[ECSofVirginia]

I've experienced doubt once or twice when recommending to replace headers due to failure and the consequences that follow not doing so. I've got a '98 355 with about 15k on the odometer in here getting a header replaced right now. I figured it was a good time to share why this is important to the car's health.

I'd also like to use this as an example of what a waste of time it is to heat wrap and ceramic coat cheap metal. Some seem to think it's just as effective to use inexpensive low grade stainless or plain steel and then cover it up...WRONG!

You'll see here that these headers are built with thin, low grade metal and all the fiberglass insulation and stainless jackets have done is trap enough heat to literally melt down the tubing until it collapses and burns through.

The stock headers have a good design and make great power but unfortunately weren't made from materials capable of standing up under the conditions. For this car, the client opted for the less expensive rebuilt header replacements which I got from Ricambi. In a perfect world an upgraded header like Tubi, X-OST Maranello, Fabspeed or a custom header made from 321 would be used.

[Killer58]

Holy cow Josh, that had to get HOT. Are you sure there isn't something else going on besides thin metal?

[ECSofVirginia]

I haven't run any Lambda or EGT tests yet, there wasn't much point with pipe failures like this. Once I get it back together and allow the ECU to re-adjust I'll check things out.

Unfortunately this is a common failure for the 355's and in my experience it's an issue that seems to be a cause as opposed to being a result. Generally the pipes fail, the car runs excessively rich and breaks down the catalytic which gets sucked into the engine or the raw fuel washes out the rings and causes low compression.

[KKRace]

I've seen a lot of guys ruin headers by putting that heat tape on them. If you have to use it to protect a starter motor or something only use it where you need it and leave the rest open.

[ECSofVirginia]

Absolutely, guys don't realize that heat retention is a large part of the pipe's purpose and limitation. Header tape works well, so well that it holds more heat against the pipe that it is able to tolerate. The only way to actually improve the situation is to use heavier gauge and high quality metal, at least 304 stainless if not 321.

[Brian]

Unmitigated garbage.


Ferrari knew it and as long as the cars got out of warranty they didn't care. They have redifined headers as a consumable as a defense.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by KKRace

I've seen a lot of guys ruin headers by putting that heat tape on them. If you have to use it to protect a starter motor or something only use it where you need it and leave the rest open.

Due to the packaging of many Ferrari's header insulation is a must.

[ECSofVirginia]

It's amazing just how poor quality the material for these really is. The quality of headers on modern German cars, which is tubular to mount the catalyst to is worlds beyond this. Far less expensive cars with far less tuned exhaust systems...won't ever decay like this.

[355dreamer]

Originally Posted by Brian

Due to the packaging of many Ferrari's header insulation is a must.

Brian,

What aftermarket headers do you recommend. I once saw a set of QV at Competizione, and was apaled by the quality of the reconstruction. I'd like to do Tubi, but I'd also like to find them for about half the price.

[ECSofVirginia]

The best options would be a set of Fabspeed headers made from 304 stainless for $3,000, wrapped in custom inconel heat shields which are about $1,200 or custom headers made in 321 which would be about $3,500 and for $1,200 you get the custom inconel heat shields.

The first option gives you a product reasonably comparable to the Tubi for a few grand less, the second option give you a seriously upgraded product for still less than the Tubi/X-OST/OEM options.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by 355dreamer

Brian,

What aftermarket headers do you recommend. I once saw a set of QV at Competizione, and was apaled by the quality of the reconstruction. I'd like to do Tubi, but I'd also like to find them for about half the price.

Really, really don't care for the hotrodder look myself, not on a Ferrari. Looks very out of place to me. I only install Tubi.

I am also a IAC/PFA Senior Judge and am going to write a request for a concours rule change to accept aftermarket headers as long as they are a reasonable facsimle of OE. Tubi would pass that requirement.

[bst1]

Originally Posted by Brian

Really, really don't care for the hotrodder look myself, not on a Ferrari. Looks very out of place to me. I only install Tubi.

I am also a IAC/PFA Senior Judge and am going to write a request for a concours rule change to accept aftermarket headers as long as they are a reasonable facsimle of OE. Tubi would pass that requirement.

I love my Tubi Headers, but they were $7k! They do look OEM with their heatshields, and SHOULD be acceptable for concours judging IMHO. Maybe ask for HyperflowCats to be acceptable too, since they can hardly be seen, and are a million times better than the POS ceramics that came on the car!

[barcheta]

Originally Posted by Brian

Really, really don't care for the hotrodder look myself, not on a Ferrari. Looks very out of place to me. I only install Tubi.

I am also a IAC/PFA Senior Judge and am going to write a request for a concours rule change to accept aftermarket headers as long as they are a reasonable facsimle of OE. Tubi would pass that requirement.

Interesting. Perhaps they could fall under the guidelines of safety equipment?