I need an opinion - will the Downey headers on a 3.0L engine offer any
beter performance or will I be disappointed and sorry that I spent $400.00
for the headers ? I have a new engine and I am really not disappointed in the performance - just looking for a little more and possibly a little better gas mileage. This is a 1990 4 runner 3.0L automatic.

Would I be better to spend the money on other things ?

 

Bump !!!!

 

I would say unless you put in bigger valves the headers are not worth it. Check out this disscusion: http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showfl...5&o=14&fpart=1

 

I had read most of that discussion but wanted a first hand experince answer.
At this point - I believe that I would be pissed to spend that much money with nothing to show for it. I guess that I will save my money and buy a locker instead. Thanks for the response.

It would have been nice to hear that the headers make a world of difference !

 

Sorry no first hand experince here. But if you really want to hear it, the headers make a world of difference!

 

I think the headers are still worth it, the manifolds are awful. Even if they don't give much power (and they should really help) they should help the engine live longer. Headers and a complete exhaust system should make a substantial difference. The real question is who makes the best headers, and that can be debated endlessly...

 

I have a '91 3.0l and although I'm doing the bigger valves, from those I've talked to and what I read the main bottle neck for the headers is the rest of the exhaust. They make a difference but if you bolt/weld it to the stock piping and cat/muffler you will be disappointed. The headers need to be connected to a better breathing exhaust and freeflow/high performance cat and muffler to get your money's worth. Calculate in the cost of new 2.5" piping, free flow cat, and muffler unless you already have this. Just what I've read and who I've talked to.

here you go .02
-=Morphine=-

 

When we are considering engine mods, $400 really isn't that much. The headers will make a noticable difference in power. The stock crossover is an engineering disaster IMO. If you go this route, be careful when setting up the rest of the exhuast. If you go too 'free flow' you will lose low end power and your 3.0 will sound like a ricer. I think the headers are worth it and I am speaking from first hand experience.

 

Chickenlover,

Did you add the headers or were they already on. My 1990 runner does not have a Cat - the previous owner had removed it and added the straight pipe.

I have a new engine - 8,000 miles ago and really do not have a problem with power - I've found a set of these headers for a reduced price and hate to spend money on things that will be disappointing. I would have to have the cross-over made - preferably aft of the transfer case. I was just wondering if it would be worth the money and the trouble. Thanks for replying.

 

Ummm.... I was pricing them not too long ago and could not get everything for just the headers (no exhaust, cat, or 2.25" pipe) and it was going to cost me roughly $700 no mater who I got them from. Plus I only found one person who had them in stock. Everyone else was a few months turn around.

Where are you finding this deal?

 

I added them and be warned, it's a very difficult job. I did notice a gain in power but it wasn't huge. Selecting the rest of the exhuast system turned into a real PITA for me. It was hard to get a good sound out of my 3.0. However, I do not regret it. If you are content with the hp output of your stock engine, then perhaps you should save for a locker.

 

I found the headers from an individual who ordered them and never installed them - then wrecked the runner / now they are for sell.
I would have to have the cross-over made and then either add a Cat and the 2.25" system at a muffler shop. Even with the good deal on the headers - I believe that I will live with mine as is. From what I gather - without going to larger exhaust valaves the gains would be minimal.

 

Did you get my PM - Trunner ?

 

http://www.bajaconcepts.com/bajaraci...uckexhaust.cfm

Here are ceramic 3.0 headers for 355.38

 

you will still need the crossover...

When I first started shopping I found some great prices like the ones listed here, but it was not ever possible to get them on and opperational for anything under about $700. I even have a welding shop doing all the welding for free!

Yup. Thanks!

 

Can you use the cross-over with the stock manifolds?

 

Downey Sells all of the parts needed do this upgrade. I am planning on it myself. I think the total for all parts from ceramic headers, to crossover, cat, muffler, pipes, clamps and tailpipe. It's around $950 and is supposed to provide 20-30 HP if you do the whole kit. I would agree that the headers would not be provide as much gain without the exhaust system upgraded as well.

 

Here's my first hand experience! The Downey headers along with their complete 2.5" exhaust sysem was my FIRST mod and it made a HUGE amount of difference in performance! As others have said installation was not easy but imo it is the biggest performance improvement I've done. I installed mine in 1992 so the cost wasn't as high as it is now but I'd still recommend it if your looking for more power. Since then I've done more mods (check my sig) and the power is pretty decent considering I have the stock 4.10 gears and 32' tires! Hint: when removing the stock sytem and you get to the crossover pipe (over the trans!!)...cut that sucker off!

 

I'd also like to add this: If you are going to install headers, you will also need to purchase a new transfer case cooler (or find a way to relocate the stock one). The stock cooler sits on the passenger side frame rail right in the way of that header. That's another 100 bucks or so.

 

I have a set on my truck which i just rebuilt....I wouldn't have put it back together without the headers, get rid of that damn crossover pipe. You'll be happy you did. If you have any questions about installing them or anything else i'll do my best to help ya ...... Dusty