm (or whatever it is) The header/spipe is one of the most expensive mods, but it was worth every penny.

Especially when you go to different speed/tuning shops for various things and ALL the techs stop to admire the header for the welds and quality. Even when they ask who made it and you respond with "weapon-r"....the classic expression of "WTF?! Weapon-R actually made this?!" b/c they're so used to seeing such terrible WR stuff.