Ok, i just read all 7 pages of this thread and i think i have the questions to end all the madness...

1. It has become pretty clear that the best gains for an N/A Lancer come from the RPW header/downpipe combo. But no one ever answered previous questions about low end power loss from this set up. Do you really loose low-end power from the RPW kit?

2. If you do loose low end power in order to gain high end power with the RPW kit, what is the overall gain?

3. What ever happened to the guy who was supposed to post solid dyno numbers for both header setups?

4. Why does everyone praise RPW and vote for RRM?

5. I remember reading an article a few years back with good solid numbers on Buschur brand parts anyone care to elaborate?

 

Because RRM has built a zombie nation and RPW ideas are great but the distribution in the states sucks so few people have them.

 

to clarify - there is no low down rpm loss with our system. If you read our website you will see that the longer you make the 4-1 header system the more low rpm torque you create whilst at the same time producing the same upper rpm horsepower. I think you woudl find that the main difference between our and the RRM system is that they woudl produce very similiar horsepower levels in the upper rpm range, but in the low rpm and mid range torque our system produces more horsepower and torque due to the longer pipe lengths and redesigned flex pipe which is where our upper rpm hp gains are slightly better.

the dyno figures are somewhere on the forums but this was done a long time ago yuo would have to search for them.

RPW has made a lot of advances with new firms now marketing our products and the real issue that we have had is that we only make around 20 sets at a time and that means they sell very fast. Delays in delivery has hurt us but we do the best we can in getting them made and out again as fast as possible.

 

Check my registry.

To date I think I am the only one who has dyno'd the RPW header.
I'm going to get another dyno done soon since I have some extra mods. Because I have moved to another city I won't be able to show extra gains but I plan on visiting the city of dyno origin in the late Spring for a final dyno. Hopefully the performance shop is still open.

The header is worth the wait!!!!!

WADAD

 

I can speak a little on Mitsimans behalf. Having a Mirage, I did not have the option of RRM headers when I was aspirated. I paid (and waited endlessly) for RPW headers and eventually when they did come, I found what Dave says to be true. I did not have any RRM headers to compare, but my buddy had HP Racing 4-2-1s on his car. From intake and exhaust, to H/I/X he dynoed just 11 whp with the HP Racings, with some heavy 18s on his Mirage. With the RPW setup, the whp gains were much greater (I cant remember, will have him look for the dyno sheet) and like David said, he did not lose any low end torque. I think RPW makes EXCELLENT products, their header being one of them.... But like AVP said, their US distribution leaves a lot to be desired. I have ordered several things from RPW and the average wait for me then (this was a few years ago) was about 8 months (9 months for header, turbo manifold did not show and I was refunded after 9 months, adj. cam gear 6 months, couple other misc. parts... you get the idea). I have spoke in length to Matt from Vision Imports since and he assures me that their distribution has improved. I have not ordered anything of late from them (even tho that stage 3 turbo cam and short shifter assembly are calling my name), so I cannot confirm this.

 

There used to be a conflict with RPW and RRM but that has ended to my knowledge. RPW took some advice from members and many things have been improved.

I've recomended their cams in various combos before as well. I don't know about the wait as everything i've ever wanted Vision had in stock. The only problem of late i've noticed with RPW was the coating on the header. It peels, or at least it has on about 3 customers that have come into RRM with them.

The combo i've recomended if using RRM header is the Bucher downpipe(it fits no problem) and the Bucher high flow cat. I find dropping the second cat drops a little from the low end torque but gives greater gains up high. By evening out the field with a high flow cat you get good low torque and a higher top end. Also keeps the sound tammed as well.

 

Not trying to start another debate but are you talking about the regular headers or the jet coated? I have the regular ones and they do tarnish due to the heat. As far as I know only Bitnode ever had his headers jet coated on this board and he took the used/ tarnished ones that he bought and had them coated himself.

If it's looks you want then buy the complete package from someone else or your other option is to get the headers coated before install. I know that's adding another 100 plus on top but that's someone's personal preference.

WADAD

 

i don't know if it was the jet coated versions. All i know is the coating was flaking off big time. Some of the mirage one's i've seen are just tarnished like you've said. Definately though looks aren't really there after a long term. I don't know expensive ceramic or thermal coating them would be but if your into looks do that before install or buy ones that already are.

 

The stock uncoated header kits have a zinc coating which will burn off usually within 1 hour of driving and flake off. this is really only a rust protectin whilst in storage only.

Proper ceramic coating should never peel off and if it does then that is something we would speak to the coating agent about if we did that work here locally.

The main issue we have with supply is that we only make unit sin small batches and sometimes we run out. Xmas is teh worst time as companies close for usually amonth at a time, get backed up on work and usually anything we have to make aroudn that time ends up being around a 3 month wait, but generally we attempt to keep as many units in stock as financially viable.

 

What about using high-temp (900 F) engine paint to coat them? If you paint it should you do something to prep it first?

 

high temp paint is fine but you will have to clean off teh zinc coating first.

 

What are your best recommendations for that? Just water and a scrub brush or will I need some type of cleaner?

 

I think only heat will remove the zinc coating so unfortunatly fit tocar, burn it off, then clean with a wire brush and repain.t

 

The RRM header seems to make a horrible connection to the downpipe flange. There are many posts about how bad the exhaust leak is. I can testify this because I have the rrm header. Even with the stock downpipe, the flange on the header seems to be warped and blows out the gasket. I don't know about the RPW header/downpipe, but have only heard good things from other members regaurding fitment and gains. RPW in my opinion....

 

Besides - why get a shorty header when you can get the more efficient headers?

OK, since no one makes a turbo manifold, turbo owners need the shorty header. But otherwise...