GrimmSpeed Unequal Length Header EJ Series - 2008-2014 Subaru WRX / 2004-2021 Subaru STI

MFG: 113026

Classic Subaru Sound with Unparalleled Performance

Over the years, GrimmSpeed Engineers have proven that we are capable of manufacturing the highest quality, best performing exhaust components for the Subaru aftermarket. While we might not always be the first to release a certain product, our major advantage is that we can take our time in testing and development, putting the product through countless hours and thousands of miles of testing. This ultimately ensures that once a component is in your hands, it will be the most-refined version of that product available. The all new GrimmSpeed Unequal Length EJ Header is a perfect example of this.

Our Unequal Length Header for the EJ-Series engines is very much the same. There are countless options out on the market for high-performing equal length header, but if you want to keep that classic Subaru rumble, there aren’t many great options.

The OEM EJ header really hasn’t changed much in the past 20+ years and it shows. The tight geometry and long cross-pipe between the two collectors are not optimized for flow or power. While the smaller diameter and volume may be good for low-end spool, the factory header gets choked out higher in the rev range. Simultaneously, it's known that swapping to a more-equal length manifold with larger diameter runners offers additional performance potential. We set out to create a header that would be the best of both worlds, offering great performance and the unique sound that makes your car unmistakably a Subaru!

While other aftermarket unequal length headers use different runner lengths for each cylinder, our proprietary design utilizes an innovative setup where each bank of runners are equal length, but one set is 1.5 time the length of the other, providing the rumble sound that we all love while maintaining the performance of an equal length setup. We utilize single piece, mandrel bent runners to minimize disturbances to the exhaust gas along with an extremely durable cast 304 stainless steel collector to achieve keep each back of runners truly equal length which would be difficult to accomplish with a 4-into-1 welded collector. The low angle merge this collector makes for faster spool and unbeatable off-boost throttle response. To match this flow, the collector features machined internal diameters to perfectly match the 1 ¾” primary runners and 2” secondary pipe, eliminating unwanted “steps” in the exhaust flow.

As with all of our exhaust components, our Unequal Length Header features ½ inch flanges for both the heads as well as the up-pipe side. These combined with the 14 gauge runner pipes make for extreme durability and heat retention.

We started the R&D process by scanning the underside of of several EJ engine setups using a FARO arm. This allowed us to design and simulate our header in a digital 3D space to find the optimal balance of runner lengths and angles for the best performance possible on an unequal length setup. Next, we were able to 3D-print a variety of different configurations that would allow us to narrow in on the most optimal final design. During this process, we were able to form the header around a variety of different STI oil pan setups, from the factory pan to aftermarket options like those offered by IAG and Killer B Motorsports. After we were satisfied, we made pre-production prototype units that were put through months of punishing performance and longevity testing.

To validate our simulated performance, we did extensive real-world dyno testing comparing our header design to the factory header as well as some of the most popular headers on the market, both unequal length and equal length. For our testing, we used a 2010 STI with the stock turbo and basic bolt-ons as well as our 2020 STI shop car with full GrimmSpeed Stage 3 bolt-ons, E85, and a GrimmSpeed BB500 turbocharger. Throughout all of our testing, we kept the same tune loaded as well, so the only variable was the header that was installed.

With the factory turbocharger, the GrimmSpeed Header does experience a loss in spool when compared to the stock manifold, but we still saw maximum gains of 23.1 ft/lbs and 10.3 hp while averaging 1.6 lbs of boost less than the stock setup. Overall, the GrimmSpeed Header shifts the power curve further to the right, so it's clear that the OEM manifold was designed for low-end response but falls off higher in the rev range.