Alfa156 exhaust header upgrade – Part 2

Since I’d replaced the centre pipe, I always wondered what the difference would be if I upgrade the exhaust header to make the entire system from Supersprint. I kept seeing suggestion not to modify the exhaust system by just throwing in “upgrade” parts. If the system is not properly engineered for the specific model, it usually backfires. I believe so for 2 reasons:

• The theory of exhaust gas management seems to be complex
• Many cars equipped a big diameter exhaust pipe usually lost torque at the low rev

As I’m not an engineer, I consider that the safest way is to get the end-to-end system from the same reputable supplier. Therefore, here it is

I’m grad that I’d bought it before Supersprint stopped its production. I tried measuring the weight but fail to do so before the stock exhaust header went to the junk yard

Anyway, the header’s shiny silver look doesn’t really last. The colour just changes right after a few miles driving though it’s shiny.

The difference of the outlook between the new and old ones are more than the colour, apparently the arrangement of the exhaust pipe is more sophisticated, more twisted though it is not equal length.

Results of the new exhaust header

• Immediate effect I noticed is – it sounds even better. It is better, NOT LOUDER. Even more important, it is that the engine sounds better, not the exhaust muffler sounds better. And from low to high rev, I can feel the improvement.
• Supersprint claims that sport exhaust system can improve performance and the most effective component is the header. I feel that the throttle response across the entire rev range is faster. I must admit that it is just my feeling, I didn’t do the formal before and after comparison.

With the new header, the stock header cover cannot be mounted as the stock design and a lot of owners just throw it away. My mechanic installed it back and I reckon it can help keep the engine bay a bit cooler?

Exhaust system upgrade – Part 1

July 2017