scott123007
Well-Known Member
My personal opinion is that the Arrow headers flow better compared to an OEM header, than an aftermarket muffler does compared to an OEM muffler. The reason the OEM pipe is so heavy is it is a mechanical silencer in that it has no packing and relies on a series of tubes and plates inside, (which accounts for its size) to reduce noise and preserve flow. The reason most aftermarket mufflers are so loud is not so much that they flow better, but that they are approx half the size of OEM and depend on a packing for sound suppression. There is just no way there is enough surface area in the pipe to absorb the sound, and the packing slowly deteriorates. Some come with an additional baffle, and some can have a baffle added, but most baffles are just make shift "chokes" and reduce flow. The exception to this is the Akrapovich pipe, which is much bigger than other pipes, except OEM. Its main advantage is looks, and it is a bit lighter than OEM but heavier than others. Even though it uses packing and has a baffle, its a superior design and does a great job of reducing both noise and back pressure.
The header, on the other hand, has a cat inside. I don't know for sure how much of a restriction it is, but there is a restriction none the less. The header can be cut apart, have the cat removed, and then welded back up, but unless you enjoy doing shit like that, it's better to buy the Arrow header.
The header, on the other hand, has a cat inside. I don't know for sure how much of a restriction it is, but there is a restriction none the less. The header can be cut apart, have the cat removed, and then welded back up, but unless you enjoy doing shit like that, it's better to buy the Arrow header.