Ordered a Northwest Offroad (NWOR) header

I haven't come across a ton of info on the Northwest Offroad header other than, "it will give the most low end torque" and "their CS is crap". I would have rather do business with a company like LCE that has a good rep to deal with. But the LCE doesn't provide the power gains were I want them. I was certainly put off by the $550 price, but after sleeping on it for a few weeks, I bit the bullet. This seemed to be the best choice for me since my priority is low end gains and mpg.

I've had my 2000 Tacoma two months and have really enjoyed it. I see myself keeping for years to come and if this header does for me what a few other folks have said it's done for them it will be worth it to me. I plan to take a few photos when I get the header and document how the change in MPG and drivability. My before mileage is 20.8-21.0 mpg with 87 Chevron and 21.8 mpg with 89 Chevron. I'm hoping for 23 mpg with 87 Chevron.

Truck details are: 2000 SR5, 2.7, 4wd(auto hubs), 5 speed, 4:30 gears, 265/70r16 Toyo ATII. Everything else is stock other than deckplate mod.

 

I meen... at the end of the day you still have the 2.7....

What are you hoping for? 5 extra Horsepower for $500?

 

Exactly, the 2.7 is what I wanted. In fact, I had a hard time finding this 2.7/5 speed truck. I don't care about HP. Torque and gas mileage are my hopes. If my math is correct, the $400 difference between the OEM header and this Tri-Y LT header will easily be made up with in 3 years on gas savings alone if I gain 2-3 mpg. The bump in torque is a nice bonus.

 

Most people don't ever see any sort of MPG gain when they do headers or intakes, unless they are an extremely disciplined driver.

While they are technically more efficient, people generally like to take advantage of the extra noise... I mean power and push harder with their right foot, which completely negates any manufacturer's claim of increased mpg.

 

Gotch. I'm 45 years old and despite the fact that I purchased a high dollar header, I'm a bit of a tightwad. LOL I enjoy seeing how good of MPG I can get and I check it at every fill up.

 

Ha that's funny! You're a tightwad! I think most of us get tighter with our wads after 35? I try to get the biggest bang for my buck as well.

I've owned my truck for quite some time now and finally within the last few years have been able to start upgrading it. I never thought about doing anything to it until I moved to the country and made a wheeling friend. His addiction became mine as well. I enjoy the 2.7L, albeit it has small balls, it gets me to my destination. I mean with all I do with it I would like to have some more low torque to help with the wood hauling.

 

i'll certainly provide some sort of feedback on this header. Good, bad or just a plain waste of money. I was hoping for a small difference in my truck when I went from the cracked cast manifold to the OEM mini header. But I noticed no difference at all power wise. I will check my first mileage with the OEM header soon.

 

Got it in today. Looks very nice. Nice welds and pretty nice finish on the pipes. If im really being picky then there are some scuffs and imperfections in the tubing before it was chromed, but I'm impressed with pretty much everything else.

Unfortunately, the gasket I bought for the lower connection isn't right. The OD of the header is 2.375 and the ID of the gasket is 2.190". It's part number 90917-06057. Research showed me that this should be the correct one. Not sure what I'm going to do.

 

If I were you, I'd have it ceramic coated. If not, you'll see quickly that the chrome discolors and will rust over time.
I have the Doug Thorley from LCE. It's the only one I found that is CARB compliant in CA.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for suggestion Richie. I'm may regret not getting it coated, but I'm ready to get this thing put on.

I dove in tonight and had the oem manifold and front pipe off in about 45 minutes. I had treated all of the fasteners with Liquid Wrench ahead of time. Things were going great and the header dropped right in from the top but would get into position with loosening the driver side mtr mount and tipping the engine up just a bit. Header went into place then but now it's hitting the protrusion coming off the oil filter mounts to (pic below). It doesn't seem like the header will go all the way against the head due to hitting this inerference. Needless to say I'm not super impressed with the fitment so far. Not a happy camper. I'd like to know what this thing sticking out does.... considering cutting it off if it doesn't do anything.

 

The chrome and weld spatter would have been enough to make me send it back. IMO Doug Thorley has the better option at $308

 

There is actually very little splatter and I'm reasonably impressed with the quality of the welds. But my main objective is low end gains and mpg. I knew when I purchased this thing that NWOR has a crappy CS reputation. Getting them to do anything to resolve any issues is going to be last resort. Worst case, I send it back and have my CC dispute the charge but I don't want to do that because I've read enough good things about this header to believe that it will do what I want.

 

You need a shorty header. It will clear the 'obstruction' you posted.
I noticed your OEM header did not have the EGR provisions yet, the new does.

I'd return that header and purchase one that is specific to your vehicle.

 

Clearance the header with a dent and make a block-off plate for the emission bs.

 

That is an option but why not purchase the correct header to start with?

 

Because they only have one model.

 

True, but his truck came equipped with the shorty. The long tube header was meant for non-prerunner IIRC.
In CA, the cost of having the OEM header coated was more than purchasing the Thorley from LCE... that's what I went with.
To this day, no headaches.

 

I'd rather remove the oil drain and deal with a little bit more messy oil change. The protrusion turns out to be something that was added on in 2000 to help keep things cleaner when removing the oil filter. If I dent the pipe to clear the protrusion, then I will have to deal with chrome peeling. I guess you cant tell from my crappy photos but my truck has the EGR and this seems to be the correct header if the oil filter drain aid wasn't there.

Yep, this is the model that they sell and its supposed to be for 96-01 2.7 4wd.

I thought the DT only makes the shorty header. I do see that LCE makes a LT header and it looks super nice, but I'm hoping the extra $150 for the NWOR will be worth it for my priorities.

 

Here's a few more pics including a pic of the proper gasket for my non-Cali single cat 2.7.

 

I broke out the Sawzall this morning and cut off the oil filter drain thingy and the header dropped right in. I did have to bend the brake line a bit and scavenge up two longer bolts at the cat due to a thicker flange at the header. EGR was close and didn't require much persuasion.

Started it up and I was delighted to find that there is no noticeable difference in sound at idle or revving up to 2500rpm. I have video of before and after of the idle (at tailpipe) and revving (inside the cab).

I also did some redneck performance tests of 0-60 and also 20mph 2nd gear WOT. Gains were only marginal. So far I'm happy with quality and sound but not too impressed with any gains. Will see how it does driving up mountains and gas mileage.

Here are a few more pics that show the installed header. There is only about 3/8" clearance at the brake line (after bending) and at the frame. As it turns out the protrusion from the oil filter mount would have cleared but I probably would have had to remove it to get the header on. No regrets cutting it off..... yet.