The West Coast Fiero “Long Tube” Steel Exhaust Headers are designed to enhance the performance of your Fiero engine by providing it with the necessary breathing space. This is achieved by allowing a more efficient flow of exhaust gases, which in turn helps the engine to function as it was originally designed to.
These headers can lead to an increase in horsepower of between 5% to 10%. This means that you can experience a swift acceleration from zero to three-digit speeds. When tested on a dynamometer, commonly known as a dyno, this translates to an increase of 7 to 15 horsepower or potentially even more, depending on the size of the engine.
The headers are particularly effective in boosting your engine’s torque and power within the 1500 to 5500 rpm range. This range is often where most driving occurs, making these headers a valuable addition to any Fiero.
The headers themselves consist of head pipes made from 1-1/2″ 16-gauge steel tubing with 3/8″ flanges. The “Y” pipes, which are included with the headers, are made from 2″ 16-gauge tubing. These are connected to the collectors by a 3-bolt exhaust flange and to the 2″ exhaust system with a stock 2 bolt flange and cone seal. You have the option to choose between headers made from 1018 steel or 304 stainless steel. To ensure a complete installation, header bolts are included.
However, it’s important to note that the installation of all exhaust systems should be done with the minimum amount of weight on the header system. This is because excessive movement of the engine, which can be caused by bad mounts or high output engines with stock Fiero mounts, can lead to undue strain on the header system. This strain can, in turn, cause the headers to crack. Therefore, it’s crucial to properly suspend the exhaust system to minimize stress on the headers. This will ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your new headers.
