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View Full Version : New "ball flange" on header to side pipe joint



oldwestracing
05-18-2020, 05:39 PM
Disclaimer: I don't have a roadster kit yet (soon!) and yes, this is my first post :cool:

I saw on one of the FF videos that the 25th introduced a ball joint coupling between the header and the side pipe and this will become standard on future MK4s. Benefits are super easy adjustment of the side pipes and no more shimming to get alignment. After thinking about this a bit, I was wondering if this effectively shortens the header length since the header goes into a common section of pipe, and then returns to the 4 individual pipes after. Of course I'm assuming the previous flange connection carried the exhaust pulses the full length of the 4 tube section, which it may not have anyway due to the interruption of the flange joint.

Any thoughts about the impact on power, power curves, functional header length, etc between the two designs? In the real world it's probably not important, but if it could have an impact, I might consider going with aftermarket to keep the long tube header effect....maybe.

Jeff Kleiner
05-18-2020, 06:33 PM
The ball flange actually pre-dates the Anniversary cars and has been the norm for a while now. “Real world” as you mentioned I doubt you’d ever notice a difference. I’ll not name names but after having cars through here with various “aftermarket” headers I gotta’ tell you that they come with their own set of problems related to how they exit the body...they’re high...or the flanges are too far out...or they kick the pipes in or out...or a combination. Even if it might cost you a bit of power adjustability can be a good thing. Just something to think about.

Jeff