Opinions needed on header and OTR choices.

[Slick_Vp_23]

Hey all, hope you’re well,

As the title suggests, I’m after opinions and if anyone’s had experience with Genie’s mild steel 1 7/8 headers for their VE/VF? Am also looking at the Ramjet 3 OTR but obviously concerned with real world problems like rain and heat soak. Interested in their “best flowing OTR on the market” claim.

Thanks everyone, stay safe.

 

[keith reed]

There is a minefield of opinions on headers. In reality there is not much to choose from any of them. However you wouldn't have to look to far to find a range of opinions on this matter. Sams performance did a test on quite a few, whether or not this is still available I don't know. I chose advance headers, they were as good as anything that was available. Price is not necessarily an indication of quality or performance. The same applies to cold air intakes. Just because a maker says theirs is the best is not worth a lot. The highest praise I have heard for a cold air system is for VCM. I have one on my VE. I think they look the best as well. On a previously owned VE I used a growler system. It didn't perform any better than what the car came with.

 

[Slick_Vp_23]

There is a minefield of opinions on headers. In reality there is not much to choose from any of them. However you wouldn't have to look to far to find a range of opinions on this matter. Sams performance did a test on quite a few, whether or not this is still available I don't know. I chose advance headers, they were as good as anything that was available. Price is not necessarily an indication of quality or performance. The same applies to cold air intakes. Just because a maker says theirs is the best is not worth a lot. The highest praise I have heard for a cold air system is for VCM. I have one on my VE. I think they look the best as well. On a previously owned VE I used a growler system. It didn't perform any better than what the car came with.

Yeah the 1 7/8s seems to be the best size for overall performance and the Genie mild steel ones are priced very well, just hoping they don’t hang low and cause clearance issues. Not planning on lowering it much if at all. Going on a manual SSV too.

Intake wise all I care is that it’s not going to cause issues, will most likely be going MAFless. Am hoping to be able to still drive through rain on the highway if need and it be able to handle idling for a few minutes without overheating issues.
Thanks for the reply mate.

 

[MYVESSV8]

i run hsv short headers and after market cats, no real issues, i havent heard of any OTR's causing overheating issues, problems with rain etc, have had my VCM for 10yrs (SS Manual)and driven in some pretty bad storms for a long time, and traffic jam city driving, dont need to go mafless (early maf's) were a restriction on LS1's etc not VE onwards, if you go mafless you will need it tuned, you will more than likely need it for maf too, mine did, but i have heard some dont, lots of threads on headers what goes better with what etc and output, most of the extra comes from the tune not otr and headers, some headers do hang down low so if you lower it be careful

 

[Slick_Vp_23]

i run hsv short headers and after market cats, no real issues, i havent heard of any OTR's causing overheating issues, problems with rain etc, have had my VCM for 10yrs (SS Manual)and driven in some pretty bad storms for a long time, and traffic jam city driving, dont need to go mafless (early maf's) were a restriction on LS1's etc not VE onwards, if you go mafless you will need it tuned, you will more than likely need it for maf too, mine did, but i have heard some dont, lots of threads on headers what goes better with what etc and output, most of the extra comes from the tune not otr and headers, some headers do hang down low so if you lower it be careful

Awesome, thanks for the reply and your experiences mate, definitely looking into VCM OTR’s then, since you haven’t had problems. Will be getting it tuned after fitting so I guess I’ll see what the tuner reckons about the MAF, happy either way. Should have mentioned they are Genie 4-1’s then going with 3” high flow cats.
Cheers guys.

 

[MYVESSV8]

there is a guy i know in gympie who runs his own speed shop, he has worked for me for a couple of years too, he is a wiz with these engines, has a dyno also, [email protected] his name is Rodney, just let him know Alan from work recommended you

 

[keith reed]

As you have a tuner in Gympie that MYVESSV8 recommends and that he speaks well of your first battle is over. Like all trades some tuners are not that good and wont stand by their work. He will be able to advise you what works and what is a waste of time and money. Who knows it might be the tuner that you know.

 

[vr304]

No real point in going mafless in a VE unless you’ve got a big cam, supercharged etc but all depends on what your tuner is comfortable working with at the end of the day... vcm are a good intake as ole mate said and there’s no issues with driving in the rain etc but you do need to clean the filter probably every time you change the oil but depends on whether your driving in dusty conditions etc

 

[Mattricho]

@Slick_Vp_23 i recently fitted a VCM OTR keeping the maf and have had no problems.
The cars not tuned and just has HSV 340kw tri Y headers GTS 2.5” mid section and series 2 bimodal’s

 

[Slick_Vp_23]

there is a guy i know in gympie who runs his own speed shop, he has worked for me for a couple of years too, he is a wiz with these engines, has a dyno also, [email protected] his name is Rodney, just let him know Alan from work recommended you

You’re a legend mate, thanks so much. Been looking for a local tuner, love it. I’ll have to post an update after it’s all done.