SG-Motorsport has been working on developing a long tube header for the VQ35 for some time now. The idea has been a long tube header that will replace both the factory exhaust manifold and factory cat pipe section, bolting up to the factory Y-pipe.
Our Koni Challenge race car has had some beautiful Unitech / Coast Fab built long tube headers, however these headers only worked with a complete custom exhaust, and the clearance to the steering rack was too tight for a vehicle with stock engine mounts. Lastly, the pipes come too close to the factory EVAP vent hose and fuel feed line. They were also mild steel so longevity is a concern.
After some work we were able to get our prototypes in the roadster and ready to go to see how much power these long tubes are really good for, and if it is worth putting them into production. Unfortunately due to the nature of the headers (a V-6 requiring 2 collectors and 8 flanges), the price point is going to be relatively high, as materials alone will cost us nearly the price of some of the better headers on the market currently.
Jig to fit headers to factory y-pipe location
We figured as long as we could sell 1whp for 100$ we will be ok, and that is the general price most components go for, especially when you start getting into N/A tuning. Don’t worry, our headers are not going to be 3300$!!
Our roadster previously made 250.6whp best, with the following modifications:
- SGM Custom 3” Exhaust
- SGM Custom 3” Intake w/ BPI Flowstack
- Pulstar Spark Plugs
- Aftermarket 2.5” > 3” Y-Pipe
We can gladly report that after installing our SGM Longtube header prototype, the car produced 279.0whp and gained an average 20ft lbs of torque across the ENTIRE rpm band. From 2500rpm to redline these headers made consistent power, a peak gain of 27-33whp between 5700 and 7000rpm.
Because we believe these to be the biggest gains we’ve ever seen from a header/test pipe solution on a 350z/G35 chassis we are going to go ahead and produce these headers for the guys that want the absolute best. Our production headers will be 304 stainless steel featuring a stepped design to help mid range power and prevent reversion, will use 3 into 1 collectors from an outside manufacturer, as collectors are the most important components of an exhaust system. The headers will be tig welded in house at SG-Motorsport and will feature 2 bolt 2.5” flanges that will mate up perfectly with any aftermarket Y-Pipe or Y-Pipe back exhaust system.
Perhaps the most important feature that has not yet been mentioned is just how freaking badass the car sounds with these equal length headers and a good y-pipe bringing all the pulses inline perfectly, the result is a gorgeous smooth high pitched scream like that of a 1000cc motorcycle or BMW race car.
SGM has plans to create a catted Y-pipe for customers with daily driven cars that want to keep the vehicle emissions friendly, as obviously you will lose the factory cats by going to the SGM long tube headers.
Tomorrow we are sending our tubing to be mass produced and our machine shop will start the cnc process for the flanges. How exciting!
We’ll keep you kids updated