GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

if I were to install (providing it's available) a header after the sc mod, do you guys think that I can get more HP? What about using the 2zz manifold with the base engine? I've read in previous threads that this is better than the headers.

I talked with my good friend, an ASE certified machanic, whom I work with in the evenings at Don's Hot Rods, about the new SC. I asked about what other mods to do to get max performance after installing the SC. He said not to install the SC without an exhaust upgrade. He said that without a high flow exhaust it does no good to force more air into an engine that it can't get back out of. Made sence to me.

This is very good advice. On a natrually aspirated engine you want and also need some back pressure. A smaller rather than larger exhaust diameter pipe will keep velosity high helping to actually pull the exhaust gases out of the combustion chamber increasing performance. You have to find the right size to get the best performnace. To big and you lose all your low end torque. To small and you lose alot of upper RPM HP.On a forced inducted vehicle bigger is better. Reason being the turbo or supercharger is pushing the exhaust out. You don't want the engine to have to work harder to push exhaust through a stock size exhaust pipe. A 3" exhaust from the manifold all the way out the back is a great size to go with. You'll need to replace the Cat with a high flow unit. I recommend aXtreme Flow Catalytic Converter just because I have had great success with this cat.There are a few headers that you could use. aftermarketsuperstore.com has one available that would work but it ended up hurting performance on a NA Vibes and Matrixs. TRD has a header out also.I personally am just going to have my exhaust manifold bored by a machine shop. This shouldn't cost more than $75 to $100 because it doesn't have to be polished and look nice. All they will be doing is increasing the inner diameter of the exhaust ports in the manifold which in turn increases the stock manifolds flow rate. The 1ZZ and 2ZZ stock exhaust manifold are so well designed you can do this and save yourself alot of money since you wont need to spend $350 on a header that might actually hurt the performance of the vehicle.This is up to the owner but I would header wrap the exhaust manifold back to the cat. You could wrap the cat also but I have heard this might actually melt the cat. You want to keep under hood temps as low as possable and also the hotter the exhaust stays through out the exhaust system the easier it is for the engine to push it out.Once the exhaust starts to cool right when it hits the exhaust manifold it becomes more dense and takes up more space in the exhaust system making the engine work harder to get it out the tailpipe. I have seen exhaust systems wrapped from the manifold all the way back to the muffler! This would be kinda expensive since header wrap isn't cheap but it really helps keep the exhaust temp up and keeps the engine from working as hard.

Upgrading the exhaust makes sense. As shown below, the S/C is using the stock intake plumbing as well. Why wouldn't they include a CAI with the kit? Does it Matter? Thanks.

quote: As shown below, the S/C is using the stock intake plumbing as well. Why wouldn't they include a CAI with the kit? Does it Matter? Thanks.GM wants to keep the overall package cost down. I was wondering if an AEM or Injen will even fit after the SC is installed?! Probly not, so I may have to pull a Derek and make a home-made CAI.

Ya you might have to make your own. It's not that hard people. Plus it would sound so dang good.