Hedman 4-2-1 Hedders

[milPT]

Has anyone tried replaceing the stock hedders with the hedman 4-2-1 hedders? Does anyone know if they would be better or the same as a 4-1 hedder? Looking for any input, thanks.

[THier]

Tri-Y headers as they are know have allways been better performers than 4into 1, but they are more expensive and harder to manufacture than 4into1, would you ever see the difference in a "street" car, probably not, but they are cool though.
Tom

[quicksilverdon]

Without other work, like cams, there isn't much gain from headers on the PT. The stock manifold isn't that bad.

[brngrhd]

i disagree with THier i have done lost of research on the topic of headers. the engine builder for the motor in my truck also builds motors for matt kenseth's busch car in the 2000-2003 seasons and is now building motors for ricky craven's number 32 tide car we did lots of research and found that they will build slightly higher peak hp (1-2hp) but will lose hp and torque in mid and low rpm. this was on v8 but both small block turning form 6500-9000 or big block turning 4500-8000. just my thoughts could be wrong on the four cylinder don't know.

[Sci-Fi]

Do a search at any of the PT forums. Hedman is notorious for having poor quality control (warped header brackets and poor welding) over the years. JBA or Edelbrock would be my choice, if I was interested in installing a header. Don't forget to reinstall/fit the factory heat shield on your header, regardless of your choice of header or what coating is on it. Many people have melted their wiring and discolored/burned off paint from their firewalls without the heat shield installed.

[milPT]

Thanks for the advice. I will remember the heat shield. This is the hedder I was talking about: http://www.raceandstreet.com/ptexhaust/
I was looking to put it on, but not if they have poor quality products. Check this out, let me know what you think.

joe

[Sci-Fi]

Just to clarify, it's NOT the place that sells the item, but it's the manufacturer that MAKES the product that is in question. If you are going to buy the Hedman header, then ask the seller to put a straight edge on the header flange to make sure it is not warped. Poor or incomplete welding is hard to notice visually, because of several factors, including being hidden by paint or coating, until after the header is installed and you discover exhaust leaks.

Some people swear by Hedman products, but its up to the individual to decide which product to buy and what meets their needs and requirements the best. Sometimes it's better to go to a local speed or muffler shop and compare side-by-side before buying. Plus any problems or replacements can be handled more quickly and cheaply.

[milPT]

I understand its the product, not the place that is selling them. I am no expert on cars, but I'm not that naive. I appreciate your advice and will keep it in mind when its time for me to make my decision.

[Jerry]

milPT,

I also have some experience with the Hedman vs. the JBA headers. I originally ordered the 4 - 2 - 1 Hedman from our local speed shop Honest Performance. To make a long story short after six months of waiting, and a lot of lame excuses from Hedman, I gave up and cancelled my order. Blaine, from Honest Performance, then asked me if I might be interested in a JBA Header. He then showed me the difference between a Hedman and JBA header he had in stock for a V8 application. The difference was like night and day. The quality of the JBA was heads and shoulders above the Hedman. So I ordered the JBA, received it in about a week, and have lived happily ever since. But good luck on whatever you buy.

Jerry

[purplept]

I tried both the Hedman 4-2-1 ceramic headers and JBA 4-1 titanium coated headers on my 2002 PT 5-speed. I had trouble with welds cracking on the Hedman 4-2-1 headers but felt they improved low RPM (torque) performance. I much preferred the JBA 4-1 headers because the welds didn't break and I felt a nice kick in the mid to higher RPM range. I'd go with the JBA's.