Headers and gas mileage

**blk_jaws** · 12-24-2005, 04:06 PM

I heard that headers cause you to get worse gas mileage. Is this true?

**keliente** · 12-24-2005, 04:47 PM

I didn't notice a difference with mine.

**nhraformula** · 12-24-2005, 06:34 PM

didnt notice any difference

**Hurley711** · 12-24-2005, 07:49 PM

I am getting 1/4 tank MORE out of my car per week AFTER header/spark plug/ CB install

This is with the same driving habits to and from work over the past 3 months or so. My spark plugs were over 60k on them and I had a Chokemaster muffler on my old setup, so I'm guessing the freer flowing exhaust and plugs must be helping. I fill my tank every Sunday night and for the 2 years prior to install I would be empty by Friday night or at least the check gauges light would be on. After install I have usually 1/4 tank, sometimes it sinks to around an 1/8 thugh, either way I'll take it.

**~redlinels1~** · 12-24-2005, 08:04 PM

Headers wont decrease gas mileage.

**Hurley711** · 12-25-2005, 03:45 AM

I think the reason people say/notice a decrease is a simple one. After some peeps get a nice set of LT's they or any mod along those lines where you really notice a diff. in throttle response, well they might tend to tap into that throttle a little more then before. Ride the car harder burn some more gas, I haven't changed my driving style at all.

**~redlinels1~** · 12-25-2005, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by Hurley711

I think the reason people say/notice a decrease is a simple one. After some peeps get a nice set of LT's they or any mod along those lines where you really notice a diff. in throttle response, well they might tend to tap into that throttle a little more then before. Ride the car harder burn some more gas, I haven't changed my driving style at all.

Ya know...you're probably 100% correct.

**Ric** · 12-27-2005, 06:00 PM

So long as you don't alter the internal workings of any given engine, it would stand to reason that any modification to the induction or exhaust would improve airflow, thereby increasing power at any given throttle level. Read: you'd need less throttle to cruise down the highway, meaning better gas mileage.

**Kyle C** · 12-27-2005, 09:38 PM

Only 4 tanks so far but mileage hasn't changed.

**ibanez7** · 12-27-2005, 11:35 PM

Originally Posted by goose_von

I heard that headers cause you to get worse gas mileage. Is this true?

back in the day of carbed. cars, yes that statement would be true. In todays age with pcm controlled air/fuel ratio, you shouldnt lose any at all.

When i installed headers and an ory I lost tons of mileage, due to the fact of not reinstalling my front o2 sensors(didnt have extensions) once those where plugged in my gas mileage was fine still around (380 miles a tank).

Now it will smell as if you losing gas mileage cause you car will smell rich if you run an ORY. Only reason for that is because your catless so your not burning any unused fuel.

**NE98LS1** · 12-28-2005, 08:00 AM

^^so i've seen this posted a number of times, and no matter how hard i try, i can't figure out what ORY stands for? i've gathered its something that you replace the cat with?

**Ric** · 12-28-2005, 08:08 AM

Off-Road Y-pipe. Basically, it's a politically correct term for a Y-pipe that eliminates your catalytic converters.

**hammertime** · 12-28-2005, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by Ric

Off-Road Y-pipe. Basically, it's a politically correct term for a Y-pipe that eliminates your catalytic converters.

Wow - there is a politically correct term for being politically uncorrect and removing the converters - the irony

**GatorSS** · 01-03-2006, 02:29 PM

Call it the laymans' term; such a pipe does not exist in political correctness because the politically correct answer would be, at a minimum, to install more catalytic converters (at least four, but preferably eight or more) in your exhaust, never to eliminate them.