Headers can increase your car’s horsepower, but the question is, how much of an increase can you expect?
In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of headers and explore how they can add horsepower to your car.
We’ll also discuss some of the factors that can affect the amount of horsepower you gain from headers. So, let’s get started and find out how much hp headers can add to your car!
How Much Hp Does Headers Add?
Headers can add anywhere from 5 to 40 horsepower, depending on the specific vehicle and the quality of the headers installed. The increased exhaust flow from headers can improve engine performance and efficiency.
How Much Hp Different Types Of Headers Can Add
Here we will show how much hp different types of headers can add to six different engines:
Small Block Chevy (SBC) 350:
Shorty headers:
Shorty headers can add up to 10-15 HP to an SBC 350 engine.
These headers are shorter in length than other types, making them ideal for vehicles with limited space.
They are also less expensive, with prices ranging from $100 to $400.
Mid-length headers:
Mid-length headers can add up to 15-20 HP to an SBC 350 engine.
These headers are longer than shorty headers but shorter than long-tube headers, making them a good compromise between performance and space constraints.
The cost of mid-length headers ranges from $200 to $600.
Long-tube headers:
Long-tube headers can add up to 25-30 HP to an SBC 350 engine. These headers are the longest of the three types, providing the most horsepower gains.
However, they require more space for installation and are more expensive than shorty and mid-length headers, ranging from $400 to $1,000.
Big Block Chevy (BBC) 454:
Shorty headers:
Shorty headers can add up to 10-15 HP to a BBC 454 engine.
These headers are shorter than long-tube headers and provide a decent performance upgrade at a lower cost.
The price of shorty headers ranges from $100 to $400.
Mid-length headers:
Mid-length headers can add up to 15-20 HP to a BBC 454 engine. These headers are longer than shorty headers and provide a better performance upgrade.
The cost of mid-length headers ranges from $200 to $600.
Long-tube headers:
Long-tube headers can add up to 25-30 HP to a BBC 454 engine.
These headers are the longest and provide the most significant performance upgrade, but they also require more space for installation and cost more than shorty and mid-length headers, ranging from $400 to $1,000.
Ford Mustang 5.0:
Shorty headers:
Shorty headers can add up to 10-15 HP to a Ford Mustang 5.0 engine.
These headers are shorter in length and offer a cost-effective performance upgrade. The price of shorty headers ranges from $200 to $600.
Mid-length headers:
Mid-length headers can add up to 15-20 HP to a Ford Mustang 5.0 engine.
These headers are longer than shorty headers and provide better performance gains. The cost of mid-length headers ranges from $300 to $800.
Long-tube headers:
Long-tube headers can add up to 25-30 HP to a Ford Mustang 5.0 engine.
These headers are the longest and provide the most significant performance upgrade, but they also require more space for installation and cost more than shorty and mid-length headers, ranging from $500 to $1,200.
Dodge Charger 5.7:
Shorty headers:
Shorty headers can add up to 10-15 HP to a Dodge Charger 5.7 engine.
These headers are shorter in length and offer a cost-effective performance upgrade. The price of shorty headers ranges from $200 to $600.
Mid-length headers:
Mid-length headers can add up to 15-20 HP to a Dodge Charger 5.7 engine.
These headers are longer than shorty headers and provide better performance gains. The cost of mid-length headers ranges from $300 to $800.
Long-tube headers:
Long-tube headers can add up to 25-30 HP to a Dodge Charger 5.7 engine.
These headers are the longest and provide the most significant performance upgrade, but they also require more space for installation and cost more than shorty and mid-length headers, ranging from $500 to $1,200.
Subaru WRX:
UEL headers:
Unequal length (UEL) headers can add up to 10-15 HP to a Subaru WRX engine.
These headers have uneven tube lengths, which can result in a unique exhaust note. The price of UEL headers ranges from $500 to $1,000.
EL headers:
Equal length (EL) headers can add up to 15-20 HP to a Subaru WRX engine.
These headers have equal tube lengths and are designed for maximum performance gains. The cost of EL headers ranges from $700 to $1,500.
Honda Civic:
Shorty headers:
Shorty headers can add up to 5-10 HP to a Honda Civic engine.
These headers are shorter in length and provide a modest performance upgrade at a lower cost. The price of shorty headers ranges from $100 to $300.
4-2-1 headers:
Four-two-one headers can add up to 10-15 HP to a Honda Civic engine.
These headers have a specific design that promotes higher exhaust velocity and improves performance. The cost of 4-2-1 headers ranges from $300 to $700.
Factors That Affect The Amount Of Horsepower Gained From Headers
Here we will discuss the main factors that affect the amount of horsepower gained from headers.
Engine Size
The size of your engine is a critical factor in determining how much horsepower you can expect to gain from headers.
As a general rule, the larger the engine, the more horsepower you can expect to gain.
This is because larger engines produce more exhaust gases, which means that there’s more potential for power gains through improved exhaust flow.
For example, a V8 engine is likely to see more significant horsepower gains from headers than a four-cylinder engine.
Header Design
The design of the headers can have a significant impact on the amount of horsepower gained.
Factors such as the length of the primary tubes, the diameter of the collector, and the shape of the merge collector can affect the performance of the engine.
For instance, long primary tubes can increase low-end torque, while short primary tubes can increase top-end horsepower.
Similarly, a larger collector diameter can increase the horsepower at high RPMs, while a smaller diameter can improve the low-end torque.
Header Material
The material used to construct the headers can also affect the amount of horsepower gained.
Headers are commonly made from materials such as stainless steel, mild steel, and ceramic-coated steel.
Stainless steel headers are durable and resistant to corrosion, but they are also more expensive.
Mild steel headers are affordable, but they may not last as long as stainless steel headers.
Ceramic-coated headers can provide better insulation and reduce heat buildup in the engine compartment, but they are also more expensive.
Exhaust System
The exhaust system plays a crucial role in determining the amount of horsepower gained from headers.
The headers must be matched with the correct exhaust system to achieve optimal performance.
The exhaust system should have a diameter that matches the headers to ensure that exhaust gases flow freely.
A restrictive exhaust system can limit the horsepower gains from the headers.
Engine Tuning
Proper engine tuning is essential to maximize the horsepower gains from headers. The engine must be tuned to match the new airflow provided by the headers.
This involves adjusting the fuel delivery, ignition timing, and air/fuel ratio. Failure to tune the engine correctly can result in poor performance and even engine damage.
How To Choose The Right Headers To Get Maximum Hp For Your Vehicle?
Here we will explore the steps you need to take to choose the right headers for your vehicle.
Step 1: Determine Your Engine’s Needs
The first step in choosing the right headers for your vehicle is to determine your engine’s needs.
Headers are designed to work with specific engines, so you need to know what type of engine your vehicle has.
If you have a small engine, you may need shorty headers, while larger engines may require long-tube headers.
Step 2: Consider Your Driving Style
Your driving style can also influence the type of headers you need.
If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or drive in heavy traffic, you may need headers that provide better low-end torque.
On the other hand, if you do a lot of high-speed driving or racing, you may need headers that provide better top-end power.
Step 3: Research Header Materials
Headers are made from a variety of materials, including steel, stainless steel, and ceramic-coated steel.
Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, so you need to do your research to determine which one is best for your vehicle.
Stainless steel headers are durable and resist corrosion, while ceramic-coated headers can provide better thermal insulation.
Step 4: Consider Brand Reputation
Choosing the right brand of headers is just as important as choosing the right type of headers.
You want to choose a brand that has a good reputation for producing high-quality headers that perform well.
Look for reviews online and ask other car enthusiasts for their recommendations.
Step 5: Consult with an Expert
If you are unsure about which headers to choose, it may be helpful to consult with an expert.
A mechanic or performance shop can help you choose the right headers for your vehicle based on your specific needs and budget.
The Benefits of Upgrading to High-Performance Headers
Here are the benefits of upgrading to high-performance headers:
Improved exhaust flow
Upgrading to high-performance headers can improve exhaust flow, leading to increased horsepower and torque.
Better engine sound
Headers can improve engine sound and provide a more aggressive exhaust note.
Increased durability
High-performance headers are typically made from higher quality materials than stock headers, which can increase durability and longevity.
Reduced engine heat and backpressure
Headers can reduce engine heat and improve overall engine performance by reducing backpressure.
Cost-effective performance upgrade
Upgrading to high-performance headers can be a cost-effective way to improve your vehicle’s performance without making major engine modifications.
FAQs
What Are Headers In A Car Engine?
Headers are the first component in the exhaust system of a car’s engine, located between the engine block and the exhaust pipes.
How Much Horsepower Do Headers Add To An Engine?
Headers can add anywhere from 5 to 20 horsepower to an engine, depending on the type of headers and the specific engine they are installed on.
What Are The Benefits Of Installing Headers On An Engine?
Headers can improve exhaust flow, increase horsepower and torque, and provide a more aggressive exhaust note.
They can also improve fuel efficiency and reduce engine heat.
What Types Of Headers Are Available For Engines?
There are two main types of headers: short tube headers and long tube headers.
Short tube headers provide better low-end power, while long tube headers offer better high-end power.
Can Headers Be Installed On Any Engine?
Headers can be installed on most engines, but compatibility may vary depending on the specific make and model of the engine and the headers.
What Are Some Things To Consider When Choosing Headers For An Engine?
When choosing headers for an engine, it’s important to consider factors such as the engine’s power output, the type of driving the car will be used for, and the specific make and model of the engine.
Is it necessary to tune an engine after installing headers?
While it’s not always necessary to tune an engine after installing headers, it can help optimize the engine’s performance and ensure the best possible results from the header installation.
Conclusion
Installing headers on your vehicle can significantly increase its horsepower.
The exact amount of horsepower gained can vary depending on several factors such as the type of headers, engine size, and the overall condition of your car.
However, on average, headers can add anywhere from 5 to 20 horsepower to your engine.
If you’re looking to increase the power and performance of your vehicle, installing headers is a cost-effective way to do so.
Just be sure to choose the right headers for your specific make and model, and have them installed by a qualified mechanic.
