Which header to buy?
 

Hey, folks -

I have made up my mind to buy and install a header in my 2003 Mazda Protege5. Actually, I made up my mind a while ago but just now figured out where the cash is coming from!

Ok, so at first I thought I would buy a Forza/ OBX header with the CEL fix. Now, I am considering the Wagner header instead, leaning more towards the Wagner. It looks pretty awesome on their website - looks like good fabrication, and they claim 7 whp. There are three types of Wagner headers - mild steel, stainless, and coated. I think since I live in Michigan (where they salt the roads in the winter), stainless is my best option.

My question for those of you who bought one in the group buy is, how much do you like it? How was the power gain, and at what range in the rpm do you really notice it? How good was the fabrication quality, sealing performance, and fit with other components? Are there any of you out there that would advise to buy something else?

Check with Dan (03ESPro) He's got the header and cat-less DP for sale...looks awesome and he's only asking the GB price which is much lower than what you could buy it for....btw, his pieces are new and never installed.

Im from Michigan and can honsetly say, GET THE STAINLESS

*cough* *racing mazda 4-2-1 catless *cough*....excuse me.

<~~~from the guy who sold (1) Racing Mazda header to buy (2) OBX headers!!

We all have our reasons. I HAD to buy the obx after I stripped my cat out. I would've prefered the Wagner though.

With the Racing Mazda header that Topher speaks of, how do you keep the MIl off? I understand it tricking 1 O2 sensor, but both?

Maybe I'm missing something here, but Dan wants 285 for the header, which is the same price that it costs to get one from Wagner directly. Of course, if I buy Dan's header, I'll probably have it in a week versus who knows how long for Wagner to fab one up for me.

Again, those of you out there with this header - please let me know how much faster, better sounding, and more badass it made your ride.

Wagner is still showing a price of 285 on his site, but I think the price is actually like 325 now. The price of SS has gone up recently, and he hasn't adjust the site. I meant to mention this when I posted them for sale, but forgot.

i cancelled the order on my AWR header to buy 2 OBX headers. and you only need 1 MIL fix...on your 2nd o2 sensor...same as everything else.

Obx!

cool thanks....

What about the essential speed header?
 

Mazda Protege 5-2.0L :equal length header
equal length design retains the stock cats for emission passable direct bolt on to existing first cat. has proved to gain 8-10 whp with an increase of 20ft/lbs of torque.A bonus..moves the power band 700rpms lower!! ceramic coated and polished
Product Num: EsP5eq


304 ss construction
equal length design
c/w egr fitting and o2 bung
ceramic coated included
uses stock cats
maintains emissions friendly system

$453.00 USD

i have GOT to see the dyno before I'll believe those numbers.... 10hp/20lb.ft AND it keeps both stock cats......mmm, looking for my flag....

Yeah... that torque gain in particular is pretty hard to swallow, isn't it?

Let's see some dyno sheets, before and after, using the same vehicle (with no other mods), on the same dyno, with the same ambient/ environmental conditions!

agreed as that is a HUGE chunk to throw down if the "actual" gains are the same as OBX, Forza,wagner etc...