Was driving last night and some idiot had thrown a brick on the road I didn't see it till too late there are two dents in the header(will post pics tomorrow when bright). they aren't too big imo but are noticeable non the less I don't have a ton of money to spend at the moment so it's either get car tuned or new header (both 4/500$+). i'm sure im not the only one who has an issue like this and is curious here is a pic of the header that came with my car on day one imo this would have a notable affect>

 

The short answer, it already is affecting performance. However, the question really is, to what degree? You probably wont notice the decrease in power via your "butt dyno", however if all things were constant and you had another identical header that was not damaged, and you dyno'ed the car, you would see a degree of power loss due to the restriction of exhaust flow...

That is a pretty severe dent.. I would also be worried about any stress cracks as well... Personally, I would recommend replacing the header if you have to chose between a new header or getting the car tuned... Just my $.02

 

Should have worded it a bit better yes degree to which it is being affect by the dent was more thinking "butt dyno" on this one. the header that is on the car is a Hytech big tube header if im going to replace anything it would be the exhaust but I don't want to spend 650+ for maybe 3-5hp 2.5 to 3'' (bolt on's + tuner 2 cams)

 

I'd be tempted to pull the dent out as well as possible, and then mig the holes shut. Wouldn't cost anything other than a bit of effort. Any increase in the diameter will help, and it can't hurt at this point.

 

Well i'm going to post pics very soon(will edit post). I think this thing is beyond repair I could take this as an opportunity to lower the car even more(header is all ready eff'd) so I don't care if it get crumpled more. that being said I have a new parts pile waiting to be installed in which case the car will be getting properly tuned thus requiring a new header. I'm mainly asking you guy's input on a "butt dyno" feel. I will be replacing it regardless I think.

 

You should weigh and sort out the importance of each step you want to take for your car... Alright your header is dented, it will be restricting exhaust flow. You can waste money now and tune your car with your severely dented header and make a small gain with your current mods or even lower numbers and end up replacing your header in the future and pay for another re-tune OR you can choose to replace your header now and save up again for a tune to save you the hassle and produce some better numbers. If I were you, I would just replace the header...

 

look pretty bad, but would not worry about it too much in meantime.

 

that was the original one^ never knew till I had the car jacked up for the first time lol. here are what it looks like as of today. it's a hytech bigtube header so I figure I have a bit of leniency b4 I would "feel" a change ??