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View Full Version : DCSports Header and MPG


YotaYaris
10-22-2009, 08:56 PM
I thought that I would try here first since it has to do with a performance modification, even though in the end I really want to know about the effect it may have on MPG's.
I am interested in a little more power but only if it increases or does not affect current MPG. What do you think the DCSports header would do for my car? I know it will weigh a few pounds less than the stock exhaust manifold, which is a good thing........ but will my MPG's go down, up, or stay the same if I do not change my driving habits? FYI, I have NEVER redlined my car, and even though I dont have a tach I dont think that I ever go over 3,000RPM.
Hope to hear from people who have aftermarket headers on there car, and who have noticed before and after MPG's.
Thanks

tk-421
10-22-2009, 09:17 PM
I am interested in a little more power but only if it increases or does not affect current MPG. What do you think the DCSports header would do for my car?
If you're looking for economy, then do not touch your current I/H/E setup. It is OEM for a good reason. Law of diminishing returns (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diminishing_returns), and all that good stuff. :smile:

EDIT: On second thought, you may get good results by changing to a K&N air filter, but the difference wouldn't be astronomical.

I know it will weigh a few pounds less than the stock exhaust manifold, which is a good thing........The difference in weight, if any, would be imperceptible.

but will my MPG's go down, up, or stay the same if I do not change my driving habits?They will go down slightly if you keep your current driving habits, and more noticeably if you don't (which is more likely, since you would probably have to accelerate a bit more from that moment forward).

FYI, I have NEVER redlined my car, and even though I dont have a tach I dont think that I ever go over 3,000RPM.Unfortunately, I don't think a DC Sports header is what you're looking for. The header works at the top-end of the rev spectrum, while sacrificing a bit at the low end...

Sorry for the harsh truths, BTW. Nice avatar. :redface:
P.S. I moved the thread to Fuel Economy, but you can still navigate to it from Performance Mods.

ozmdd
10-22-2009, 09:26 PM
+1 for all TK421 said. A drop-in free-flowing filter and maybe a lightened crank pulley are possible upgrades you might enjoy. Also, you would be a candidate for one of those adjustable throttle controllers, since you can feel faster, yet still set it for MPG's most of the time.
Another item which will give you some pep and also save gas is a set of light wheels/tires, but you only improve mileage if you don't take advantage of the extra pep.

YotaYaris
10-22-2009, 10:18 PM
Thanks for breaking it down like that for me. I guess I will go with an AFE filter and forget the header. I am always in the market for some light 15's that I can use with my stock tires. Just cant seem to pull the trigger yet.
Thanks again for the great advise.

frownonfun
10-22-2009, 10:37 PM
just no love for k&n on this site is there.

SilverBack
10-22-2009, 11:28 PM
It helps to also get the NST pulley set. They're lighter than stock.

yaris-me
10-22-2009, 11:37 PM
If you want increase your gas mileage, get a Scangauge or PLX Kiwi. Much better than a exhaust header.

Loren
10-23-2009, 02:15 AM
TK, you need to read the threads about headers on your own forum. (OP: Search is your friend)

The DC header does not reduce low end torque, and does in fact increase torque from about 2000 rpm up.

I have a DC header on my Yaris and it had no effect on my MPG.

This thread would have fared better in the Performance forum. The regulars in the MPG forum are most likely just going to bash the notion of an aftermarket header, just as you did, even though they have no personal experience with it on the Yaris.

basslover911
10-23-2009, 02:23 AM
^^ Did it even lower the weight or is the stock one pretty light already?

tk-421
10-23-2009, 03:21 AM
TK, you need to read the threads about headers on your own forum. (OP: Search is your friend)

Thanks for the advice, Loren. :wink:

The DC header does not reduce low end torque, and does in fact increase torque from about 2000 rpm up.

Good to know.

I have read more claims of missing low end torque than the other way around. And it makes sense to me, since the header is less restrictive, and thus allows for less back-pressure, which should affect low-end torque on small engines.

Of course, there's always the possibility that I could be wrong, so I apologize if I am.

This thread would have fared better in the Performance forum.

This thread is visible on both forums, as stated earlier. The OP wants a performance mod that won't affect his fuel economy, so this thread falls into both sections.

Loren
10-23-2009, 01:32 PM
Exhaust back pressure vs. performance is largely an old school myth. Header performance has to do with the diameter and length of the tubes as well as restrictions such as tight bends and other flow restrictions.

While the DC header is designed to give more peak horsepower, I think it's the smoother flow from looser bends and a much cleaner transition to the collector that gives it a kick in low end torque, as well.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11228

The stock header is designed for economy and, above all else, cheap assembly. A well-designed and well-built header should be expected to give power gains throughout the RPM range, as the DC header does.

YotaYaris
10-23-2009, 07:50 PM
Thanks for your reply Loren. I have read your header thread many times. Just by looking at the pics of the DCSports header VS OEM makes me want to get it. I have installed many headers in the past, but never as the only mod. I dont have any interest in an axle back/cat back on this car.
What other mods did you have on your car when you added the header?
Thanks in advance

Loren
10-23-2009, 09:15 PM
I think I had the crankshaft pulley before the header. Those are the only two mods I've done under the hood. Still have the original stock air filter, even.

fmicle
10-30-2009, 04:01 AM
I got an AEM CAI, DC Sports header, Tanabe Medalion exhaust and the NST pulleys and since I started doing all these mods I've been driving like a maniac :burnrubber: (within the legal limits of course :biggrin:) When my Yaris was stock, I rarely revved it above 3,000 rpm, these days I get around 4,500 almost every day at some point. Interestingly, my mpg has increased! I haven't emptied the tank I filled right after installing the exhaust, so I don't know what improvement that gave me, but it looks good so far. Will post the results when I refuel next time.

I'd say, the stock intake and exhaust are restricted, so the engine is working harder to produce the same amount of output, so without changing the driving patterns, mpg should be much better with the mods. As I said, in my case it's better even with much "worse" driving habits. :burnrubber:

chongopants
11-01-2009, 09:47 AM
what all came with the header?

gmodder
11-01-2009, 11:52 AM
what all came with the header?

Ive got one coming from garm dude...How would you like to make some extra money and install it for me...And I still need a email so i can send those pics...

Keith Tinari
11-01-2009, 09:35 PM
just no love for k&n on this site is there.

I have a K&N drop in and I ended up losing MPGs.

ozmdd
11-02-2009, 05:05 PM
Ive got one coming from garm dude...How would you like to make some extra money and install it for me...And I still need a email so i can send those pics...

If you need install, I'll be happy to help. Of course, I'm in Dallas...

chongopants
11-02-2009, 05:07 PM
I am happy to help, but I am no expert. Can anyone let me know what comes with the headers? I found one from AMK that is 70 bux new, but i dotn think it comes with gaskets, and they will not answer me from their customer service.

fmicle
11-02-2009, 06:02 PM
I am happy to help, but I am no expert. Can anyone let me know what comes with the headers? I found one from AMK that is 70 bux new, but i dotn think it comes with gaskets, and they will not answer me from their customer service.

I got a brand new DC Sports header and it came with a pair of DC SPORTS stickers :biggrin: Really, nothing else. I reused the stock gasket, donut and nuts. Actually the header is supposed to also attach to a bracket which is bolted to the engine body, but I couldn't get the holes to align in order to get the bolt back in, so I had to use a smaller diameter bolt (found one in my own toolbox) with a nut, since I couldn't screw it into the threaded bracket anymore.

chongopants
11-03-2009, 09:02 AM
Thanks for the heads up, I am reviewing each major manufacturer's packaging, that will most likely be my main decision. I only say that b/c I dont reuse gaskets (just a personal thing), and I dont wanna go chase one down... So this will narrow my list..

Thanks for the help guys.

chongopants
11-03-2009, 09:12 AM
PLease see my new post:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23650