American Racing Headers - Gains/Experience?

[ViperTony]

So, I'm embarking on an engine build later this year. Thinking about installing American Racing headers. I've had no issues with my Belangers. I keep hearing great things about ARH so I'm starting to look into them. But at almost $3,000 for headers/cats....I'd like to know what the actual gains are. That price is not much less than my Greg Good heads which produced a shit ton of HP on my setup. I don't expect 140hp gain from the AR headers. And, as I understand it, Jet Hot coasting is extra.

The question is: Who has installed ARH on their Gen2 and can you provide dyno charts to show how they've impacted your HP/TQ curve? Does anyone has a before/after dyno chart? Sure peak hp/tq is good to see but I'd like to see the entire curve. I cannot find any documentation on gains from these headers so I'd like to hear from my fellow Viper owners.

Persuade me.

[Sybil TF]

Go with the M&M's !!!!

[RT SERPENT]

I second that.
M&M's all the way!

[Goatman]

Just a question, why would you buy American racing headers if you already have Belangers?

[ViperTony]

Just a question, why would you buy American racing headers if you already have Belangers?

I'm not buying, I'm considering. I heard they are the holy grail when it comes to HP/TQ gains. People have told me they're so much better than Belangers or M&Ms that I need to look into it. The 5 into 1 design produces more power, etc. Problem is I can't find any data to back up those claims.

And for reference, the Belangers and M&M's are a similar design. M&M has thicker flanges. While I certainly would buy M&M headers I'd essentially be buying a "Belanger" for all intent and purposes. My belanger headers were custom made by Lou so going to M&M would be a downgrade for me.

So getting back on point: If anyone who has actually installed American Racing Headers would like to share their experience with them it would be appreciated. Dyno charts would be appreciated!

[Goatman]

Thanks for the info. Subscribed.

[99RT10]

Actually the best flowing headers have always been 5-1 headers. Specifically SVS headers. The 1 1/2- 1 5/8" headers flowed the best. I personally have TNT 1 3/4" headers. Work great. B&B or HMS 5-1 will do great too. If you want to go big, B&B will make a custom set of 1 7/8" headers for a little over $2000.

The biggest problem with the Balengers headers for high HP cars has always been the pickle. Cut it out and you gain more top end power.

[ViperTony]

Actually the best flowing headers have always been 5-1 headers. Specifically SVS headers. The 1 1/2- 1 5/8" headers flowed the best. I personally have TNT 1 3/4" headers. Work great. B&B or HMS 5-1 will do great too. If you want to go big, B&B will make a custom set of 1 7/8" headers for a little over $2000.

The biggest problem with the Belangers headers for high HP cars has always been the pickle. Cut it out and you gain more top end power.

I'm looking for a comparison between the ARH 5-1 vs. Belanger Tri-Y design. I'm staying NA so not worried about high hp/boost, etc. As for the pickle, I had Lou design my Belangers with a tiny pickle, let's just call it a baby Gerhkin pickle.

You know where my engine is going this Fall so I'm thinking of trying something different, if it makes sense.

[slitherv10]

Actually the best flowing headers have always been 5-1 headers. Specifically SVS headers. The 1 1/2- 1 5/8" headers flowed the best. I personally have TNT 1 3/4" headers. Work great. B&B or HMS 5-1 will do great too. If you want to go big, B&B will make a custom set of 1 7/8" headers for a little over $2000.

The biggest problem with the Balengers headers for high HP cars has always been the pickle. Cut it out and you gain more top end power.

What is the pickle there for anyways? Will it affect the performance in any other way other than a positive one?

[99RT10]

What is the pickle there for anyways? Will it affect the performance in any other way other than a positive one?

It's designed to add mid-range torque. But if the car is putting out a bunch of HP, the pickle becomes a restriction at RPMs over 4500.

[plumcrazy]

yeah, huge difference in the 4-5 rwhp....so not worth the time, money and effort. stick with what ya got.