SoS headers + Taitec GTLW Install

[clarknm]

After installing/removing headers on my TL 6 times, I figured I would be good to go on the NSX. Wow, how wrong I was. I hit the estimated 10 hours with a few short breaks and a good dinner break. I love this car, but easy to work on it is not . Anyway, after removing this that and the other parts I managed to fanagle the factory stuff off (those front bank bolts are HARD to reach, worse when you install). Needless to say, after 10 hours underneath my car in my garage, I am very sore today.

Enough of that, I'm very happy with the quality of the parts, the header fitment was better than the comptech's on my TL-S. Everything went relatively smoothly; though that front beam didn't want to come off at all. First start-up after the install was wild..sounds awesome when it starts. I am actually surprised by how loud the GTLWs are, a little too loud (almost fart can loud, I need to hear it on a drive by though to make final judgement). I'm thinking about installing the silencers, but I don't want to lose all the HP gains by restricting air flow.

Anyway, just thought I would share my install story and first impressions. I was going to use the garage/lift on Lackland AFB but they get pretty anal about you getting done before they close and I was right to assume full length for install time .

 

[SilverStone05]

good job with the install...i'm on the fence now regarding the GTLW and the ARK DT-S....what do you think about the GTLW after driving?

 

[clarknm]

what do you think about the GTLW after driving?

I think it's toned down some, plus I've gotten used to it. I like it a lot now, at times it still seems too loud but for the most part it sounds sweet

 

[4AU4LIFE]

So the header install was a bear huh?
I don't have a lift but do have air tools and jack stands. Would it be something that I could tackle in garage or is a lift ideal?

 

[Hugh]

My GTLW was very loud when new. After a few hundred miles she calms down to a very nice deep growl that you'll absolutely love.

 

[clarknm]

I did it without a lift so anyone should be able to . I couldn't get my jacks under the car so I bought some ramps. Everything except the front headers are pretty easy to access, but there is a lot of stuff that needs to come off the car to get to them.

 

[4AU4LIFE]

Did they come with instructions?

 

[clarknm]

The headers came with instructions, I still used some I found on this site (in the FAQ I think) though. I don't think the exhaust came with any, but it was pretty easy to install.

 

[Simons2k]

How would you rate the performance of the SOS headers?

 

[clarknm]

How would you rate the performance of the SOS headers?

No basis for performance comparision, the quality/fitment was top notch though. Never had her on a Dyno so I can't say really.

 

[Simons2k]

No basis for performance comparision, the quality/fitment was top notch though. Never had her on a Dyno so I can't say really.

What does the "butt" dyno say? Can you feel the difference? I'm looking to get these headers to go with my Taitec GTLW.

 

[Meeyatch1]

I have started looking at the Taitec headers and the S.O.S. headers but am unsure of the power and quality advantages of each.

 

[clarknm]

I wish I could help you guys out more, my butt dyno is worthless. I saw a lot of dynos for TL headers and they all gave pretty much the same gains. One thing to note is that SoS headers are equal length, so they are a step above normal headers. Maybe SoS themselves have dyno data available..

 

[Meeyatch1]

It is tough to tell which headers to go with since the S.O.S. header and the Taitec are a couple hundred bucks apart, but I cannot fine which gives the best power and quality. Someone on here has to know!! Anyone with the Taitec headers on here??