What are the best aftermarket headers?

Hi,
I'm going to be getting some headers around Christmas time so I've been doing all the research about which ones are the best and which one provides best gains. From what I've found all the companies say the same thing about their product. I'm leaning toward the URD headers right now. Anyone have any experience with these or DTs and JBAs?

 

Currently the top 3 are:
URD equal length
Pros: Wide powerband. No loss in low end
Cons: 1st member that got them had fit and finish issues. He re-machined the exhaust flange and his headers contacted his frame.
AFE shorties
Pros: Biggest gains are in low end
Cons: price / still have cats
Doug thorley long pipes
Pros: high end gains no Cats
Cons: low end power loss for N/A engines

honestly evaluate what you plan to do with your truck and pick the ones that best suits your needs

 

AFE or JBA?

 

AFE. Shorties come ready to bolt on.
JBA's you have to remove stock headers hack off catalytic converter/ weld stock catalytic back on JBA headers then install.

 

Well I have a prerunner, so I won't be doing anything crazy off-road. My goal is to make it as fast as possible

 

quick....... U have a governor, so it will not be faster, but quicker.

 

Wat?

 

Faster, typically higher top speed........ Quicker, typically quicker acceleration to a given speed

 

Well, u could make it faster, but it cannot be discussed here.

 

Lol I'm not trying to go 110 plus in my truck. I don't think it as made for speeds any faster than that. So yes, I would like to make it quicker. Quicker in a 0-60

 

Seen mine do 130. URD's has been 150.

I'd like to get a certificate for doing just under 190.

 

Mph?

 

Correct

 

$1200 for the jba's LOL

 

URD Spec-U.

 

I can't do long tube... Stupid emissions

 

Has anyone else installed the URD headers? Just wondering if that was a fluke or not

 

Oh, you'll be certifiable at 190....

 

I helped Lucario Runner on his 4Runner. Had no issues what so ever. That ecu is much more sensitive to exhaust leaks than the Tacoma's as well. Nor does his header have a clearance problem.

Some are different. They are hand made, last I checked, with a jig. Might be machine made now, but I am not certain. If they are hand made still, there will always be slight differences. As well as the differences each vehicle has from how the owner uses it.

 

i know torspd and i were discussing the quality of OBX headers and y pipe a while ago on another thread, well i ended up biting the bullet and buying them. the quality is top notch actually which surprised me and the fit and finish was good. i ordered the extra large gaskets from URD for where the header collectors and y pipe meet. the only problem i have is where the y pipe comes together around the transfer case (4wd for me) and there is a little bit of a gap, but some high temp silicone and an overlapping clamp will fix it right up. here's a video of my exhaust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xTQM5LVtok

Edit: i know the URD equal length headers are better, but i just didn't want to pay that much for only headers.