Do Headers Increase Performance?
Increased power and performance is usually the main goal when it comes to installing headers. By increasing exhaust flow and reducing back pressure, headers will provide noticeable power gains.
Note installing headers on the Y62 Patrol deletes the primary cats, which can bring up 02 sensor warning lights. To avoid this, an ECU tune such as Torqit’s ModuleMap solution is required.
Will Headers Improve Fuel Economy?
For the majority of drivers, yes. The scavenging effect of headers improves the air to fuel mixture, meaning the engine can produce the same amount of power it did previously, but with less work. Fuel savings will be most noticeable when driving long distances at a constant speed, however this is dependent on driving behaviour. If the main reason for installing headers is to enhance performance, the vehicle may be driven a little harder to enjoy the effects and as a result use more fuel.
The Difference Between Headers & Extractors
In today’s context, the answer is none- headers and extractors are just two different ways of describing the same thing.
The old school term ‘extractor’ was originally used in Australia before the American term ‘header’ became the common name. So if you hear a mate talking about extractors, they simply haven’t adopted the American lingo- similar to the words bonnet/ hood and trunk/ boot.