Headers: One of our favorite modifications for the 350Z and G35!

With each passing year, the 350Z and G35 are becoming more and more prevalent in the used car market.  We often receive phone calls or emails from people who are excited about the "new" Z33 or V35 they just picked up and after doing all the basics (tires, brakes, suspension, intake, exhaust, etc.) they want to know what they should do next.

Well, it depends. Are you planning to add a turbo, or stay Naturally Aspirated? Customers are often embarassed to admit that they
don't know why that matters, but they shouldn't be! Educating yourself about your vehicle is one of the best ways to ensure you won't spend money on unnecessary modifications!

"Why can't I run headers if I'm going turbo?"

This is one we hear every once in a while. The (very) short answer? The turbo kit you eventually purchase will often include a special exhaust manifold that the turbo mounts to; this will make any current exhaust manifold on the car unnecessary.

"So what if I plan on keeping it non-turbo, or won't be 'turbo-ing' it for a while?"

Now we're getting somewhere! If you've decided that N/A is the way you want to go (or a turbo kit is not in your immediate future) then it's hard not to recommend a set of headers to really uncork your VQ35DE.

The average good intake will net you 2-5hp at the wheels (bad ones may even lower your horsepower). A quality exhaust system will usually only average a 5-8hp increase at the wheels.

But headers? We've actually witnessed, first hand, a 10-15hp increase at the WHEELS on the dyno. A consistent double-digit increase, pull after pull.

"Awesome! So what headers should I get?"

That's entirely up to you! Provided you stick with a reputable brand and avoid fly-by-night copycat companies that put no R&D into their products, then you can safely choose whatever set of headers you like best.

DC Sports Ceramic Coated Headers

Do you want a healthy power increase and don't care much about the aesthetics of your headers? Then the DC Sports Ceramic Coated Headers may be a good fit. Affordably priced and well-fitting, these headers are also slightly lighter than the stock manifolds.

DC Sports Stainless Steel Headers

Want a slightly nicer finish than the ceramic coated headers offer? You might like the DC Sports Stainless Steel Headers that we also carry. The reflective stainless finish will settle into a nice bronze look after a few heat cycles and will remain corrosion-resistant without the need of any coatings.

Tomei Expreme Headers "Version 2"

Of course, if you're looking for the ultimate in fit, finish, power increase, and quality, then it'd be hard to recommend anything other than the Tomei EXPREME Headers. You can benefit from the numerous prototypes and countless hours of research that went into these headers. With a fully stainless, equal-length design, these headers come with all the extras you'll need for a clean installation.

Speaking of installation, it's only fair that we disclose that installing headers are anything but easy. The competent DIY mechanic will still need a vast assortment of tools, sockets, and extensions to go with a factory service manual when tackling this install. First-timers should allow anywhere from 6 to 12 hours from start to completion. But is it worth it? Oh yeah, it's worth it!

Just remember: nothing worthwhile ever came easy...