My brother is thinking of getting headers but heard they lower mpg a lot even with a tune.

I was wondering whether that is specific to long tubes or all headers? or emissions/no emissions.

Opinions please. Let me know if you had an increase/decrease in mpg after install and what kind of headers.

 

I always thought headers would give you BETTER gas mileage because it frees up your exhaust so much. The engine doesn't have to work as hard to breathe. Other mods, like CAI should also help MPG too. However, I do have this theory. Basically the more gas-saving mods you do, the harder you will drive your car, which means worse gas mileage.

 

The problem with me is that since installing headers (and dumped exhaust) it is hard to resist the loud takeoffs.

Make sure you don't have leaks after the install. Pre-O2 leaks will create a rich condition that will hurt milage.

But yeah, otherwise I think that they should help.

 

Headers have the potential to help your fuel mileage, not hurt it.

 

Because a 4th reply of the same should seal the deal - it will indeed directly IMPROVE your mpg. Indirectly though, as mentioned, it could result in worse mpg...

 

What he said!

 

Ten years ago, when mine was stock, I got about 22 mpg hwy. After CAI and Edelbrock headers I got 26.