Ultimate 350z Headers Guide

We present a range of the best Nissan 350z headers available on the market, from budget to premium. This is the ultimate z33 header guide.

tomei 350z headers

Borla 350z exhaust headers
OBX 350z exhaust headers
PPE Engineering 350z exhaust headers
TOMEI Expreme 350z exhaust headers
ISR Performance 350z exhaust headers
Jump to winner

In a hurry? Here is our 350z header summary

Budget Choice	Drifted Choice	Runner-Up Choice

ISR Performance HGC Long Tube 350z exhaust headers	TOMEI Expreme V2 350z exhaust headers	PPE Engineering Long Tube 350z exhaust headers
🔥🔥🔥	🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥	🔥🔥🔥🔥
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

If you are looking to improve the power output of your Nissan 350z then exhaust headers (manifolds) are a great bolt-on modification.

The OEM exhaust manifolds are efficient from the factory, but tuners have managed to perfect alternative designs that help the VQ35DE and VQ35HR make more power.

The different headers in this guide offer variations in design, materials and sizing. They start at the budget end of the header range (OBX Racing Sports), up to the premium end (PPE Engineering).

The power claims were a little all over the place, I compiled these from manufacturer specifications, retailers and forums so please take them with a pinch of salt. Only PPE Engineering and TOMEI produce dyno graphs of their products.

This instructive video by DIY Garage shows exactly how to fit a pair of 350z headers, from start to finish.

Let’s take a look at our 350z headers

To read more about any of these products simply click on the exhaust header name or photo. Click on the purchase link to be taken to a retailer to buy the header right now.

Want to free up some horsepower on a budget? Take a look at our best 350z test pipes guide. Already got a set of test pipes? Then treat yourself to a high performance Y-Pipe.

Already got the basics? Well have you picked up an intake plenum spacer? Yet more affordable horsepower for your VQ35DE..

Borla 350z exhaust headers

Manufacturer: Borla
Fitment: Nissan 350z (z33) 2003-2007
Value for money: ????
Purchase link: Buy the Borla 350z exhaust headers at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: Borla is a house hold name for American tuners, they have a solid reputation for putting out quality products and are now covering some popular JDM platforms.

This pair of exhaust headers (manifolds) is constructed from high quality austenitic stainless steel (superior to T-409 or aluminized steel), the collectors have outer diameters of 2″ and the primary tubes measure 1.5″.

Borla claim a healthy 10bhp gain on top of the standard 350z output. This is a solid choice for your 350z.

Manufacturer description: “This quality header is made of all stainless steel. We wanted to see what power it would make so we dyno’ed before and after this header on a new 350z with only a Gen1 Borla exhaust and intake on it.“

“With an equal comparison of before and after the headers gained 10 horsepower and 3 ft/lbs of torque across the board. These are great gains. Choose this header because its proven and from a name you can trust.“

OBX Long Tube 350z exhaust headers

Manufacturer: OBX Racing Sports
Fitment: Nissan 350z (z33) 2003-2008
Value for money: ??
Purchase link: Buy the OBX Long Tube 350z exhaust headers here

Our comment: OBX Racing Sports land firmly at the budget end of our comparison, OBX have a hit and miss reputation for product quality, which you really should expect from a budget brand.

If you want cheap performance, you should consider extra fitting time and potentially needing to modify the product. With that said, I personally ran OBX exhaust headers on my Honda NSX and after tricky fitting found they produced excellent gains.

That wasn’t a 350z, but it’s worth keeping in mind. The OBX units have a 1.7″ primary tube diameter with a 2″ outlet. I haven’t found any performance claims from OBX but rumours that they are PPE replica design so I would expect similar gains.

With all the other reputable options I wouldn’t personally go for the OBX, but if you are strapped for cash and don’t mind getting your hands dirty they might work for you.

Manufacturer description: “OBX Racing Sports™ offer extensive range of high quality aftermarket automotive products for imports and domestic vehicles. OBX Racing Sports™ sets and maintain the industry’s high expectations by using applicable highest grade materials and latest machinery along with advanced cutting edge manufacturing technologies.“

“Replace inefficient factory cast log manifold with OBX Racing Sports™ performance header and increase smoother and better exhaust flow at higher RPM to generate more power and maximize performance out of your engine.“

“Primary Tube: 1.7″ OD Outlet: 2.0″ ID – 2.2″ OD Flange Thickness: 0.40″ Runner Wall Thickness: 16 Gauge (1.5mm).“

High quality T-304 stainless steel, Dyno Tested Track Proven To Increase Torque And Horse Power
Value Added Direct Bolt On/ Weld On set up with Gaskets & Hardware included
Precision Computer CNC machined flanges with DUAL-TIG welded construction
Backed by Limited Lifetime warranty from manufacturer defects
OBX Genuine Products Design and Quality of OBX U.S.A

PPE Engineering Long Tube 350z exhaust headers

Manufacturer: PPE
Fitment: Nissan 350z (z33) 2003-2006
Value for money: ????
Purchase link: Buy the PPE Engineering 350z exhaust headers at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: PPE offers a range of customisable 350z exhaust headers, including these long-tube units. PPE can also coat your new headers in ‘JetHot’ ceramic coating to decrease thermal performance loss. This can be produced in a variety of finishes.

PPE opted for 1.75″ tube runners and a merge collector that exits at 2.25″ and transitions to 2.5″ in outer diameter.

On 350z owners clubs these headers have a good reputation, with claimed gains of 10whp when tested with performance camshafts. PPE themselves claim a 3.5whp increase on a stock 350z.

The only reason that these headers are not awarded five stars is due to the higher price tag.

Manufacturer description: “The PPE 350Z long tube headers are designed for maximum power and midrange. Testing on a 2006 350Z showed an increase in top end power and midrange torque over shorty headers and testpipes.“

“Proven to make more power than any other header on the market for the 350Z.“

Equal length tubing
304 stainless steel
100% TIG WELDED
3/8″ thick laser cut flanges
Formed collector with spike or optional merge collector
Mandrel bent 16 gauge tubing
Porting at flanges
Flat sanded head flanges
Optional ceramic coatings
1yr warranty

TOMEI Expreme V2 350z exhaust headers

Manufacturer: TOMEI
Fitment: Nissan 350z (z33) 2003-2008
Value for money: ?????
Purchase link: Buy the TOMEI Expreme 350z exhaust headers at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: TOMEI produces some great aftermarket parts for most JDM platforms, version 2 of the Expreme exhaust header is no exception. Excellent weld quality, high end materials and dyno tested results make this a great fit for your 350z.

A nice feature is that this kit includes not only the fitting hardware but also a heat shield. You can read a great article about how they selected their tube design here.

TOMEI claim 5-15bhp (at the fly) from these headers, opting for a smaller 1.5″ pipe diameter to maximise air flow. Priced at a mid level, these are an excellent choice for your 350z.

Manufacturer description: “The new Tomei Expreme exhaust manifold V2 design targets a sharper throttle response, a true race-exhaust sound, and increased power gains. Tomei tests their designs on both a dyno and in real road conditions in the Z Masters race series in Japan, so you know you are getting an exhaust manifold that gives you a competitive edge. This exhaust manifold gives you the high airflow you need for a better driving experience.“

“With the V2, Tomei has added a heat shield, thermal protector, and flexible thermal tube cover - eliminating hard-to-use thermal bandages - to the kit for added performance and to help reduce performance robbing heat.“

The Tomei Expreme exhaust manifold V2 is engineered for maximum performance
The pipe bends are designed to maximize exhaust flow efficiency
The merging section joint angles have been flow tested
The smooth pipe layout
Bolt on kit

ISR Performance HGC Long Tube 350z exhaust headers

Manufacturer: ISR Performance
Fitment: Nissan 350z (z33) 2003-2008
Value for money: ???
Purchase link: Buy the ISR Performance 350z exhaust headers at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: The second of our budget headers is this offering from ISR Performance. With a low price point (just above the OBX headers), this product has a lot to offer. 304 Stainless steel is used for the pipework and a High Ground Clearance feature that places the collector in a position to maximise ground clearance is a great idea.

I haven’t been able to find much information regarding claimed power increases but the feedback from owners that have purchased the system seems very positive, with plenty of remarks on excellent fitment.

Manufacturer description: “The ISR Performance Long Tube headers for VQ35DE/HR are designed to replace your factory header and catalytic converter. These long tube headers are constructed with 304 brushes stainless steel and heavy duty flanges. Designed with a stepped primary, these headers are built to retain as much low and mid range torque as possible while allowing for good top end horsepower gains as well.“

“The innovative High Ground Clearance, “HGC” design places the collector in a position to maximize ground clearance without sacrificing performance.“

“Each header features 2 o2 bungs placed downstream of the collector so that you can utilize your factory upstream and downstream o2 sensors. The downstream o2 sensor bung utilizes a flow restrictor to help avoid CELs.“

“You will be required to extend your primary o2 sensor harness to meet the new location which is lower on the header.“

Our winner

Our winner is the TOMEI Expreme V2 350z exhaust headers

I selected the TOMEI V2 as our guide winner because of its quality, performance gains and price point. Picking up a pair of TOMEI headers is a great choice for any 350z owner that wants improved power delivery, increased top end power and enjoys a great exhaust tone.

The headers are well built, look fantastic and come with everything you need to bolt right on. When combined with a free flowing exhaust system, the performance gains will be impressive for an NA engine.

Highly recommended.

TOMEI Expreme V2 350z exhaust headers

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If you are looking for more bolt on power for your z33, check out our 350z cold air intake guide.

Photography credits

Drifted would like to extend thanks for the following sources for images.

Written by Joe Terrell Drifted.com founder, motoring journalist and all-round car enthusiast. Read more about Joe and the Drifted team on our about us page.