2022 BRZ Build EP4: Does a UEL exhaust header make power?

[@r2rrita]

Wow, this is the content I am looking for on the 2nd gen brz.. Please do 1st gen brakes in suspension comparison as well

[@DocWalt]

All of the stock parts bolt on, the rear knuckles are different though.

[@CubanRider]

This content is excellent, watched all episodes and looking forward to more. Coming from a history of boosted cars that gain 40+ whp with a tune alone, I'm looking forward to the ownership of a NA car again, it should be really rewarding. Can't wait to get mine.

[@stratifiedauto]

We tune a lot of turbo cars. So the gains are of course not as spectacular on an NA. But that doesn’t make them less satisfying.

[@Tofuisyummy]

Thanks for the in depth content, Noticed the BC plates on car then realized you're a local shop to me. Looking forward for more of your second gen twin content!

[@stratifiedauto]

More to come!

[@garagecedric]

The after market I guess is very happy now, im glad that they are so similar! Really look forward to the 2.4 manifold on the 2.0, that will be interesting.

[@stratifiedauto]

Stay tuned for this :)

[@eagleslair9910]

I would like to see you test a header made specifically for the BRZ 2.4….I could be wrong, but itseems like something specifically designed for the 2.4 would be better. That said I understand the new HKS exhaust only dynod at six hp above stock. From my reading, it sounds like a whole lot of the BRZ is close to perfection. My BRZ comes in February. After your vlog on camber, I ordered upper and lower camber bolts. I’m looking forward to your future videos. Thanks wildman

[@zukashake9717]

finally someone doing interesting stuff with this car. we need to hear the exhaust sound with UEL. put a catback on it too.

[@stratifiedauto]

The catback is needed before you will hear good things.

[@johnkeltner6501]

Another great video! Thanks again for 2nd gen BRZ content

[@itaybutavia1204]

Thanks for your review and information. You disable the catalytic converter from the header. How do you overcome a check engine light that is ON without tuning ?? I mean between the two sensors there is no more catalytic converter

[@williebrown1974]

Are you going to be tuning the BRZ now that the ecu has been cracked? Your testing procedures are top notch!

[@stratifiedauto]

Absolutely. We will be doing this next week with video to follow!

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Stratified, you need to get your hands on a ACE 350 EL header. On the fa20 it vastly outperformed the UEL’s in terms of low end torque while getting rid of the torque dip completely, while also making more peak power top end… those headers would shine on this new BRZ/86

[@stratifiedauto]

I agree and hear those are awesome headers.

[@stratifiedauto]

I agree and hear those are awesome headers.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

@@stratifiedauto I believe the dyno I saw it made 17 more ft lbs of torque then the UEL and 7 more whp top end over the UEL. Quite impressive. It obviously also made substantially more then the stock header

[@stratifiedauto]

Is this on the 2.0 or a 2.4?

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

@@stratifiedauto the older 2.0L. I’m curious to see what it would do on the 2.4

[@SteezyKenny]

Super informative video thank you, wanted to get headers but figure I might wait a bit. Just trying to find a good catback for it right now.

[@granersgarage991]

Great video, very happy to see that the torque dip is eliminated with aftermarket headers. I have a feeling that EL headers with optimized runner size will produce even better results!

[@stratifiedauto]

I feel so too

[@canadianvideos6094]

Interesting comparisons. I think you need to square up your measuring device to get accurate readings, if you are not 90 degrees to the pipe you will get a larger number. I think the Borla header’s weight savings are mostly due to the absence of the catalytic converter. Assuming you install one further down in the exhaust system that weight savings would mostly be a wash. When you tested the Borla headers on the new BRZ the rest of the exhaust was stock? Does this mean there was no catalytic converter installed? That would also suggest the cat back exhaust was not optimized for the headers. As you’ve suggested a few times, a complete exhaust system that includes headers and a full cat back upgrade, perhaps with a high flow cat as well, could yield substantial gains…especially with some tuning. Exciting times for this platform.

[@stratifiedauto]

It really is an exciting car and platform. This is not an optimal setup ... and we are EAGERLY awaiting tuning to optimize further. It's going to take a combination of tuning and hard parts to get the most out of it.

[@Falken240]

Thank you!

[@bennylam1266]

Hey Stratifiedauto I got the PLM UEL headers and a Tomei over pipe. I want to install it on my 2022 brz for the sound. Ive talked to some tuners and they told me not to install it without a tune because it might cause it to run lean or throw a CEL code. But ive seen you install it and beakhan install it without a tune and the cars sound great. In your opinion should I just full send it? Im going on a trip from california to oregon and I dont wanna deal with any problems with my car if it does mess my engine up. Has it cause any problems for you going full exhaust without a tune. What are your thoughts on what I should do?

[@stratifiedauto]

If you have no exhaust leaks it won’t run lean or rich. It will be fine since it’s a MAF based car.

[@anhiirr]

looking forward to seeing the new ideal UEL header size for diameter/runner length, and Exhaust diameter ratios. Makes me wonder what kind of potential this 2.4L the power to cost aspects per build/flow/diameter.

[@stratifiedauto]

It should make 20% more power than a similar optimized 2.0 setup.

[@boost331]

Great info. I would love to have that UEL sound, but without seeing much gain its not worth the expense to me. I would love to see results from a tune alone and then tune + headers on the 22.

[@stratifiedauto]

As soon as tuning is available we will be right on it and offering it. Can’t wait to get this car tuned as it has great potential!

[@boost331]

@@stratifiedauto I know that the 2017+ OEM manifold was improved over the older cars. I wonder if the 22 model is the same as what is found on those? Many older BRZ\86\FRS owners use the 2107+ manifold as an upgrade.

[@Daniel-dg3np]

Once they make headers with ~12% larger pipe diameter to suit the 25% larger flow then there should be gains.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Wait until ACE gets there hands on a 2022 BRZ. There EL header outperformed every UEL in terms of low end torque substantially (17 more ft lbs of torque over the UEL’s) on the fa20, while also making 7 whp more top end. UEL’s are for ricers, stick with a quality EL header

[@boost331]

@@sleeper.simulant7327 That may be the case, but everything they make is catless. These cars sound like pure dog shit with the cats removed. In all honesty a non turbo car making anything under 400hp has no reason to run catless. THAT is some ricer crap running a 200hp car and thinking its those pesky cats holding it back. LOL

[@vincentxtran]

great video and loving your extensive coverage! only feedback would be, if you could upgrade audio quality, would be awesome 😎

[@stratifiedauto]

Thanks for the suggestion. Need to upgrade the shooting equipment.

[@vincentxtran]

@@stratifiedauto No worries! Other than that your in depth coverage style is amazing and I love the content of the actual videos!

[@readytoxplod]

Love the content!

[@IAGDewey]

Great content sir!

[@boost331]

Any measurements of the size of the exhaust ports on the heads? I would be curious to see if that opening has changed between generations.

[@hayatodoki7050]

amazing video, thats incredibly informational.

[@stratifiedauto]

Ty!

[@Dan_AYP]

The air filter intake size was interesting, would you mind measuring the intake manifold and throttle body? Also the manifold power gains midrange vs loss top end wouldn't translate too well in a 1/4 mile or track where you stay in peak power, id bet the stock manifold would give the better time

[@stratifiedauto]

We will be going through the intake parts with some details next.

[@Dan_AYP]

@@stratifiedauto Awesome

[@AyyGin]

Interesting to see how similarly gen 2 responds to the mods from gen 1. Would love to see some sound clips of the UEL paired with a catback for future videos too :)

[@stratifiedauto]

Working on this as well.

[@TheSchnitzelable]

Hi by my understanding if you leave the original air filter and only swap the UEL you gain some torque around the dip without loosing that 6hp from top?

[@stratifiedauto]

You do lose a bit of top end. But net gain.

[@vigneshn.y3048]

Could you please do an intake header/ manifold ID and size check video also please to check PD Supercharger fitment. 🙏

[@stratifiedauto]

Eventually we will get to forced induction.

[@vigneshn.y3048]

@@stratifiedauto FI , like you say is logically a while away. With NA mods, will you try a 2017 Red intake manifold which bumped up the power of Gen 1.5 by 5 BHP. So similar to exhaust manifold swap, Intake manifold swap mods is probably the first step, if you plan to 😀

[@papi96]

Did the aftermarket headers change the exhaust sound at all with the stock exhaust? Waiting for my 2022 BRZ to arrive. NY state just passed some restrictive aftermarket exhaust laws, but a header might sneak by. And great work guys! Keep up the excellent work!

[@stratifiedauto]

Yes added a bit of burble but honestly it’s not too great. I think a catback is needed and to disconnect the sound enhancer in the cabin.

[@papi96]

@@stratifiedauto I figured. I'll have to look into it. And I'm asking the dealer to turn off the fake engine sound when I pick mine up. Apparently it's a simple thing for them to do it. Thank you for the response and looking forward to more videos!

[@FB69FB]

you can just unplug it. open the area infront of the passenger seat from the door site. There is a plug

[@ChrisD53893]

So you said the borla headers are slightly smaller than the 2022 2.4 OEM’s as they were built for the 2.0? That would make sense that you lost at the top end… because they are restricting during the highest flow area and the middle gains could be from smoother paths on the borla. Possibly have slightly more gains across if borla made a little larger ID system for the new BRZ.

[@stratifiedauto]

I think you will find our next video very interesting where we compare the headers on the FRS.

[@josee.zn6]

Cant wait to see how the 22’ headers pair on the 2.0!!

[@stratifiedauto]

We spent last week on the dyno finding out. Should have video this week. Lots to digest.

[@josee.zn6]

@@stratifiedauto its a stretch, but will you be examining the compatibility of the 2.4 in a first gen chassis?

[@awd_pirate1946]

Great video, I wonder if an EL header (with better matched runners) would match or even beat the stock header on top while eliminating the torque dip, definitely great potential on the 2.4

[@stratifiedauto]

I think it’s definitely possible with bigger runners. We will find out :)

[@Jay-sn7wu]

I’m sure you could get it tuned and clean all that up nicely and it would be consistently better up to redline

[@stratifiedauto]

We are going to tune it as soon as we have software. Tuning is what we do.

[@namesh8823]

Was the over pipe compatible between 1st gen & 2nd gen?

[@stratifiedauto]

Yes

[@rookiboi26]

Do UEL headers make the car unreliable because I want to put some on my 22 but not sacrificing reliability

[@stratifiedauto]

I don’t think reliability is sacrificed.

[@xampx2k7]

Knocking out the cat in the 17+ manifolds have been proven to make a similar amount of power compared to some quality aftermarket headers. Would you guys be willing to remove the primary cat in the 2nd gen header and retest it? Thanks.

[@stratifiedauto]

We will just replace the header rather than modify it.

[@xampx2k7]

@@stratifiedauto Much appreciated, but I think it would absolutely be worthwhile to the community. The 17+ header with the cat deleted is within the noise floor of popular UEL headers on the first gen.

[@williebrown1974]

How long does it take to do the header swap? I think I need a set!

[@stratifiedauto]

1-3hrs depending on how often you’ve done it and if you have a lift or anything seized.

[@tims9294]

Is the ECU on the new BRZ unlocked and tunable?

[@stratifiedauto]

Not yet

[@jonasbaine3538]

Will a 2.0 supercharger fit?

[@stratifiedauto]

One way to find out :)

[@kgthegreatone943]

When will it be able to be turned

[@Chilicharger665]

When you move the steering wheel.

[@TimotheFillionBrunet]

Are you planning to address the brake fading issue that some have reported?

[@stratifiedauto]

Yes actually I have some lessons learned on track from the gen1 I will be showing here which are very effective.

[@mresab1997]

Can you engine-swap the 2.4 to the first gen?

[@stratifiedauto]

We will find out.

[@mresab1997]

@@stratifiedauto thank you very much!

[@S.E.T.4Life]

See if brake kits are interchangeable between generation s

[@stratifiedauto]

We will find out shortly.

[@S.E.T.4Life]

@@stratifiedauto that’d be sick

[@MyGoToUserName]

Guess we are waiting for tuning to become available!

[@stratifiedauto]

Eagerly

[@MikeG4936]

Why does UEL help this car? In the turbo EJ25 world, ELH is an upgrade. Is this simply to do with the lack of a turbo?

[@idokwatcher2062]

They don't. It's for those that want the boxer engine distinctive sound. Equal length ones make more power but the exhaust sounds different with them.

[@MikeG4936]

@@idokwatcher2062 This video says otherwise...

[@idokwatcher2062]

@@MikeG4936 It lost peak power. People kept pleading with them to make a 270bhp turbo version with the WRX engine. What they delivered with this 2.4L NA is an improvement over the GT86 but ultimately still a disappointing underpowered car. I don't think all those who complained would be lining up for unequal headers to degrade their peak power even further.

[@MikeG4936]

@@idokwatcher2062 Peak power is rarely used outside the track. The UEL delivers in spades in usable area under the curve. What is more astonishing is that this is before the car was tuned.

[@idokwatcher2062]

@@MikeG4936 It's because of the torque dip which they apparently force to hit emissions goals (IIRC in Europe it's measured yearly around the 3500RPM for 3 minutes sustained throttle). Even the GR86 has a significant torque dip, it's not as pronounced as on GT86 but it's there and enthusiast forums have been analyzing it since early independent dyno results came out of Japan few months ago. I'm guessing that the 2L header with its narrow runners increased exhaust gas velocity in the mid range and removing the catalytic converter helped some. Equal length headers for this car should make more power from 3500RPM all the way to redline.

[@vigneshn.y3048]

Subscribed as this is exactly the content am looking for. Great to see there is backward compatibility with headers and presumably exhaust too. Does the car have a GPF? If yes, is it in the headers or mid pipe as that's another restriction which could be removed to make more power

[@stratifiedauto]

It has 2 catalysts like the gen1 in North America.

[@readytoxplod]

No particulate filter on the new twins for what it's worth..

[@vigneshn.y3048]

@@readytoxplod hopefully it will be the same in Europe. Stricter emission rules mean so far , every petrol car has a GPF

[@bossstillen4390]

So does it make more power?

[@stratifiedauto]

All is revealed … in the video.

[@xampx2k7]

You guys should ABSOLUTELY gut the OE cat on the 2nd generation header and test. The 17+ header has been shown to make great power (arguably) the same as aftermarket headers on the generation 1. I believe the generation 2 could be the same way.

[@idokwatcher2062]

The huge torque dip and only 2L of displacement probably dictated design of the narrow headers, to keep up the exhaust gas velocity. New engine should benefit from new headers with wider pipes, extra displacement won't hurt the velocity and it will breathe at the top end past 6000RPM where this header lost power.

[@stratifiedauto]

Headers do play a big role in that torque dip area.

[@stratifiedauto]

On both motors.

[@Jdmjunkie001]

The 2022 looks alot like the hks header for the 2.0L.

[@wayward03]

If I remember correctly there was very little gain from headers untuned on the first gen as the ecu can't take advantage without adjustments. With all the extra torque this new engine has I'd be more interested in a 4-2-1 high rpm header like ACE type A

[@stratifiedauto]

The torque dip is still addressed just like it was on the gen1. So there is that.

[@maximus9401]

there are 86 likes...I want to but I can't!!!

[@davidrubin2612]

so long story short once they make headers with proper diameter for the 2.4L theyll make better gains

[@stratifiedauto]

We’re hoping this is the case.

[@665foro]

So the car is fucked now for when u want to go fast...