Header and high Flow cat replacement

MobiusPrime · 05-22-2009, 07:21 AM

I will almost definitely be in the market for a header and high flow cat for my NA Solstice sometime in the very near future. my short list of vendors is Focus Tech and Solo, any input on choice or additional options would be greatly appreciated. Anyone who has purchased a header / highflow cat please provide your experience / suggestions.

Randy@ddmworks · 05-22-2009, 12:02 PM

Please take a look at these.

DDMWorks Solstice Products

The 4 into 1 design makes better overall power

Chemist · 05-22-2009, 12:09 PM

I _love_ my long tube headers and high flow cat from DDMWorks. They are great.

rdmcdaid07 · 05-22-2009, 03:59 PM

I must admit I am a SOLO advocate..... They are now building, selling and installing the second generation header.... Some had problems with the first design myself included. However, Solo took care of the issue immediately and without any questions. Customer service is actually CUSTOMER SERVICE.... The header, cat and exhaust system has been on my car for the past 12 months and I am extremely happy. Cheers Robert

Chemist · 05-22-2009, 04:17 PM

The guys at SOLO are fine folks indeed. Their product (short tube) is different than DDM's long tube model.

slusamson · 05-22-2009, 05:22 PM

Chemist,
What's the difference in the setups? I've considered changing my header and cat, but want to make sure everything fits with the solo mach exhaust I have...

Chemist · 05-22-2009, 06:44 PM

As I am made to understand, short tube headers are intended to help make maximum top end power, long tube headers to increase low end torque. If you already have the SOLO exhaust, I'd lean toward staying "in shop." You know you'll have no fitment issues that way.

The long tube headers will, to my knowledge, require that the O2 sensor be moved (extension cable needed) and the exhaust pipe be cut (shortened from stock length) to accommodate the longer tubes and collector.

Because I had originally replaced my stock header back in 2007 with the ClearImage shorty header (which was NOT compatible with the DDMWorks S/C), I just went DDM from block to tip (long tube header, high flow cat, stainless exhaust) when I had the S/C installed. I am unabashedly a DDMWorks proponent. I could not be more pleased with my purchases from them.

Now, I watched the gentlemen from SOLO do installs at the National meet in Nashville two summers ago and was quite impressed with them and with their products.

My bottom line on this is that you cannot go wrong either way. Two good companies, two good products, two different goals.

MobiusPrime · 05-23-2009, 07:28 AM

A follow up question: i have the Kappashere KS1 exhaust. I am still not sure which option is "better" the long or short header and will there be installation issues with either one. My dealer will be installing the header / cat, they installed the KS1 for me a few years ago. my Sol is not under warranty anymore so that is not a problem. The KS1 (without the CB pipe) installs a few feet after the cat so where the cat meets the exhaust is "stock". can i use either short or long without install issues? I still am not really understanding the "difference" between long and short. thanks for the responses. It looks like i will be choosing between DDM and SOLO.

Miner · 05-23-2009, 08:45 AM

I opted for SOLO SQ2 system with high flow cat and headers. The fitment was perfect and I installed the entire system myself with no problems.

Jeff and his crew at SOLO are the epitome of customer service, hands down. I cannot say enough good about them - even making themselves available via cellphone on a weekend to trouble shoot my install (there was no need as everything fit perfectly).

While I cannot speak to other systems or manufacturers, I say why mess with perfection?

LatinVenom · 05-23-2009, 09:56 AM

If you want better torque and more HP on a NA car, you MUST go with a long tube header.
The long tube header will outperform a short one every time.

MobiusPrime · 05-23-2009, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LatinVenom

If you want better torque and more HP on a NA car, you MUST go with a long tube header.
The long tube header will outperform a short one every time.

Thanks for the straightforward answer. Are there any installation snags i should be aware of if using the long tube?

slusamson · 05-23-2009, 08:17 PM

Thanks for the info! I may stick with SOLO on this one since I already have their cat-back exhaust.

RevmanII · 05-27-2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MobiusPrime

Thanks for the straightforward answer. Are there any installation snags i should be aware of if using the long tube?

Short tube, either Solo or Clear Image is a bolt in, as is their cats. The long tubes will require shortening the front of your catback. Personally, If I was planning on staying na, I would probably go with Clear Image shorties