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The Daily Insight

Does the 2015 STI have unequal length headers?

Author

Rachel Newton

Updated on March 01, 2026

The factory header for most US market turbo EJ20 / EJ25 Subarus including the WRX, STI, FXT (Forester XT), LGT (Legacy GT), Baja Turbo, and Outback XT are unequal length. This includes the current 2.5L STI, but does not include the FA20 powered WRX / FXT.

Correspondingly, why are there unequal length headers?

Unequal Length Headers are typically lighter since shorter runners on two cylinders require less material. Two shorter runners also means less engine RPM required to get exhaust gas to the turbo, so you'll see quicker turbo response with a car running UEL Subaru Headers.

Also Know, do you need a tune for equal length headers? You don't HAVE to have a tune, but it's not going to benefit you without one. I suggest you sell it and get at least a downpipe and a tune to start making more power. i've always had the intent to buy a EL header.

One may also ask, will WRX headers fit on a 2.5 I?

Re: Wrx headers on impreza 2.5i

Yes, it can be done.

Does the new STI have equal length headers?

Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained says the reason the WRX STI sounds so unique is due to the unequal length headers in the 2.5-liter Boxer flat-four. It's a love affair with WRX/STI owners who won't be letting go of the iconic sound anytime soon.

Related Question Answers

Are WRX and STI headers the same?

The parts are the same the #'s are not. I ported the manifolds in my WRX and my Sti. The maniflods are exactly the same.

Are equal length headers better?

The equal length header is a much more efficient design for a couple of reasons, but it all stems from the exhaust runners being the same length. This comes also with a normalization of exhaust pressure (backpressure) at each exhaust port which improves engine volumetric efficiency and top-end power.

What are headers on a car?

Headers take the place of your exhaust manifolds, which are the first part of your exhaust system between the cylinder heads and the front exhaust pipes. They are constructed of individual tubes (one for each exhaust port) that meet in a larger tube called a collector.

Why do Subarus sound different?

The Subaru boxer is of the horizontally-opposed flat design. That's only part of what gives it that unique sound, however, as it's more about the design of the headers. The 2.5-liter Subaru engine makes use of something called unequal length headers, which are exactly what they sound like.

What is a UEL header?

For those who are new to the aftermarket scene, UEL stands for unequal length headers and EL stands for equal length headers. We will make it as simple as possible to explain the differences and benefits of a UEL versus EL headers exhaust setup for the Toyota 86.

What do headers do for a Mustang?

Headers will add power to your Mustang while tuning the exhaust note. You'll pick up a pile of rear wheel horsepower and turn many heads when you install an aftermarket set of high-flowing headers. Headers are a complicated piece of your Mustang's exhaust.

Do headers make the car louder?

Headers alone will not make it any louder. Midpipes and mufflers will give you louder exhaust.

Do you need a tune for headers STI?

Registered. no, you don't have to. You'll see gains from just bolting them on the OTS map and you won't hurt anything.

Why does the WRX sound so good?

The gasses from pistons 2 and 4 are then only able to escape once their pressure has risen above that of 1 and 3, and then the gasses force themselves out. This process is what creates the infamous Subaru rumble, one of the best sounding (in our opinion) four cylinder engines of all time.

Do you need a tune for a downpipe WRX?

No tune is needed for the downpipe.

Do you need a tune for a cat back exhaust WRX?

Cat-back exhaust systems affect the region of exhaust after the catalytic converters. This means that the new parts are clear from any sensors or meters that the ECU (Engine Control Unit) may need to run the vehicle. As a result, Cat-Back exhaust systems do not require an updated tune.

What is Ringland failure?

Ringland failure is when excessive heat and pressure cause the ringland to fracture. The fractured ringland no longer supports the ring properly which allows combustion gasses to blow down into the sump, often pressurizing it.

How do you get a Subaru rumble?

If you put an EQUAL LENGTH HEADER on a subaru you will no longer rumble. Naturally-Aspirated Subaru's, like yours, have an equal length header. Therefore you do not rumble. The ONLY way to get the rumble is to change the header.