super newbie question

[mccarthv]

Okay so I know this question is going to make me sound dumb, but i need to ask it.
what gives the 2.2L ej22 its rumble sound that makes a 92 legacy almost sound like an sti? the reason i ask is because i like the sound (duh) and i've seen more than a couple of 1st gen legacies that had that distintcive, boxer rumble.

again, try to be nice. i know this is a super stupid question, but i didn't know where else to ask.....

[geckoboy86]

You need unequal length headers or UEL for short.
Look under your car at the bottom of the engine (kinda need to get your head under there), look at the exhaust and see if you are what they call dual port or single port. Dual port will have 2 ports out of the engine on each side and single will have 1 on each side.

If you're dual port, you can use any dual port 2.2 or 2.5L UEL headers that are for NA engines (2.5RS being the most common listed online)/
If single port, you are going to have a hard time locating a set for a decent price.

[Wiscon_Mark]

If it's a 92 Legacy, it'll be a dual port header. You can get the Borla or Borla knockoff headers and get that nice deep rumble.

Technically the stock headers are a little unequal and give some rumble already with a full exhaust, but the aftermarket headers give you a nice deep tone.

[mccarthv]

so what makes the aftermarket header so much different? because when i looked under the car, the stock headers were already pretty uneven. i'm just not seeing how aftermarket ones would differ so much from the stock ones.

[Garrison]

The design is such that exhaust pulses are more separated and distinct.

[Wiscon_Mark]

so what makes the aftermarket header so much different? because when i looked under the car, the stock headers were already pretty uneven. i'm just not seeing how aftermarket ones would differ so much from the stock ones.

The exhaust from the passenger side heads goes completely around the oil pan and joins up with the driver's side pipes just before the flange vs. just a Y pipe.

Aftermarket: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-2005-SUBAR ... 101wt_1396 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-2005-SUBARU-LEGACY-IMPREZA-WRX-RS-2-5L-STAINLESS-STEEL-HEADER-EXHAUST-98-/320882294537?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ASubaru&hash=item4ab6133f09&vxp=mtr#ht_3101wt_1396)

[mike-tracy]

On a 1st gen legacy, the headers do indeed bolt up, but you'll need a welder to modify your cat-section for it to fit. I heard that you can use a 2nd generation Legacy cat back instead.

[Garrison]

On a 1st gen legacy, the headers do indeed bolt up, but you'll need a welder to modify your cat-section for it to fit. I heard that you can use a 2nd generation Legacy cat back instead.
There's only about 4" length difference, so a cut may be required but it's unlikely.

[mccarthv]

ow wow okay. now i see it. that makes a huge difference. instead of a straight line back to the exhaust pipe, it takes the long way around. gotcha.
so does doing this affect the engines ability to pump out the exhaust? like it won't screw with the function of the engine too much will it?

[Wiscon_Mark]

so does doing this affect the engines ability to pump out the exhaust? like it won't screw with the function of the engine too much will it?

well, the piping is larger, so it should allow for more flow up top. I doubt it has any negative effect on the engine itself as many have been running these headers for years and years.

I'll say that I noticed a bit more mid-range power. Damn EJ22 heads don't allow for any more flow above 5,000 rpms though.

[Garrison]

Rear o2 spacer is worthwhile to avoid p0420 CEL.