Headers XR8 111

BillC · 06-03-2008, 02:14 PM

Just after I got my XR 8 I looked into getting extractors. I received a lot of conflicting advice from Tickford extractors are pretty good as they are don't replace them to ours are the best you should fit them. I had a look at the tickford ones the other day and noticed crimps in the pipe and thought they seemed a little thin. So I thought I would ask you guys your thoughts on the matter. AU XR8 series three remember. Is it worth the money or not. I already have 3 inch cat back exhaust fitted.

xr8ute · 06-03-2008, 04:42 PM

IMO, they are pretty decent....probably not the first thing you would want to change.

What sort of mods have you got already?

BlacklistedXR · 06-03-2008, 05:08 PM

the tickford ones arent too bad. putting on some good extractors depends on what modifications you have got. it wouldn't be worth it if you have only got minor mods. i would personally put on some descent extractors just before you get it tuned.

BillC · 06-03-2008, 05:13 PM

I have the ss cold air intake snorkel, K&N air filter, 3 inch cat back exhaust and a shift kit. I have also put in the fitch tablets after seeing the report on current affair but am unsure of there value after seeing the NRMA report just recently.

**Peuty** · 06-03-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillC

I have also put in the fitch tablets after seeing the report on current affair but am unsure of there value after seeing the NRMA report just recently.

Elaborate??

BillC · 06-03-2008, 05:45 PM

A while ago on current affair (3, 4 or maybe 5 years ago) they did an a show on fuel additives, hiclones and other devices that were supposed to improve fuel economy and power. Out of everything that was tested (on a dyno) only one of the fuel additives and the Fitch Converter showed any improvements. On this basis I had one installed on my XR (I recall it was about $200). I must admit that my DTE did improve after only one week of haveing it installed. Just recently I heard on the news that NRMA did some similar tests and Fitch were one of the few who put their product for testing. NRMA found no improvements from the Fitch converter from their tests.

fordAU · 06-03-2008, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillC

Just after I got my XR 8 I looked into getting extractors. I received a lot of conflicting advice from Tickford extractors are pretty good as they are don't replace them to ours are the best you should fit them.

I admit I was a bit sceptical about any major gains with aftermarket headers over the tickford ones but decided to go with Pacemakers, I like the quality of their product and all bends are mandrel.

With an aftermarket exhaust plus headers the gains were substantial. I went with tri-y's but also very good reports with the 4-1's, either way with a good flowing exhaust you wont be disappointed.

The gains were all over, the increase in torque through the rev range is very good, on a dyno I gained 33rwhp over the stock system.
I appreciate that a Dyno is only a tuning tool but it gave me some figures of the gains, there was no doubt on the bum meter, thats on a manual so for me it was worth while.

Good luck with it and if you go with headers post up the results.

JC · 06-03-2008, 11:55 PM

IIRC, HM Headers made the series 3 XR8 headers. I'm 80% sure they are the same headers fitted to the T3s, too, and most of those guys go with Liverpool Exhausts Hurricane headers. The Pacemaker comps work well with series 2s, and should work just as well with series 3s.

BillC · 07-03-2008, 11:00 AM

OK, so most of you think going aftermarket headers is a good thing. And it sounds like Pacemakers might be the go. Should i go with the 4 into 1's or the tri Y's ? How much should I pay to have a set installed ?

xr8ute · 07-03-2008, 12:28 PM

Ive got the Pacemaker comps on my AU1, and the quality of the finish on them was pathetic to say the least. I posted to pics up somewhere, but I cant find the thread.

The pipes where narrower than the exhaust port on the cylinder head just because of poor welding where the pipes are pinched down and welded to the flange.

I like the 4-1 pipes, but mine definitely needed to be cleaned up with a grinder before fitting...

I paid $1200 for the Pacey comps, 2x new cats, and installation.

BillC · 07-03-2008, 02:16 PM

Thats what my pipes look like that are on the XR now. They look like they have been pinched just near the outlet. As for the cats i have been told by many that the tickford ones are as good as you can get. On this basis I will only be looking at new headers. So the 4 into 1's are the way to go ? How much ?

fordAU · 07-03-2008, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillC

On this basis I will only be looking at new headers. So the 4 into 1's are the way to go ?

I don't know which are the best for street use, there was an extended thread in the Boss powered room on this, one of the tuners found the tri-y's to be a restriction at high rpm compared to 4-1, different motor I know but same principle I guess.

I went with Tri-y's after much reading on the forum, speaking with a couple of exhaust specialists and after speaking with Pacemaker themselves but having said that there are many differing opinions by end users on which perform better.

MRJUCY · 07-03-2008, 04:43 PM

The standard ones aren't too bad but a bit on the short side. On mild motors the T-series guys generally have found the Hurricane tri-Ys to be the go especially for torque, they're not quite as nicely finished as Paceys but have the runs on the board.
When I asked HM Headers who made the standard ones they said you can expect around 8kw more top end & a lot more through the bottom & mid range with their tri-Ys.

xr8ute · 07-03-2008, 04:45 PM

You'll find all Windsor headers for the std exh bolt pattern will be pinched in for bolt clearance. Some are neater in this respect than others.....i'll find the pics I took, and will post them up again.

dreadly · 07-03-2008, 06:07 PM

Bro i put a set of pacemaker tri-y's on my au 2 xr8.. was a big notice to torque and power with a nice note added also....

xr8ute · 07-03-2008, 06:22 PM

Here is the post with the pics... (from this thread, http://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?p=983880)

GT40P exhaust ports ~1.10" wide, and Pacey Comps pinched down to 0.95" at the flange;

Quote:

Originally Posted by xr8ute

Ghia5L, you will probably find that the Pacey's will need to be "cleaned up" where the pipes weld onto the gasket flange.

The welding (on mine at least) can get a bit messy, and the width where the pipe is welded to the flange can be less than the width of the port on the head.

Exhaust port width of GT40P's are all pretty much 1.1" wide (~28mm),

And the effective width of my Pacey PH4006 4-1 Comp extractors are all about 0.980" (~25mm), although this particular port was actually 0.950

Spend a bit of time measuring things up and you might be suprised what you find