borla replica header & exhaust

[snowboardr424]

Hey guys,

So i bought a new borla replica header (uel.) I went to go put it on along with 2 new oem o2 sensors this past weekend, didn't go so well. So i go to put it on only to have it not fit, it's probably a good 3/4 inch off if not more. I looked over on the rs25 site and a few of the guys said they had some trouble too. My concern was the block, a few of the studs came out, so when i was trying to bend the header to line it up, and screw the stud back in i didn't want to strip anything. Anyone have a replica, or similar issues with another header? I was thinking to throw a little heat on it and see if i can bend it a little easier?

Question 2: Looking for a cat-back (maybe just an axle-back.) I know people have successfully modded wrx/sti exhausts. What about the 93-01 impreza, or the outback sport? Anyone know if they fit better?

Thanks.

[rainieroutback]

Hey,

Sorry to hear it didn't go so well. I have a '97 outback 2.5L 5 spd. and the Borla knock off header I got fit perfectly so alas I probably can't be much help. I would just double check and make sure they sent you the right part before altering it. As for exhaust, I have been wondering the same thing about options for cat back set ups.

Again, sorry I don't have any great insight, good luck!

Rainier.

[snowboardr424]

I bought the header off a guy from nasioc...he had a 98 GT and sold the car before installing it. The header is new, i paid $175 shipped, so i couldn't turn it down. I had thought that any dual port N/A subaru header will fit a 2.2L or a 2.5L engine, so if he had a 98 that would make him a 2.5L.

[rainieroutback]

Hmm... I dunno. I was under the impression they were a little more specific, but I'm not sure exactly how I got that impression. I could be wrong.

Rainier.

[snowboardr424]

Bump, anyone else have any experience with after market headers/know more about subie exhaust compatibility?

[10thgroupvet]

Not sure about the header problem. But I'd ditch trying to mod a CAT Back system. I have a custom welded, aluminumized steel 2.5" CAT Back that my local performance exhaust shop built for under $400. That's with 2 stainless mufflers (if you can call them that) sticking out the back of my 08 Outback XT. Sure, a perfect stainless system will last longer than steel, but if mine rusts out, I can afford almost 2 other systems my shop built.

Don't always fall prey to catalogs. There are still technicians out there that can build things cheaper than the "photo op" products many of us believe are the only options.

[snowboardr424]

Thanks for the input. I got the header to mount up a few days ago. When I had both off the car i lined them up together and the holes lined up perfectly. However, when I went to install the replica, it definitely took some effort.

In reference to other exhausts, I was just looking for the cheapest route...i.e. used. I had been looking in the rs25 classified section and found an apexi n1 exhaust off a 4 door, but didn't know if it would fit. I will probably end up going to the local shop and help them make me an axle back.

Thanks guys!

[10thgroupvet]

Glad to hear you're going to a shop. But don't stop at the axle. Go all the wat to the CAT and dump the resonator. You'll love the sound. Not too loud, but you'll get the pops and blaps that make your car sound "unique".

[bheinz57]

When considering the diameter, anything over 2.25" is a waste of performance in my opinion for your 2.5 N/A

Brian

[snowboardr424]

Yeah, ideally I'd like to go full cat back, ****, ideally I'd like to be driving a rex, but money is always an issue. Actually, when I put on the header I had the muffler (axle back) off for like 2 days...it sounded awesome, just a tad too loud. So maybe come summer or something when i have a few more dollars. Unless I could find something used for cheap...