JBA Headers Questions

[FishDr]

Like a lot of TS members, I've been interested in a set of JBA headers for my ('04) 4.7L Tundra for some time, but I could convince the CFO that it was a necessary addition. However, now that gas prices in my neck of the woods are approaching $3.50 a gallon, I might have discovered a chink in her armor. If I can show that the JBA headers would result in an increase in mileage that would result in saving some money (deducted from the cost of the headers) over the course of a year or two, then I might just get the go-ahead to purchase a set of headers. So here are my questions for you:

1. I know that the headers give you more power, but what kind of differences in mileage (city/highway) have you seen?

2. I have trouble installing batteries in a flashlight, let alone doing any kind of truck work, so I'd need to have these professionally installed. What kind of price should I expect to pay to have a exhaust shop(?) install these?

3. Are there any real advantages to getting the stainless steel, silver-ceramic, or titanium-ceramic coatings?

4. Where is the best place to purchase the headers (TS store? other online outlet, etc.)?

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

[dyogim]

Originally Posted by FishDr

Like a lot of TS members, I've been interested in a set of JBA headers for my ('04) 4.7L Tundra for some time, but I could convince the CFO that it was a necessary addition. However, now that gas prices in my neck of the woods are approaching $3.50 a gallon, I might have discovered a chink in her armor. If I can show that the JBA headers would result in an increase in mileage that would result in saving some money (deducted from the cost of the headers) over the course of a year or two, then I might just get the go-ahead to purchase a set of headers. So here are my questions for you:

1. I know that the headers give you more power, but what kind of differences in mileage (city/highway) have you seen?

2. I have trouble installing batteries in a flashlight, let alone doing any kind of truck work, so I'd need to have these professionally installed. What kind of price should I expect to pay to have a exhaust shop(?) install these?

3. Are there any real advantages to getting the stainless steel, silver-ceramic, or titanium-ceramic coatings?

4. Where is the best place to purchase the headers (TS store? other online outlet, etc.)?

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

1. IMO - the cost of headers is not going to be covered with, or if, the money you save by getting better gas miles. You may end up getting less because of the tendency to mash on the pedal. That'll be a tough one to argue with the CFO.

2. Expect to pay $200 - $400.

3. The titanium coating helps keeps the temperatures down in the engine bay. Which, could have some impact to gas mileage improving but, not sure. Also, from what I've read, the titanium coating helps prevent rust. Especially, on roads that are salted annually or if you are near the coast.

4. I've seen some good prices here. Keep on the look out for members selling a use one. Other auction places like craigslist.org or eb@y have used ones being sold. You really have to just shop around and hope you find the deal of a lifetime.

Good luck!

[cleanb13]

After 6 months my titanium coating turned to rust. I live in the Northeast though. That might have something to do with it.

[Intrepidyota]

Originally Posted by FishDr

Like a lot of TS members, I've been interested in a set of JBA headers for my ('04) 4.7L Tundra for some time, but I could convince the CFO that it was a necessary addition. However, now that gas prices in my neck of the woods are approaching $3.50 a gallon, I might have discovered a chink in her armor. If I can show that the JBA headers would result in an increase in mileage that would result in saving some money (deducted from the cost of the headers) over the course of a year or two, then I might just get the go-ahead to purchase a set of headers. So here are my questions for you:

1. I know that the headers give you more power, but what kind of differences in mileage (city/highway) have you seen?

2. I have trouble installing batteries in a flashlight, let alone doing any kind of truck work, so I'd need to have these professionally installed. What kind of price should I expect to pay to have a exhaust shop(?) install these?

3. Are there any real advantages to getting the stainless steel, silver-ceramic, or titanium-ceramic coatings?

4. Where is the best place to purchase the headers (TS store? other online outlet, etc.)?

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

1.I went from cracked leaky manifolds to jba headers and saw an increase of about 1mpg. I attribute that more to the lack of leaks than to the actual headers though.

2. Stop right here, the cost of the headers plus the price to have them installed will never equal the extra mile per gallon.

3. As someone said, engine temps. I will advise you on the rust thing after next winter.

4. I got an awesome price from RPM Outlet, but they got backordered and I had some trouble tracking them down. I got them about a month after I ordered them. I read lots of bad feedback about them after I ordered, so go through them at your own risk.

5. This is the most important that you forgot. Do you want them? If so, start a new thread and we can all post up talking about our 10 mpg difference, so the cfo can approve, then you can curse us afterwards for our innacurate information.

[FishDr]

Originally Posted by Intrepidyota

5. This is the most important that you forgot. Do you want them? If so, start a new thread and we can all post up talking about our 10 mpg difference, so the cfo can approve, then you can curse us afterwards for our innacurate information.

I do want them (and have wanted them since the day I drove my Tundra home), but the "CFO" is more practical than I am. She doesn't let me get half (or even 10%) of the things I want! A 1 mpg difference might matter over time...according to my rough spreadsheet, if gas prices stay at $3.50/gal, and I see an increase in 1 mpg from 15 to 16 mpg, the mod will pay for itself in only 54,870 miles, or roughly 183 fill-ups! Hmm...these aren't the kinds of numbers I need for a convincing argument!

[h7009]

Originally Posted by FishDr

I do want them (and have wanted them since the day I drove my Tundra home), but the "CFO" is more practical than I am. She doesn't let me get half (or even 10%) of the things I want! A 1 mpg difference might matter over time...according to my rough spreadsheet, if gas prices stay at $3.50/gal, and I see an increase in 1 mpg from 15 to 16 mpg, the mod will pay for itself in only 54,870 miles, or roughly 183 fill-ups! Hmm...these aren't the kinds of numbers I need for a convincing argument!

Well you are on the right track, but as another member stated the price of the headers, $300-400 used if your lucky and then the time to install, estimates of 3 1/2 to 9 hourse have been written about. What's your labor charge where you live? Here in Maryland it's around 85-95 an hour.....I go with a K&N drop-in, a good muffler (maybe true duals, small diameter) and a lighter foot.... good luck with the CFO......CSM-H

[Tundra_Hick]

Ahso, you need help with your stats.

Well, you need to work with your numbers a little.

All things are not constant.

The price of fuel WILL increase, take the low and high from 2006, what's the percentage differential. Then use that to ASSUME the same will happen in 2007, then extrapolate those numbers as an annual increase.

See how that works.

Still not good enough?

Assume that you will increase your mileage by an extra .5 mpg with better inflated tires.

Still not good enough, ok, you need to add the extra 2mpg you will get from your tonneau cover.

Don't have one? No problem, statistics aren't real, they are based on assumptions and you will assume with all the money you are saving that you'll be able to purchase the tonneau cover too.

You already have a cap, so you will assume that by removing the cap to replace it with the tonneau that you will save 100 pounds. On average for every 400 pounds you add to your vehicle, you lose 1 mpg, so by switching to the tonneau you gain .25 mpg.

So, 1 mpg from the headers, .5 from the tires, 2 from the tonneau, .25 from taking off the cap. Thats 4mpg (remember, always round up).

See. Its easy.

[2000LtdKen]

FishDr,

I think I am in time to help. First off you need to change the request around a little bit. Don't ask for permission to buy these because of fuel savings. Ask her to buy them for you for Fathers Day!

My wife and kids got them for me a couple of years back and I have been happy ever since. Best gift I ever got. Everytime I start the truck and hear the rumble it puts a smile on my face.

Hope this helps.

Ken