Fabspeed headers on X-51

I am planning on FAB. heads and muffs on my Jan. delivery X-51. My understanding is that X-51 comes with modified/different exhaust manifolds,(I assume headers).Are there aftermarket headers made to fit the X-51? Will I go astray by ordering "generics" which are made to fit non X-51 cars? Is there any damn difference? I appreciate any and all input. -blustem

A good chunk of that $14k you just paid was for the fancy X51 headers - don't waste your money replacing them already. I think they're pretty carefully tuned to the system and the Fabs may cause you to lose power (or alter the curve in a negative way).

Grant G, that was my initial thought on the matter. What do you think about replacing the mufflers, mainly as a weight saving device? On my '01 coupe the stock mufflers were a minimum of 30lbs heavier. I did not weigh them as I have no scale,however when I was putting them back on I compared them to the B&Bs by doing bicep curls with both sets.I've been lifting weights for 21 years and those puppies(stock) were a minimum of +30lbs. I want to replace the muffs. for the lighter ones, I'll replace the seats with Sparco Corsas,I'm also planning on removing the back seats and emptying the trunk(of everything!)I figure a weight savings af about 160lbs -plus I've lost 12lbs so far and plan on annother 12! What a pathetic reason to lose weight, as it was the only reason! -blustem

By the way, does anyone know about good racing seats? I'm looking for very lightweight,strong,(no fiberglass),and nice looking in the car.I've kind of settled on Sparco Corsas becuase of the looks and carbon fiber,however if anyone has a better idea let me know. One note -I dont care much for the GT3 seats. Thanks -blustem

I'm not so sure about the mufflers. Does the X51 package use the stock mufflers (I think so), so maybe the weight savings is justified there. But, have you heard the new factory sport exhaust? It sounds pretty killer! Where's Olathe, btw. If it's western kansas, maybe we'll have to get together sometime for some driving -Grant 73 911S 88 944TS track car 03 996 GT3 on order

I feel that the recaro is a better built/quality than the sparco. You should look into the SPG in carbon. Plus I wouldn't want anything italion made in my car. No offense just mt prefrence. Good luck with your choice

The X51 uses larger diameter headers than the stock car. The mufflers and cats are the same. Suprisingly my X51 is as loud as my friends car with the sports exhaust. He's louder at idle, but under full accel, I'm louder. I guess due to the headers. I like my sound better. I would not touch the headers. The muffelrs will decrease weight and should offer some performance gain. In theory the gain would be higher on the X51 as the motor flows more and would be restricted more by the mufflers than the normal motor. I plan to mess around with the mufflers in the spring.

Grant, Olathe is a suburb of K.C.,however I am from western Ks.,Scott City(4000 people!)S.C. is about 3.5-4 hrs from Denver.I spent alot of time in Denver when I was a kid(also Vail, Winter Park, A-Basin -my favorite) Olathe is a 6.5 hr drive from my hometown however I'm there 1-2 times a year.Usually in Denver once a year -Next time I'll drive my p-car and we can get together.

Ed, thanks for the input. I think that after the car is broken in I will throw on a set of Fabspeed mufflers and leave the headers alone.I may also add an airbox kit,or maybe just a BMC1 filter.I have an RM Racing filter from my '01 car. I wonder if It will fit.

im looking into performance gains on my x51 and took the car over to gtek for the owner to drive it...www.gtekauto.com he said based on the noise the car deosnt need any improvement on the intake side but he would do research on what could be done to improve the power of the engine without actually taking the engine apart. i would like to know what gains anyone sees on this engine

The concept is simple. If you improve the engines ability to breath it makes mroe power. There can be numerous limiting factors that complicate this. The intake and the mufflers appear to be the easiest to mod for the X51. If there is a gain on the normal 3.6 from either, it is due to relieving a restriction. In theory, the same restrictions would play an even larger role in limited the power output of the X51 as it flow more and makes more power. There may be other items such as fuel delivery or throttle body or cats that limit these gains, but I am sure there is some power to be found. The typicall give back will be sound levels. Both the intake and muffles will make the car louder and not necessarily in a good way.