borla replica header & exhaust

[Mercdude63]

Okay, I just installed a replica header. I have some advice since I had to take on/off a few times due to 02 sensor stuff for anyone else who is looking. It takes about 50' of wrap to cover the header and you should do this prior to install. Attach the header first, tightening the head flanges. Remove the center bolt that holds the exhaust onto the transmission and maybe even loosen the bolts that hold the back pipe (muffler) section together. At that point you can move the cat and mid pipe around quite a bit to ensure a good mate between the two collector flanges. Then tighten everything else back up: essentially, tighten the exhaust from front to back. I ended up with a perfect flange mating at the collector (no leaks) but the center bolt wont line up and the rear exhaust connects just fine. No problem because the center bolt didn't really do anything once the exhaust is bolted up, but maybe I can get it to work.....

Hope this helps for any future people.

[Shemmy]

The Borla headers are nice, and they have a decent sound to them. On my old 97, I had Borla headers paired with a Stromung track pipe (they also make a high-flow cat), centre pipe, and a Jujitsubo Legalis muffler. Talk about loud! I strongly recommend Stromung products, as they have historically done well for the older EJ25 engines.

[Mercdude63]

Just an update on the install after a few thousand miles:

I have a CA car and still no CEL. Finally the exhaust wrap burnt smell is disappearing.

The noise level of a UEL borla replica install: Personally I didn't want any more sound (done that on some old ford V8s and have subsequent hearing loss) but wanted the extra power and MPG from the UEL. I'd say there is a 10-15% increase in engine noise on acceleration but none at constant RPM; at exhaust tip there's about 10-15% increase but a distinct increase in exhaust pulse note (ala boxer sound). I even had a "quiet" hedman turbo installed and there's really no difference between that and stock since I left the resonator. I'd highly recommend this combo for those who want the power and mileage increase without increased discomfort of resonation/noise.

Oh, since UEL replica install I've clocked about 30-40miles more per tank driving the same... good power AND mileage increase!

[spartan]

Good info, thanks for the update.

[skisnipe7]

Hey guys, I've been looking around for a Borla Replica Header for my 99 outback and can't find crap except headers for Imprezas and such. Can anyone point me in the right direction please? It would be much appreciated!

[ejvtec]

the header everyone is talking about (i have as well..) is the borla replica one on ebay meant for imprezas..i also have a 1999 outback and it bolts right on..the impreza 2.5rs and the legacys with the 2.5l motor use the same exhaust manifold.

edit: today i installed my ebay header, and although the flanges didnt fit perfectly (i had to stretch them about 1/2 an inch), the rest of the system bolted right in, and improved everything about the car..i even fixed an annoying exhaust leak i had on the passenger side head!! still not quite as loud as i would like, but i still have the stock axleback, so i didnt really expect that much sound..

by the way, mine came from an ebay seller named miragepower2008..

[rainieroutback]

Mine came from ebay as well. It was a gift so I can't be sure exactly which one it is, but it bolted right on to my '97 Outback and I would bet it's the same one ejvtec is talking about.

[snowboardr424]

When I got mine I believe it was for a 97-99 DOHC. I had no problem, it took a little finess but it fit. 00-04 was SOHC correct? I'm not sure if the two generations have the same oil pan..