Header-Back Systems

A header-back system replaces the whole exhaust behind the engine’s exhaust outlet as one matched set. The systems here are racing downpipe-back systems without type approval, for competition use where the rules allow. Each starts at the turbo outlet and runs to the tailpipes as a single design, made for the car named in the title.

Building the whole run as one design lets the pipe sizes, routing and silencing be chosen together, rather than mixing parts that were never meant to meet. The downpipe section changes how freely the turbo can exhaust, so the engine calibration may need to be matched to it.

These systems are not legal on public roads in Europe, and fitting one can put a road car’s type approval, inspection and insurance at risk. Each title states whether the system suits cars with a petrol particulate filter, without one, or both.

Choose by these details:

• Car: listed by model, engine, power in kW and body style, with the particulate filter (GPF) status in the title.
• Material: a titanium version is listed alongside the standard one. Titanium is much lighter than steel for the same pipe size.
• Titanium tailpipes: 4× Ø 100 mm, in brushed, scotched, black or black PVD-coated finishes.
• Ø 102 mm tailpipes: 4× Ø 102 mm in chrome or black chrome, bevelled or sharp-cut bevelled, or carbon with a titanium insert.

Fit a complete system with the car on a lift, starting at the turbo and working back. Leave every joint loose until the whole run hangs straight and the tailpipes sit evenly in the bumper, then tighten from the front. Use new gaskets and clamps at the turbo, refit the heat shields and have the engine calibration checked. Re-tighten every joint after the first heat cycles, and check the hangers and clearances again after the first hard runs.