Got information on Downey headers

[v8Toilet]

I just talked to the Tech guy at Downey to pick his brain on how they designed their headers for the V8 Tundra. There seems to be a rumor/myth going on in here about how Downey did not Dyno test the headers for the V8 Tundra. This is wrong. They did Dyno test the headers according to Downey but they tested them on a Tundra that already had performance modifications. He said they did not test them on a stock Tundra but they are planning to do so.

When I asked him what they got for gains on the modified Tundra he said 20-25 horsepower @4500 RPM and 8-10-ft. lbs. of torque between 2000 and 2300 RPM.

I just ordered a pair with the ceramic coating.

Thanks to all the guys and girls here that educated me on the different types of headers available for this truck.

This Friday I'm going to the track to get a baseline time. After I get the headers I'm going to take it back and run it again to test the performance gains.

[mike.elmes]

So how much are they asking for their headers? Are they equal to the TRD'S or JBA'S?
I got in on the group buy and am very happy with the JBA'S...

Just curious,

mike

[KLS]

It's neither a rumor nor a myth...I've got a letter from Downey and spoke with a Downey rep. They both said no dyno run.

Thanks for the updated info. Your information shows that they're getting about 4.4 additional hp @ 2300 rpm. That ain't much....but JBA's claim @ 2300 is just the width of the line on their chart. TRD headers give 15 extra hp @ 3500 and still 15 hp @ the peak of 4250 according to what their rep told me.

I wish we had everybody's (audited, accurate) dyno chart to compare.

Ken

[v8Toilet]

They cost me $414 with the ceramic coating and cost $363 with chrome plate. You guys have to remember that the TRD header and JBA header dyno numbers you have are tested on a stock Tundra. The Downey headers were tested on a modified Tundra and made over 20 horsepower at 4500 RPM and still made some low-end torque with a high flow exhaust system installed.

I've done tons of searching on this forum and I've e-mailed just about every member here with the Downey headers that I could find specifically asking him or her how the Downey headers affected their low-end torque. All that replied (6) back said that they did feel a difference in low-end torque, which means they do increase your-low-end torque significantly in order for you to feel a difference. All of them were very happy with their headers and they all commented on the great mid-range power that these headers provide. Non of them were dissatisfied.

I did the same questioning and research on the JBA header and got mixed results. Some people felt the JBA headers boosted the power significantly, some said it wasn't that big of a difference and some felt they didn't do much at all. I also found a few threads about how there are problems with the headers sealing correctly and that some of the JBA flanges were not perfectly flat. I didn't get the same concrete satisfaction like I found with the Downey header owners.

The TRD headers are obviously a great header but the cost of those things are way too high and welding is required. I feel the Downey headers are very comparable to the TRD headers since they are very similar in design. The JBA headers look more like a high flow exhaust manifold than they do headers. I didn't like the way the collector was designed and I felt the primaries were too short.

Downey has also been around for a long time and they specialize in Toyota parts only. They have a great reputation from what I gathered and make a high quality product according to the many happy Downey product owners. The Downey header also has 1-5/8” primaries compared to the 1-1/2” primaries for the TRD and JBA headers. I think the 1-5/8 primaries are just the right size for more horsepower without lost low-end torque.

We’ll see just what kind of difference these headers make when I get them installed and bring my 2WD truck to the track to test them out. I’m doing a base run this Friday. The engine is completely stock.

I agree with you though, I wish we had dyno graphs that were comparable. We should have a group run on the same Dynamometer for comparison purposes.

[Yellbird]

Why are you not doing a Dyno first with the stock setup as that will give you real numbers as a track time can be tainted by all kinds of problems. You would know what Hp & TQ you really gained by the dyno.

[TxToy]

v8Toilet,
Where did you order the headers from. I did a quick search and couldn't find any dealers. Thanks.
TxToy

[malekoman]

TxToy, website has info: http://www.downeyoff-road.com/

You will have to phone in your order.

v8Toilet, I am glad you decided on the Downey headers. I have decided to purchase them also. but, I am still upgrading the suspension and braking components before I do any HP mods. I didn't find other threads regarding these headers in the past. So, I am glad to see others are satisfied. Keep us updated.

[v8Toilet]

Yellbird The reason I’m not performing a Dynamometer test is because of the high cost. It would cost me well over $100 to go one time and then I would have to go back to get another run. It’s just not worth my while to spend that kind of money.

What really counts anyway is the actual street performance regardless of the numbers. The Dragstrip is a great place to test out the worthyness of modifications as long as the weather conditions are the same. If I get a baseline run of 16 in the quarter mile with a 2.7 sixty foot and after the headers I get a 15.7 with a 2.5 sixty-foot time than I know these headers are making usable Torque and horsepower. I can go test out my Truck at the track for $17 and run as many times as I want to.

Txtoy I ordered the headers directly from Downey www.downeyoff-road.com