Kakumei equal length header, anybody?

therealratfink · 11-03-2009, 08:09 PM

I am looking at this

header kit, and was wondering if anybody has tried this header? It looks to be a similar design as the Perrin, comes with gaskets and UP for $470 delivered. I would really like to hear if anyone has any experience with fit and quality. Thanks.

Unabomber · 11-03-2009, 10:02 PM

No one on NASIOC ever has used it. It's a $6 header. They usually last 3-9 months before they crack. And no I'm not kidding.

scby rex · 11-03-2009, 10:05 PM

save your money on more powerful mods. If you dont have em spend it there or a tbe first with em.

rxer311 · 11-03-2009, 10:18 PM

Looks similar to a GT Spec...might be a rebranded one. Just because it is on Ebay doesn't automatically make it crap. Could it be crap? Yes it could. Is it crap? Nobody knows until you try it. But that is a $500 gamble. Most headers will eventually crack anyway. I am sure my post doesn't help. So basically, unless you like adventures in the unknown, don't buy it.

kinder · 11-03-2009, 11:30 PM

Using the zoom I'm not a fan of the weld jobs. Also looks like its mutiple peices. I vote stay away.

therealratfink · 11-04-2009, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unabomber

No one on NASIOC ever has used it. It's a $6 header. They usually last 3-9 months before they crack. And no I'm not kidding.

So you do or don't have experience with these? I have heard good things about the UP they make, but little about actual experience with the headers.

therealratfink · 11-04-2009, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scby rex

save your money on more powerful mods. If you dont have em spend it there or a tbe first with em.

Stage 2 now, pre-turbo seems to be next.

scby rex · 11-04-2009, 09:05 PM

Then get a turbo, fuel, tune and a up. Id stay far from THAT header.

rxer311 · 11-04-2009, 10:08 PM

I will say, however, that an EL header is my most favorite modification I have done for my car. Spool time is increased, torque comes on smoother and sooner. More importantly, the car is much more drivable. Driving my STi in the city used to be an absolute chore but it is much more drivable now. It is much smoother, and just feels more refined.

therealratfink · 11-04-2009, 10:14 PM

Working on a perrin EL

ATOMIC-SPORTSCARS · 11-04-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rxer311

Looks similar to a GT Spec...might be a rebranded one. Just because it is on Ebay doesn't automatically make it crap. Could it be crap? Yes it could. Is it crap? Nobody knows until you try it. But that is a $500 gamble. Most headers will eventually crack anyway. I am sure my post doesn't help. So basically, unless you like adventures in the unknown, don't buy it.

kakumei=gtspec=ssi 100%

therealratfink · 11-04-2009, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATOMIC-SPORTSCARS

kakumei=gtspec=ssi 100%

That's kinda what I figured, but the Perrin would be better in the low rpm range right?

scby rex · 11-04-2009, 11:32 PM

perrin will crack just as fast as that pos ebay one. Gruppe-s ones rarely crack, and Ive never heard of one of their uel ones cracking. + you can get it coated right from them. Your going to miss the subie rumble, I have friends that hated the honda sounding el headers and took them off.

therealratfink · 11-04-2009, 11:34 PM

I don't care about the sound, I like it quiet anyway. Just want the best performance.

STIBungy · 11-05-2009, 01:29 AM

I hate the boxer sound.

he_is_legend · 11-05-2009, 09:07 AM

im purist at heart. ill sacrifice boost for the rumble

going EL, the only brand every1 i know & myself trusts is TOMEI.
just my .02
good luck on finding what you want

USMC Subrau · 11-05-2009, 02:40 PM

i Think people saying what you pay for is what you get is a lie.. I bought 16$ Headers for my Nissan from ebay, and it's still there til this day its been about 5-6 months maybee. No cracks and no sighns of cracks.. So hey You think its a good gamble go ahead.

aaronmsadler · 11-05-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USMC Subrau

i Think people saying what you pay for is what you get is a lie.. I bought 16$ Headers for my Nissan from ebay, and it's still there til this day its been about 5-6 months maybee. No cracks and no sighns of cracks.. So hey You think its a good gamble go ahead.

Did those headers have a turbo sitting on them? Well ****, they worked on your nissan they gotta work on everything.

OP: You buy those and you will be replacing them quickly.

rxer311 · 11-05-2009, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATOMIC-SPORTSCARS

kakumei=gtspec=ssi 100%

If it truely is a GT spec then they are well made

therealratfink · 11-06-2009, 12:06 AM

FYI The email I received.

"Hello Brad Fink,
How are you today? The headers we offer is the exactly the same maker of Tomei (its Impreza headers is made in Taiwan), also GT Spec.
They are made of SS304 stainless steel. Besides Japan Brand products like HKS, Zero Sports, this headers is the best quality also performance. The main reason is, we are using SS304 steel. You do not need to worry the pipes will leak from rusty and welding pot. You may see some similar items that made in China or other Taiwanese makers have much cheaper price. I can tell you they do not use SS304. Those makers spend much time in polish works, but the raw material is only mild steel.
We also offer this item also our exhaust system to Subaru dealers in Taiwan, Germany, and so on. Therefore, no need to worry about the fitment or quality.
Thank you very much.

Have a nice day.

Best Regards,
KAKUMEI MOTORSPORTS"

compton · 11-06-2009, 10:36 AM

I would stay away from them. I have cracked a set of GT-spec's (ver. 1) and kakumei. I am talking several cracks, and re-welds. Now I am on SYMS/JUN headers. They are very good.

My suggestion would be invest in an up-pipe w/ external wastegate and keep the stock manifold.

11-03-2009, 08:09 PM	#1
therealratfink Scooby Newbie Member#: 192817 Join Date: Oct 2008 Vehicle: 2008 WRX STi Spark Silver	Kakumei equal length header, anybody? I am looking at this header kit, and was wondering if anybody has tried this header? It looks to be a similar design as the Perrin, comes with gaskets and UP for $470 delivered. I would really like to hear if anyone has any experience with fit and quality. Thanks.

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11-03-2009, 10:02 PM	#2
Unabomber Amish Rake Fighting Moderator Member#: 18062 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Tom @ Kartboy Vehicle: is soon to be dad to a baby boy!	No one on NASIOC ever has used it. It's a $6 header. They usually last 3-9 months before they crack. And no I'm not kidding.

11-03-2009, 10:05 PM	#3
scby rex Scooby Guru Member#: 104878 Join Date: Jan 2006 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: copperas cove Vehicle: 02 wrxbastardchild aw	save your money on more powerful mods. If you dont have em spend it there or a tbe first with em.

11-03-2009, 10:18 PM	#4
rxer311 Scooby Specialist Member#: 107099 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Lancaster, PA Vehicle: '07 STI Satin White Pearl	Looks similar to a GT Spec...might be a rebranded one. Just because it is on Ebay doesn't automatically make it crap. Could it be crap? Yes it could. Is it crap? Nobody knows until you try it. But that is a $500 gamble. Most headers will eventually crack anyway. I am sure my post doesn't help. So basically, unless you like adventures in the unknown, don't buy it.

11-03-2009, 11:30 PM	#5
kinder Scooby Newbie Member#: 222761 Join Date: Sep 2009 Chapter/Region: W. Canada Location: Calgary AB Vehicle: 2007 SpecB Grey	Using the zoom I'm not a fan of the weld jobs. Also looks like its mutiple peices. I vote stay away.

11-04-2009, 09:05 PM	#8
scby rex Scooby Guru Member#: 104878 Join Date: Jan 2006 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: copperas cove Vehicle: 02 wrxbastardchild aw	Then get a turbo, fuel, tune and a up. Id stay far from THAT header.

11-04-2009, 10:08 PM	#9
rxer311 Scooby Specialist Member#: 107099 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Lancaster, PA Vehicle: '07 STI Satin White Pearl	I will say, however, that an EL header is my most favorite modification I have done for my car. Spool time is increased, torque comes on smoother and sooner. More importantly, the car is much more drivable. Driving my STi in the city used to be an absolute chore but it is much more drivable now. It is much smoother, and just feels more refined.

11-04-2009, 10:14 PM	#10
therealratfink Scooby Newbie Member#: 192817 Join Date: Oct 2008 Vehicle: 2008 WRX STi Spark Silver	Working on a perrin EL

11-04-2009, 11:32 PM	#13
scby rex Scooby Guru Member#: 104878 Join Date: Jan 2006 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: copperas cove Vehicle: 02 wrxbastardchild aw	perrin will crack just as fast as that pos ebay one. Gruppe-s ones rarely crack, and Ive never heard of one of their uel ones cracking. + you can get it coated right from them. Your going to miss the subie rumble, I have friends that hated the honda sounding el headers and took them off.

11-04-2009, 11:34 PM	#14
therealratfink Scooby Newbie Member#: 192817 Join Date: Oct 2008 Vehicle: 2008 WRX STi Spark Silver	I don't care about the sound, I like it quiet anyway. Just want the best performance.

11-05-2009, 01:29 AM	#15
STIBungy Scooby Specialist Member#: 51684 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Denver, CO Vehicle: 2004 Impreza WRX STI PSM	I hate the boxer sound.

11-05-2009, 09:07 AM	#16
he_is_legend Scooby Newbie Member#: 125796 Join Date: Sep 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: passing oblivion... Vehicle: 05 STi-wingless psm totalled.	im purist at heart. ill sacrifice boost for the rumble going EL, the only brand every1 i know & myself trusts is TOMEI. just my .02 good luck on finding what you want

11-05-2009, 02:40 PM	#17
USMC Subrau Scooby Newbie Member#: 223428 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Flo-Rida	i Think people saying what you pay for is what you get is a lie.. I bought 16$ Headers for my Nissan from ebay, and it's still there til this day its been about 5-6 months maybee. No cracks and no sighns of cracks.. So hey You think its a good gamble go ahead.

11-06-2009, 12:06 AM	#20
therealratfink Scooby Newbie Member#: 192817 Join Date: Oct 2008 Vehicle: 2008 WRX STi Spark Silver	FYI The email I received. "Hello Brad Fink, How are you today? The headers we offer is the exactly the same maker of Tomei (its Impreza headers is made in Taiwan), also GT Spec. They are made of SS304 stainless steel. Besides Japan Brand products like HKS, Zero Sports, this headers is the best quality also performance. The main reason is, we are using SS304 steel. You do not need to worry the pipes will leak from rusty and welding pot. You may see some similar items that made in China or other Taiwanese makers have much cheaper price. I can tell you they do not use SS304. Those makers spend much time in polish works, but the raw material is only mild steel. We also offer this item also our exhaust system to Subaru dealers in Taiwan, Germany, and so on. Therefore, no need to worry about the fitment or quality. Thank you very much. Have a nice day. Best Regards, KAKUMEI MOTORSPORTS"

11-06-2009, 10:36 AM	#21
compton NASIOC Supporter Member#: 10646 Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: FL Vehicle: 02 bugeye still filthy	I would stay away from them. I have cracked a set of GT-spec's (ver. 1) and kakumei. I am talking several cracks, and re-welds. Now I am on SYMS/JUN headers. They are very good. My suggestion would be invest in an up-pipe w/ external wastegate and keep the stock manifold.