VA WRX Equal Length Headers: What They Do & If They're Worth It

Why WRX Owners Can’t Stop Talking About Equal Length Headers

If you find two WRX owners on the street and ask them about equal length headers, you’ll most likely start a debate between the two that’s as intense as asking a chef about the right way to cook steak. One side believes in chasing sharper throttle response, and proven dyno gains. But the other side is all about fans that don’t want to give up the trademark rumble that they’ve always loved about their ride. Deciding to bolt on equal length headers is more than a simple upgrade, it’s deciding how you want your WRX to feel, sound, and perform. 

This is why this mod has become one of the more heavily discussed upgrades in the Subaru world. They’re responsible for doing more than adjusting your exhaust note, they’ll redefine your driving experience. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the right fit for your VA build. So before you ditch that signature growl, we’re going to dig into what an ELH actually does, and whether this mod deserves a spot on your upgrade wishlist. 

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From Hype to Hard Facts

We know that ELHs are a divisive topic, but there’s more to the debate than refinement vs. rumble. The real comparison worth making is the way these headers change the efficiency, drivability and airflow of your VA. So instead of focusing on that debate, we’ll break down the mechanics of an ELH so you can see exactly what all the hype is about in the Subaru community. 

What Equal Length Headers Actually Do

When you get right down to it, equal length headers are all about balance. All the exhaust runners are designed to be the exact same length, as the name implies, meaning that exhaust pulses leave the engine in a smooth and even rhythm. This level of balance improves scavenging, so the process of pulling those exhaust gases out becomes more efficient so that fresh air and fuel can come rushing in. This results in a cleaner, more consistent burn in every cylinder, meaning you’ll experience better efficiency and power delivery across the rev range.

So what does this mean for VA owners? To put it simply, the difference you’ll feel behind the wheel is very noticeable. Say goodbye to uneven surges and dips in power, because equal length headers will smooth out the torque curve, which makes your car feel more predictable and refined. There’s more to these headers than trying to squeeze out a bit more horsepower, it’s about making the car breathe much easier and respond more naturally every time you hit the throttle.

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Performance Gains You Feel

Equal length headers are known for creating some moderate horsepower and torque increases, especially in the mid-to-upper RPM range, but that doesn’t mean they have to do it alone. When you pair your headers with a proper tune, you’ll be able to feel that faster throttle response, stronger midrange pull, and a smoother powerband. The car almost feels more eager to climb through revs as opposed to hitting flat spots, which results in your spirited driving feel even more rewarding.

But if you’re looking for the real win, you won’t find it in the numbers, it’s actually in the consistency. Using ELHs like ones from Tomei or GrimmSpeed  allows your VA to deliver power more evenly, which makes your acceleration feels more controlled than sloppy. This predictability pays off whether you’re ripping through backroads, making your daily commute, or chasing PR times at the track. This level of performance is as usable in real-world driving as it is impressive on the dyno.

Performance vs. Sound

This is the heart of the debate, where things get heated. You know by now that ELHs deliver smooth power, sharp throttle response, and a refined driving experience, but the big drawback that gets everyone talking is that they also strip away the rumble that makes Subarus iconic. You’ll end up with a smoother, high-pitch exhaust tone that feels more JDM than the rally car aggressive growl you might be used to. That’s acceptable for some, who’re looking for a cleaner sound to match their performance. But for others, losing that rumble feels like you’re losing part of your WRX’s soul.

So does that mean you should or shouldn’t make the swap? Well that depends. If you’re trying to achieve greater performance, drivability, and consistency, then adding ELHs to your VA is one of the best moves you can make. But if you’re not interested in getting rid of that classic growl that makes your WRX feel like a WRX, then you might want to stick with unequal headers. At the end of the day, this is making a choice between refinement and character, helping you decide to build your WRX around what matters most to you.

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Find the Perfect Equal Length Headers for Your WRX VA at MAPerformance!

Whether you like equal length headers or not, there’s no denying the benefits that they can add to your VA. It comes with a tradeoff, but for those that are chasing increased performance over sound, that tradeoff is well worth it. So if you’ve decided that this is the right upgrade for your build, then head over to the online store at MAPerformance to find one that’s perfect for your WRX. We offer free shipping and quick delivery for every purchase, and we also have some great financing options to help make your purchase easier and more affordable in case you’re trying to stick to a budget. If you’re ever in need of recommendations or you have questions, please contact our world-class customer service team, they’re always available to help point you in the right direction. This is an upgrade that you don’t want to miss out on for your VA, so quit waiting around and get one today!