Difference between Downpipes and Headers

A downpipe or header can be counted as some great modifying parts. In actuality, they appear with outstanding performance for the rides by maximizing the freeflow level of the engine. Besides increasing the airflow, it pulls the car with higher horsepower.

But which one is the best? To find out this answer let’s begin the discussion between Downpipe vs header. Stay in touch with this topic till the end, and you will be enough beneficial.

About Downpipe

Since it takes place at the downside area, it is known as the downpipe. The major efficiency of a downpipe is to bring out the existed gas level from the turbine housing to the exhaust.

However, if it gets used for the turbocharged configured engine, the operating process may have some changes. And for the turbocharged engines, the downpipe is known as the principal engine part. Apart from that, this is also known as a much-secured part for the stock condition turbocharged engines.

Downpipe varieties

It is now confirmed that the downpipe delivers higher airflow and maximizes the performance. A better and smooth airflow system delivers more horsepower as well as high torque to the engine.

Keeping the performance aside, these downpipes come in some variations too. And they have formed accordingly by depending on the power delivery system. On side of that, perfectly designed airflow is another great thing that brings differences in them.

Here are some common downpipe designs that have been given.

• Split bell mouth
• Single pipe flanges
• Twin brothers
• Wastegate
• Customized pipes

Most of these downpipe models come in factory-built condition except for the customized one. Casting in manual measurement and proper formation is the way of making the modified downpipe.

About Header

So basically, a header is the functional exhaust system that makes a direct connection with the head. It mainly helps to exhale the entire gas that comes from the cylinder head and exhaust valve system.

A header comes with various working directions depending on the engine condition. Most of the time, it comes under changes for multiple cylinder heads. If an example is given, the V configured engine holds a dual-cylinder head system. That means the exhaust will dually deliver airflow.

On the opposite, typical type engines come with the single one. That means the header makes the single way to perform. This functionality gets seen in the Inline engines.

No matter what the versions are, all it does is remove the back pressure from the manifold system. Although the exhaust can be shared through a single piping system, the header performs with individual pipes for each cylinder. For that reason, the pressure gets minimized to a very lower level.

Whenever the entire exhaust gas makes its way into the downpipe, it goes through the turbocharger system. And later of the times, the turbocharger flows air downward. And that’s the rest task to perform by the header.

Header varieties

Just like the downpipe, the header has some different variants too. But they mainly get used for the engine according to the type. Different cylinder model comes with individual header system. If an example is given, a 6-cylinder engine will require a 6 piping header most of the time. And thus, a four-cylinder or eight-cylinder engine will require just the same numbered header for installation.

How the ride performs with header differences?

Actually, it’s a needed thing to observe. Even though each number of cylinders needs individual piping, some innovative users apply less in number. On side of that, the entire sizing or length follows some inequality.

So, the lower-numbered or the unequal lengthy ones bring out an unusual rumbling sound. For some reason, they will appear alike misfiring sounds. On top of that, there will be some great changes in torque and power.

Anyways, a lower amount of header pipes work as same too. Nevertheless, it can bring higher disturbance or internal issues too.

So what’s the difference to see in them?

Well, they surely have some distinctions. A header can be called the internal systematic part that controls the gas level from each cylinder valve. On top of that, it requires customized tuning for the best performance. Furthermore, the header makes a connection with the downpipe for effortless airflow ability.

Coming to the downpipe, it brings out the entire airflow system of a ride. Whether it’s an inline or turbocharged engine, all they follow the similar exiting way from the downpipe.

Above all, it comes with the catalytic converter system to the middle area. For that, the higher gas pressure can’t make any aggressive noise or emission. Where the header requires customization or tuning, the downpipe works in the plug and play mode.

All these factors relate to the differences between these items. However, they are crucial enough for use in the rides. Principally, a turbocharged engine is totally incomplete without a downpipe and the header system. Nonetheless, the downpipe works as the better controller for the engine. Moreover, it plays a higher and more vital role in engine performance and durability.

Downpipe vs header for practical performance

Although they are connected, the working level will be individual. And they are totally dependent on the engine and level of modification.

Customizing the downpipe can be a better way to perform. Since it is placed downward, it comes with the converter system. For that reason, the downpipe has entire control over the back pressure and airflow system.

All that means the majority of performing level comes from the downpipe even if the header works as the main airflow controller. Upgrading the downpipe seems perfect and accurate for the rides as they can provide some good benefits.

And that is why; most professional riders recommend customizing the downpipe rather than the header. Multiple piping systems, high-performing mufflers, or the noncatalytic converter pipe are some great ways to make the upgrades.

Downpipe or Header is the perfect one

It literally appears as a great complication for choosing a single version between two. And whenever they both perform great, the complexity level gets higher.

In a short explanation, the downpipe works directly by exhaling the intake airflow. Moreover, it works as a greater controller than the header. Above all, the pricing is enough affordable and budget-friendly. Despite that, they perform low for the turbocharged engine.

The header on the other hand the best thing for multiple cylinder systems. And most cases, they play a vital role in high-performing engines and rides. But the functionality follows a complicated way. Besides it, header prices are higher too.

Regarding all these issues, easy using the ability, and pricing, the downpipe is surely the preferable one by most users and aesthetic riders.

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Final Verdict

The airflow system was never an issue of thinking at all. It is even known by amateur and professional car users. Downpipe vs header is an efficient way to find out the suitable item for your car.

On top of that, both these variants work the same differently. Pricing and engine pattern are the only things that bring differences. The rest of the task is up to you. Advise your loved ones with the proper model if they ever need any of them.