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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: aumtracker on July 28, 2005, 05:08:58 PM

Title: calmini header amd system
Post by: aumtracker on July 28, 2005, 05:08:58 PM
hi there all any one have calimini's full system on there tracker my buddy said it would give me alot better mpg  is this true and how loud are they i dont want to draw to much attention to my self just want better mpg  help me out
       

 
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: Digger on July 28, 2005, 05:45:12 PM
I don't have the full system, but I do have the header. You MPG will vary depending on your driving habits. The system will give you a little more power as felt by snappier response and better acceleration. If you actually USE this power, though, your mileage wont increase much. It will help some though. I think it's worth it for the increase in power... As for the noise, it will be louder than stock, but not attention-getting loud...
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: aumtracker on July 28, 2005, 06:12:05 PM
hi thanx for the info i also heard that the headers get realy hot  did you have more heat ??
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: Digger on July 28, 2005, 06:20:19 PM
I never noticed any temp increase, even while crawling around the woods at 2 MPH...
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: Bobzooki on July 29, 2005, 08:16:14 AM
hi thanx for the info i also heard that the headers get realy hot  did you have more heat ??

Dude.  They're bolted onto the side of the engine, where the just-exploded gasoline comes belching out of the cylinders.  Of COURSE they get hot.  Don't touch 'em, you'll leave skin behind.

More heat?  Well, it's not like they make the engine run any hotter.  They're just piping all that heat OUT of the engine.  I have full Calmini systems on both my 95 Sidekicks (2 door and 4 door).  They have a little more "zip", and I use it all, so the mileage stays about the same.  No, there's no heat problem.  They aren't loud, either.  In fact, after a day od wheeling with a friend in her TJ, we stopped - my engine was still running.  She had to ask if it was running (we were near the Interstate).
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: aumtracker on July 29, 2005, 04:44:02 PM
glad to hear theres no heat problem  im saving my pennies cant weight to get mine
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: mth712 on July 29, 2005, 07:12:03 PM
I just installed a DT Header , new cat,muffler and 2 inch exhaust and it is alot louder and hotter under the head. It was raining the other day and the water was drying/steaming on my hood now. Sorry you got a few SmartA-- answers.
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: mth712 on July 29, 2005, 07:13:32 PM
I think my off the line power sufferred but my mid-range and Highway power feels better,pulls harder. Low range seems to be a turd.
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: aumtracker on July 30, 2005, 05:58:07 AM
thanx mike  lots of smarta-- answers  like ni didnt know that the pipes got hot
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: The_Dude on July 30, 2005, 07:39:31 AM
Do you guys ever check the "gear guide section" It's at the top of every page. I was going to spend money on a header this would be the one to buy especially if your concerned about the heat thing..

http://www.zukiworld.com/month_110103/feature_hawkheader.htm
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: The_Dude on July 30, 2005, 07:43:14 AM
Was just on Hawks site and he doesn't have those headers listed yet so you may just want to drop him a call. I was checking things out in his auto section and he has a bad ass sammy for sale and a whole car section of sammies and sidekicks cheap .. I didn't know this and thought I would pass it along as I found it informational

http://www.hawksuzukiparts.com/sales/index.html
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: zaggy on July 30, 2005, 09:19:55 AM
Good Morning all...

     When it comes to exhaust the answer is simple....anything you do to reduce back pressure will increase efficency.

1) I use the Calmini header (modified) and it is a good piece, but do some comparison
    shopping. Make sure what ever you get has thick exhaust tohead flanges, correctly shaped
    ports and no kinks in the bends.
2) If you are worried about heat in the engine bay spend a few bucks and buy a good header
    wrap and put it on the header before you install it. Much more effective than a heat shield.
3) I would run a minimum of a 2 1/8 id exhaust with a quality Turbo muffler (and a cat
    depending on where you live). I run this set up on my wifes 4dr and its qiet and efficent.
4) Install a minimum of a KN (or eqvialent) aircleaner insert at the same time, there is NO
    point in opening up the exhaust and leaving a cork in the intake.

Myth....having read all your posts, you still have engine problems and your results are
            not indicative of a header/exhaust install.

     There is a lot of really good information on the forum, the search feature is great! Many of the members have a lot of knowledge to share...read back a little. Check out all the great stuff on building engines, engine modifications from spacers to camshafts, and fantastic stuff on suspensions.

     A little advice.....I was a newbie only a few months ago, read back and use the search feature please, tons of stuff has been covered in detail...and don't get excited, I saw some joking on this thread but nothing I would consider smart a**.
    Everyone else....remember when you were a newbie? Because we can't hear voices and see faces sometimes humourous sarcasim coulld be interperted as being nasty, I'm not saying that has happened here, but I can see how it could happen.

Thanks guys

Zag
Title: Re: calmini header and system
Post by: mth712 on July 30, 2005, 12:24:32 PM
Not saying it was mean sprited smart a__ answers but sometimes a person asks a simple question and wants a simple answer. We all know exhaust manifolds get hot but he wants to know if a header is hotter than a factory setup and I promise you yes it is. For one thing the metal is thinner and no heat shields. Also the heat soak of the cast stock manifold is higher. My hood now dries the rain off of itsself due to the heat.
    In all reality if I did it again I would buy all new original equipment. I mean this is a low horsepower vehicle. A header, intake etc. just isn't going to make it much better/faster only louder. I am talking for a daily driver.
    The only difference I see with the header and 2 inch exhaust is a change in the torque curve. A shift to mid range/highway torque atleast with the Thorley header,more heat,more noise. I miss the low range torque but like the easier revving on the highway. If you are on trails alot I would want the low range torque. Oh and port matching a header on a 80 horse engine just ain't worth it and will not matter or you will not feel it. I would get whatever header has good reviews probably the Thorley or Calmini. I got the Thorley cause Summit has it and they have it now and are reliable.
    Remember my tip - If you want it to look purty clean it off good with something to remove greasy finger prints before you start the first time or it will show those fingerprints forever. Also header wrap is for rich race car drivers who can afford to replace headers alot. It will kill your header on a street car. Better to fab a heat shield.
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: mth712 on July 30, 2005, 12:27:15 PM
Do you guys ever check the "gear guide section" It's at the top of every page. I was going to spend money on a header this would be the one to buy especially if your concerned about the heat thing..

[url]http://www.zukiworld.com/month_110103/feature_hawkheader.htm[/url]


Yes - The hawk header has no O2 Sensor bung and is expensive for what you get. But he does have them in stock. Not a good choice for a EFI Tracker with O2 sensor and EGR in my opinion.
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: mth712 on July 30, 2005, 12:32:02 PM

     There is a lot of really good information on the forum, the search feature is great! Many of the members have a lot of knowledge to share...read back a little. Check out all the great stuff on building engines, engine modifications from spacers to camshafts, and fantastic stuff on suspensions.

     A little advice.....I was a newbie only a few months ago, read back and use the search feature please, tons of stuff has been covered in detail...and don't get excited, I saw some joking on this thread but nothing I would consider smart a**.
    Everyone else....remember when you were a newbie? Because we can't hear voices and see faces sometimes humourous sarcasim coulld be interperted as being nasty, I'm not saying that has happened here, but I can see how it could happen.

Thanks guys

Zag

Hey Zag - Not only did I use the search from day one but I have read every single post as far back as I was allowed on this site and several others. On one site it was over 20,000 posts and I read them all. These forums are the number one best thing there is about the internet! Someone else has usually had the same problem or asked the same question on everything. The header heat thing has been discussed but what the heck who cares lets tell him about it.
Title: Re: calmini header and system
Post by: Rhinoman on July 30, 2005, 12:36:35 PM
Oh and port matching a header on a 80 horse engine just ain't worth it and will not matter or you will not feel it. I would get whatever header has good reviews probably the Thorley or Calmini. I got the Thorley cause Summit has it and they have it now and are reliable.

I think what Zaggy was referring to is that the Zuk has square ports and some lesser brands of header just use round tubing. That kind of difference will be noticable, even at 80bhp
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: zaggy on July 30, 2005, 12:39:06 PM
Hello again

1) When I said make sure the ports match...it's because some header mfg's are selling round
 Ã‚   port headers to fit a square exhaust port...(IMHO)waste of money.
2) I'm along ways from being a rich race car driver, good header wrap properly installed is
 Ã‚   cheap, been on my experimental engines 4 years (same header, different engines), wifes
 Ã‚   kick 3 years, no sign of deterioration on the wrap or header.
3) Low hp engines tend to respond better to initial intake and exhaust mods than you would
 Ã‚   think. It doesn't matter what 4 cycle engine you are dealing with, good exhaust and intake
 Ã‚   breathing makes a difference. Besides when you start with not much a little makes a huge
 Ã‚   difference. Not just my experience, check around the forum those that are doing the mods
 Ã‚   report only great results. Dyno testing backs it up.

 Ã‚   Hope you sort out the problems on your engine.

Zag
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: zaggy on July 30, 2005, 12:46:46 PM
As far as my overall comments....

     I was giving some good, general advice to help the large number of "newbies" that have recently joined, as well as to remind those that have been around awhile what it's like to be new. I wasn't lecturing or talking down to anyone...just advising

    The comments were put there in a good spirit to keep this a friendly place.

As far as my knowledge on engines...check the forum

Zag
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: zaggy on July 30, 2005, 12:53:28 PM
Thanks for you input Rhinoman

Zag
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: mth712 on July 30, 2005, 01:01:57 PM
Your engine building knowledge far exceeds mine for sure. I have read everything you have ever written. I just don't think the round port header versus the square/oval head ports is really going to matter much when the round ports circle the entire square/oval ports. I could see a problem if the round ports were smaller but not when they are larger.
 Ã‚        All that being said I wanted the Calmini header but couldn't get a firm timeline I would get it. I wanted it for the coating and the position of the O2 bung but I must say the quality of the Thorley header is excellent!! Really thick flange and nice reducer with thick flange. It is kinda too purty for me though. I should have painted it flat black. I am working on an add on heat shield right nowso you will not be able to see it anyways.
 Ã‚        I have read about header wrap and seen it used alot and always when it was used the header was junk in short order. Thorley voids the warranty if you use it. But maybe it was used wrong alot so they are covering themselves. I never read anything good about it on a daily driver.
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: mth712 on July 30, 2005, 01:05:08 PM
Maybe wrap is just bad here in the Midwest with rain,snow and salt treatments on the roads in the winter?
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: zaggy on July 30, 2005, 01:19:18 PM
The port issue is a big deal (IMHO)....

     Incorrect or oversize ports can cause unnecessary turbulence in the primary tube, oversize round on a square often creates additional problems from creating pockets of vacum in the corners.
     This can in some cases actually increase back pressure, reduce flow and COST horsepower and decrease fuel mileage. Not to mention problems with getting a good gasket seal. My personal opinion and advice, if you have a square port put on a manifold that has a square port.
     Quality header wrap, like any other tool, used properly can be great, used wrong can be a problem...same with any add on.

Zag

Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: mth712 on July 30, 2005, 01:51:33 PM
You would know better than me. Sorry I spoke out of turn :-X :-X I can admit when I am wrong :-[ :-[ . I still don't think for the average person it is worth installing a header and 2 inch exhaust but if you are going to do it take the advice of people who know and get the Calmini header and do it right. The Thorley is a nice piece but to really do it right I think you must buy the Calmini.
Title: Re: calmini header amd system
Post by: zaggy on July 30, 2005, 02:23:37 PM
IMHO

     I don't think brand is as important as quality and fit. I've never seen a Thorley header for a Suzuki, can't tell you if it's good, bad or indifferent...if it's as good as their Small block Chevy headers that I've used it's probly fine.
     I bought Calmini last time because it was the only header I could see a good pic of. No one up here stocks headers for Suzuki and I couldn't find a pic of any of the others. I don't like messing around so I bought the Calmini because I could see what I was getting before ordering (immediately cut it up once I got it but that's another story).
     I believe that a a manifold should at least be the shape of the port I'm putting it on, everything I've read over the years has taught me that.

As far as being right or wrong that's never the issue, it's the exchange of information that is.

      FWIW I don't believe there is such a thing as speaking out of turn. Mind you I also don't believe there is such a thing as a dumb question only dumb answer.

Opinions are like belly buttons...everybody has got one.

     As far as your unit...from what you have posted, theres a problem of some kind, I believe you will be much happier with both your Zuk and your header/exhaust install when you have got it fixed.

     Wish I could tell you what's wrong but without seeing it I don't know.

Thanks

Zag