I've got kind of a straight pipe set up right now. Cut off at the resonators, sounds great in my opinion, loud as hell. At some I want to get a cat back system but I also want to get rid of the cats. I was wondering which is easier to install, I tried test pipes once and I couldn't get the demon bolts off but I could probably try again if I had to but how hard are long tube headers to install vs messing with the demon bolts? I know long tubes are a lot more expensive than test pipes, there's an exhaust shop near me but they wouldn't touch the test pipes for legal reasons, weird because we don't do emissions testing around here anymore, cops don't seem to mind my straight pipe set up either.

 

They probably are about the same.If you are trying to save money you can probably remove the exhaust manifold with the cats still in tact as a whole unit. As this is the way the long tube headers would go into place. Then you can break loose the demons bolts outside the car and install the test pipes. Yes it is more work but if you are after saving this is probably the best option. Unless you have the proper extensions, make sure it is a 6 point socket and try again with lots of penetrating oil a few days prior.

 

You can do the best of both worlds...Get 2015+ headers for much cheaper than aftermarket and add test pipes to that set-up.

 

I actually tried removing the headers when I had the test pipes. I broke 2 bolts off the heat shield and decided to stop before I broke anything else. How necessary are the heat shields over the headers? Could I rig up something else if I broke the bolts off? I tried the extensions and I didn't have the leverage to break it loose. I wouldn't mind taking the headers off, that would make it much easier.

 

Would they fit on a 2011? I'm assuming they would if it's the 3.7.

 

Are 2015+ headers better than previous years for any reason?

Thanks

 

Heat shield bolts are fragile .you can also go with high temp paint to reduce heat or just wrap them. I did both with mine.

 

Something to do with flow characteristics or size. You'd have to look into the specifics but a couple members who have pursued the FULL bolt-on path have said this.

 

2015+ exhaust manifolds are designed better than previous years and flow better.