Well, today my 4 cylinder came off the jackstands after getting a set of Tangerine Racing Headers installed by none other than Mr. North Bay 914, Martin Baker.
Thanks Martin... Seems I say that a lot...
Anyway, my first impression is that the car revs easier, pulls harder, idles better, and all around runs great with them. A feature I didn't expect is that they are relatively quiet... Louder yes, but gone is that VW sound. Very nice.
A couple of cautions for people planning this project: First of all, plan to protect your starter and its wiring. We melted down the battery positive cable about 4 inches from the starter. Probably not a design flaw on Chris Foley's part. My car has a Hi Torque aftermarket starter and the position of the wires is different than the stock starter. Second, watch your driver side e-brake cable. You can toast this as well. It is possible to wire tie it up away from the header. Third, watch your speedometer cable and clutch cable. I covered mine with a heat shield wrap over the foot or so that they travel an inch or so from the header.
I expect Mr. Baker will chime in with his comments as he turned the wrenches for this job. I sat in the bench racing chairs just outside the garage and chased tools.
My hats off to Chris Foley for a truely quality 914 product.
And as always, my hats off to Martin Baker for his expertise. A true friend.
Honorable Mention goes to Alison Baker for lending me Martin for a few hours...