SSIs vs. Headers, difference? Options

[DanT]

I currently have a stock 2.0L with SSIs and Bursch with Turbo muffler.
With the engine in stock trim will I find any noticeable power differences with Kerry Hunter headers or similar.
Is a bone stock 2.0L going to see any appreciable increases in power by changing exhaust.
If I do go to headers, will changing to a less restrictive aircleaner help power.
I thought I had read somewhere that headers on a stock engine actually reduce power at certain rpms.

All right have at it. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/confused24.gif)

[dmenche914]

The stainless heat exchangers are better flowing than stock as i recall they have a larger inside diameter, they also weigh considerably less. The Bursch exahust system is well liked by many 914 owners, it is a nice set up.

I do not have direct experiens with aftermarket headers, however usually changes in the exhuast or intake manifold will alter the torque curve to some degree. I suggest that you contact High Peformance House(HPH) and ask what they have and how it will effect your engine. Rich at HPH is very knowledgeable, and won't sell you junk, nor parts you don't really need, so go ask them.

Many times, with different exhausts, the cars sound is changed, a more racy exhaust tone will sometimes give the driver the impression of a big power increase, when in actuallity none may exist, so be aware of that.

You seem to have a pretty good exhaust system now, and i doubt you will have much gain if any if you change nothing else. The Bursch has a pleasant racy sound to it already.

putting an extentsion on the air cleaner intake "horn" to take cooler air from higher up in the engine bay was reported to improve engine performance, I read that on this web site some time ago, and it makes sense as cooler intake air will be denser, and thus will improve performance, noticable, well probebly not in day to day mellow driving, but maybe noticable if you race it around a bit. Many cars have cool air intake extension, regardless of make or model. this should be a cheap and easy thing to try out, use some of the aluminum flex hose (like the heater blower hose, found at many VW stores) and hose clamp it to the intake horn, and secure the other end up high in the engine bay near the grill, this will allow cooler air to enter the engine.

With out other modifications, such as bigger valves, porting, (which would likely require removal of the stock FI system) you probably won't see much increase just by adding headers.

Is your 2 liter a early or late one? high compression of low compression pistons?

There is only so much you can do to improve the exhaust before other things limit further power improvements. those other things tend to cost bucks. you already have an upgrade with the stainless heat exchangers, and Bursch. I do not know if you will gain very much more by only adding headers, the gain is likely not worth the expense (and loss of the heater ) But go ahead and build your self a cool air inlet, cost is a few bucks, and you should in theory gain some power from that.

Go much further, and some serious engine mods are required.

Generally a freeer flowing exhaust will make the peak torque at a higher rpm. Depending on the gearing,a nd type of driving you do, this may or may not be benificial

others please chime in on this, as I am not an expert on this subject, (Thats why i suggest you talk with Rich at HPH)

best of luck