Build up advice - benefit of headers??

[wsmc81]

I have started to violate my stock '96 with the ultimate goal of FI with 200-220 rwhp ... no desire in rebuilding the bottom end (yet)... The current discussions with 115 to potentially 120 pulleys has really peeked my interest. CS throttle response at that power level without the need of a-a intercooler appeals to me.

So, suspension work has started, exhaust is next, followed by clutch, then muwhahahahaha darkside!!!!!

I am thinking a full RB system from header all the way through. I recall that on other forums the benefit of a header was minimal with superchargers until power levels were in the upper 200's. WHat are the opinions here? IF the goal is 220 rwhp, will my stock '96 exhaust manifold be enough or should a nice, free flowing RB header be on the parts list?

For reference 93 octane would be used and I would likely have two pulleys, one for the nice cool Florida (St.Petes) winters and another smaller one for summer ... high 90's and very high humidity.

Thanks

Kirk

[Wayne-n-Fla]

I "think" the progression should be clutch then headers, saving the removal of the headers to do the clutch

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

I agree with Wayne. I hate doing things twice. Clutch before exhaust saves a bit of time and energy.

The header on the pre-99 cars is a bit of a nemisis. I would definitely swap it out if money is not a problem. The exhaust from there back is a definite change on the early cars. I have the RB header and midpipe and love the combination with my stock muffler to quiet things down. Stock muffler is only a loss of about 2WHP and it is worth it for the quiet. I am not familiar enough with the pre-99 muffler to say but I doubt it is much different than the 99+ at ~2WHP. I also had the RoadsterSport III muffler and loved the sound until I swapped in the RS midpipe. Then it was just too loud.