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The Daily Insight Hub

Is downpipe same as headers?

Author

Matthew Harrington

Updated on February 23, 2026

The downpipes have the catalytic converters. The downpipes connect to the exhaust manifolds(headers)and run to the cat-back, or, the section of pipe which has the resonators and mufflers and tips.

Is a downpipe the same as an exhaust?

A downpipe directs the exhaust gases from your vehicle's turbine housing into your exhaust system. The downpipe bolts right to the turbine housing. It is instrumental in moving the exhaust gases through the system as efficiently as possible.

Is an exhaust manifold the same as headers?

What's the difference between an exhaust manifold and a header? The structural differences between exhaust manifolds and headers are the material and size. Exhaust manifolds are made of thick iron, while headers are made of lighter, thinner steel. Headers are also longer than exhaust manifolds.

What connects to headers?

Head pipes – also known as “downpipes” – make up the first section of piping and connect your exhaust header to the mufflers.

Does downpipe give more power?

An aftermarket downpipe (MATOLA Performance Downpipe) usually larger in diameter and it either use a catted or catless configurations. Which able to create more power to your vehicle because it with high flow unit which allowed the turbo move gases away from the turbine more efficiently.

Why Not to Put Exhaust Headers on Your Car

How much HP will a downpipe add?

It's generally accepted that installing a downpipe will add just 10 to 20 horsepower, but that gain is noticeable when the engine is revved up.

Do you need a tune for a downpipe?

Registered. Less backpressure from a less restrictive downpipe = turbo builds boost faster = more air into the engine from the turbo = you absolutely need a new tune to compensate for that.

Do headers make a car louder?

Car headers do not make your car louder as compared to the stock exhaust manifold. This aftermarket addition is used to improve the performance of your car and give you a cleaner-sounding exhaust. The actual volume of the exhaust won't change.

How much HP do headers add?

So how much hp do long tube headers add? If attached to a stock engine, you can expect about 6-9 hp over a manifold.

Do headers change exhaust sound?

The noise will increase some because you are push more air out. I find the tone is usually deeper. yes, and I hope changing to headers and duals from my factory restrictive manifolds and wonderfull 2 into 1 system will give me more than 3% HP increase. It better for the $1000 I have invested in the exhaust alone.

What's better headers or manifold?

Why are headers are a better choice than an exhaust manifold? As stated above, exhaust manifolds create back pressure, which lowers performance. Because each cylinder of the engine is given its own tube, however, headers eliminate this problem; thus, allowing the gases to exit without the creation of back pressure.

What is a pipe header?

A pipeline header refers to a large pipe that is set up to aggregate flow from smaller pipes (collecting header). On the other hand, it can also distribute flow to many smaller pipes (distributing header). Typically, the design of flow systems with headers is due to a variety of reasons.

Does downpipe make your car louder?

Downpipes (catless) will make the exhaust sound more aggressive and deep.

Are downpipes legal?

To answer the OP's original question, there is no such thing as a high flow cat or de-catted down pipe that is CA legal.

What are the benefits of a downpipe?

Conclusion. Upgraded downpipes provide great increases in horsepower and torque on turbocharged vehicles by allowing exhaust gasses to flow easier as they leave the turbo. Paired with the appropriate software, a downpipe can provide significant gains and make a vehicle more fun and engaging to drive.

What kind of exhaust gives the most hp?

The included SuperFlow mufflers have a straight-through design for a stronger sound and added power. Thanks to the high quality craftsmanship, Gibson exhaust systems are truly enduring and will serve you well for a long, long time. With this system, you will get the highest horsepower and torque at 1800-3000 rpm.

What headers give the most horsepower?

Medium and long-tube headers allow an engine to make more horsepower at high rpm.

How much hp does straight pipe add?

Answer provided by. Modifying your car is a great way to make it more powerful! You'll likely gain about ten hp with a straight pipe as compared with five hp or less by just taking off your muffler. Keep in mind that putting on a straight pipe also involves adjusting your fuel injection and otherwise tuning up the car.

Do headers improve performance?

Headers are one of the easiest bolt-on accessories you can use to improve an engine's performance. The goal of headers is to make it easier for the engine to push exhaust gases out of the cylinders.

Why do headers sound better than manifolds?

Since manifolds are thicker when it comes to absorbing pressure, they also absorb most of the sound from the exhaust. But if you like to step on the gas and hear your engine scream, then you're going to love what headers have to offer.

Do exhaust headers increase horsepower?

In general, a quality set of headers should provide an increase of approximately 10-20 horsepower, and if you're restrained with your right foot, you may even see an increase in fuel mileage.

Are downpipes only for turbo cars?

A downpipe IS for turbo cars, but for all practical purposes we still call our n/a frontpipes "downpipes".

Does a downpipe increase boost?

From what I've gather by reading between the lines of everyone's feedback is that with a downpipe, sports or decatted, it's not about the overall numbers but the fact it allows a freer flowing exhaust, hence less strain on the turbo's load, with or without added boost..

What happens if you run a Catless downpipe without a tune?

No Check Engine Light (CEL)

This happens because aftermarket downpipe equips a less restrictive catalytic converter (CAT) – good for exhaust flow but bad for emission. Your car's ECU assumes that you are still using the stock CAT and thinks that the CAT is not functioning properly. Thus, the check engine light.