Most modern cars and trucks come from the factory with horsepower-restricting exhaust systems. This is because major manufacturers must meet certain emissions, fuel economy, and sound standards. Once the car is in your hands though, you are free to ditch the factory exhaust manifolds in favor of something better.

A relatively new company, American Racing Headers has none the less made a huge impact on the header scene. The latest additions to their line of headers include headers for both the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 and the 2010 & up SVT Raptor off-road truck.

The 5.0 Mustang headers are available in your choice of 1 ¾” or 1 7/8” primaries, with or without catalytic converters. These 100% Made in the USA headers added 32 rear-wheel horsepower before tuning to an otherwise completely stock 2011 Mustang GT, including the still-restrictive stock mufflers and pipes.

On the SVT Raptor, equipped with the 6.2 liter V8 engine, gains were between 25 and 30 rear-wheel horsepower before tuning. Those are some big gains from a simple header swap, and we can understand why so many OEM manufacturers have turned to American Racing Headers. In fact, they even made the headers for the Dodge Viper ACR-X, a purpose-built race car, and they are working on other projects for OEM’s too. Can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

• 100% Made in America headers
• Adds 32 rear-wheel horsepower to otherwise stock 2011 Mustang GT 5.0
• Adds 25-30 rear-wheel horsepower to otherwise stock SVT Raptor