2.7 header decisions

Yup you guessed it iv got another older taco that has the junky cast manifold and its cracked. What's my options here for headers I'm trying to not go over 200 bucks. Right now iv narrowed it down to either a pacesetter or a mini header off of a newer taco. Would like some input on anyone that has run the pacesetter or mini header. Thanks.

 

So am I better off with the mini

 

Go with the mini header for ease of installation and price. But personally I would choose the LCE header...

 

absolutely, and its made of very thick walled tubing that will last you forever.

the performance is just as good as any aftermarket you could buy and they can be found at any salvage yard for next to nothing.

look for 2002-2004 trucks

 

I don't know about that, long tube headers and short tube collection headers are different beasts. But yeah it is a pretty good option given the price.

 

well yes you are right, sometimes I dont fully explain my viewpoint behind statements like that. there is a little give and take with performance there but im looking at the overall picture in that I assume its for a daily driver application and the added benefit that the stock header is also legal while "almost any" option for aftermarket headers I see say they will not be DOT approved as legal because of no provisions for o2 sensors and stuff. for many this isn't an issue but it could be if emissions in your state are strict.

overall there is just a small difference in performance that is really only noticed on paper or at the track for the most part.

if dyno testing and racing is in mind aftermarket is better but for a daily driver its better to go with stock mini header.

 

The only state I know of that checks your exhaust equipment other than a sniffer test (which anyone would pass if their vehicle is running properly) is California (lived there, it blows for vehicle enthusiasts), in which case many aftermarket options are not legal. The LCE header for example is CARB legal for Tacomas up to 1999. After that they changed the catalyst layout and to fit the header you'd have to remove a cat or modify other emissions equipment. That particular header also includes a bung for the upstream O2 sensor. I made sure to present an option that is completely legal. Most aftermarket headers (excluding homebuilt stuff) are going to be at least 49 state legal and have proper DOT approval considering 49 state legal is a pretty easy standard for a company to meet (unlike CARB). Most headers don't replace the downpipe (the LCE does) and so they wouldn't even mess with the O2 sensor or cat function thus keeping emissions in check.

I've been researching headers for a while, they aren't black-market stuff. Some companies opt to delete the EGR and some opt to delete the downpipe but they let you know that and the legal ramifications if there are any. Please don't take offense to my response, I just don't want OP or other readers down the line to get the wrong idea about something simple and generally safe.

 

No to the Pacesetter. I've gone through two of them. Was looking at the LCE but really tired of the header changes. May just go back with the "improved" 2002-2004 factory replacement manifold.

 

that's good info, thanks

I looked at headers but they all were saying on the websites "not legal for street use in some states" and "no provision for o2 sensors" so I went stock but I would have anyway after seeing how heavy duty the stock one was and side by side its bent the same as aftermarket headers so I cant see any negative to the stock one at all. not to mention the decision to delete or drill and weld on o2 sensor fittings.

 

So what's the consensus here? LCE or Toyota made mini?

 

You are generally correct. Basically anything emissions, fuel/air, or engine management related on your car has to be CARB certified before it is allowed for sale or registration in the state. Likewise, anything that modifies or replaces anything emissions, fuel/air, or engine management related on your car must have a DOT number and CARB e-number registered with the CARB in Sacramento. So all those rice cars with stand alone's like Motec or piggy back ECUs, none of that is legal. Those aftermarket cats your getting at the Mexitire shop, not legal. In fact it is illegal to have a used catalytic on your car thats not sold from a licensed dealer. These cars survive because the owners have a cousin or homie that works at a shop.

Now plenty of this goes on. What allows this is that every Smog Check station and STAR repair facility are independent operators not connected to the state. Part of our pre-inspection checklist now includes getting under the car, or at least using a mirror to confirm that there is a CARB number on the catalytic if it is post factory installed. As well we are supposed to do visual inspections of all the vacuum lines and such, and automatically fail you if there is ANYTHING non OEM under the hood that you do not have documentation that shows it is CARB certified.

There is a reason young smog techs dont last long, because they will never make these checks, and sooner or later, a undercover inspector will come in with a sick ass modded Camaro and see if the tech checks anything.

When it comes down to it. Most technicians will only check that your EGR and O2 sensors are in the right place when it comes to headers. Just dont argue if they make a fuss, take it down the road to the next spot.

 

I've run the pace setter in mine for 10 years now. At a certain point you need to weld the up pipe to the headers, other than that they are still going.

 

What is it exactly that failed on them?

 

I would go with LCE. They will give you the most usable power gains.

 

The cheap bracket that holds the up pipe to the header sucks. I would just weld it from the beginning.

 

Welding your cast iron manifold isn't really a bad idea either. Adding flow to the 2.7 doesn't really do much for power gains. It's louder, but not better. I actually ditched my 2.5" exhaust and put the OEM back on. The best way to get power back after larger tires is gears.

 

Biggest issue with 2.7 added flow is there isn't a way to tune the ecu easily. My WRX has cobb accessport to reflash ecu. I know LCE has really expensive options to add power to the 2.7, but I don't think they are worth it. I really wanted a turbo 2.7 until I started tuning my WRX and really learned about Turbos.

 

Larger diameter pipes will reduce gas velocity, which will in turn result in loss of power. The pipe needs to be big enough to get the most amount of gas out as fast as it can.

Ice header will keep gas velocity up or increase. The long tube equal length design allows the exhaust pulses to fall right behind eachother, giveing you a steady flow of exhaust.

Will it give you a ton of power? No. But you should be able to feel it. The lce header will lower your peak torque from.

 

I would say if your not using a turbo or SC then go with the stock mini header, the LCE is pricey and only really benefits you if you are doing other things to boost performance like SC or turbo

 

Depends on what you are looking for out of this 'opportunity'.

If you are looking for a high quality, low cost repair that will last as long as you have the truck, and might breathe a bit better, the newer OE unit.

If you are looking for a quality aftermarket it would appear LCE has the edge. But you will spend more money, with minimal gain. When considering performance changes, I always like to consider the net $/HP gained. Bolt ons on these vehicles are come at a pretty high number. And even if there is a reasonable gain (5-10hp?), the vehicle is still gonna be slow.