I always did have a hard time believing that a header, by itself, could make any substantial difference...

I've been warned that certain exhaust mods, like gutting the cat, can lose power because it scares the computer into playing it safe and assuming something is not working right. Hopefully it would show a CEL if this happens, so you'd know.

96 GL Zetec ATX, white with pinstripe, nickname " Sam Smooth "
mods so far: CTA intake with homemade heat shield, KVR drilled front rotors & carbon pads w/ 500° fluid
planned mods: exhaust (want to keep it quiet), e-ram (awaiting installation), diablo chip
involuntary mods: compression increased after head gasket failure