'08 Belanger Header Info

[ViperTony]

Just got this in an email. Since I don't have an '08 I thought I'd post it here for those of you that may be interested. Lou desperately needs a website:

 

[rcl4668]

Thanks for posting this. I will be installing the system in a week or so and did not know it also resulted in an 18.5 lb weight savings.

/Rich

 

[CitySnake]

That's quite a viper tax.

 

[wallbanger]

That's quite a viper tax.

i consider it more of an investment in the whole viper community

 

[ViperTony]

I think the price of steel has gotten ridiculous over the last several months. I've gotten quotes for aluminum and wrought iron pool fencing that have double or tripled since a year ago. At this point, I'm putting up chicken wire. But I wouldn't hesitate to get the Belanger system if I had an '08. It's all about priorities.

 

[[email protected]]

Anyone know about the HEAT problem they resolved on the 08's? Do they have a web site?
sailnfl

 

[rcl4668]

Anyone know about the HEAT problem they resolved on the 08's? Do they have a web site?
sailnfl

From the factory, the 08s are much cooler in the cabin than the 2003-2006 Vipers. I don't know whether and how the Belanger system affects the heat issue but my guess is that it would either not increase the heat in the cabin.

/Rich

 

[[email protected]]

I test drove an 06 in August here in FL and the heat issue was the main reason I didn't purchase one
Another concern is the warranty. I got the 7 year 100K warranty and I am concerned about the upgrade voiding my warranty. Does anyone know if it would void the warranty? My salesman didn’t have an answer
Charlie

 

[CitySnake]

I test drove an 06 in August here in FL and the heat issue was the main reason I didn't purchase one
Another concern is the warranty. I got the 7 year 100K warranty and I am concerned about the upgrade voiding my warranty. Does anyone know if it would void the warranty? My salesman didn’t have an answer
Charlie

"Honoring" warranty issues run to the dealer. They can virtually find any reason they want to decline work if they are so inclined.

The good dealers find way To HONOR any warranty issues.

 

[CitySnake]

Lou Bellanger has a great long term rep, however, being the eternal skeptic, I am not jet convinced that his new system will not cause codes. I have little doubt of the quality of the system and claimed results....just some concern with the enhanced sensitivity of the new controller. I'm interested, but I'll watch from the sidelines for a bit (heck, I don't even have a Viper yet on which to install them!) .

 

[Cop Magnet]

Viper Tax. Plain and simple. Why else would a GenIII header cost twice as much as the GenI/II. I doubt they are all NOS made with cheaper steel. Maybe the '08 has more R&D, but seriously. Apologies to JonB, but these headers look pretty similar to me.

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Belanger Headers; '92-02

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Belanger super-tuned long tube, Tri-Y headers. Mandrel bent 1 3/4 inch primary tubes, 3 inch collectors. High temp ceramic metallic coating inside aand out, nickel chrome finish. OBD2 Compliant (no check-engine light).
Our price: $1,699.99

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Belanger SRT-10 Headers;CYBER-SALE 03-06

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Belanger super-tuned long tube, Tri-Y headers for the SRT-10 and Competition Coupe. Mandrel bent 1 3/4 inch primary tubes, 3 inch collectors. High temp ceramic metallic coating inside aand out, nickel chrome finish. OBD2 Compliant (no check-engine light). MSRP $2895; Sale $2695 !
Our price: $2,695.00

 

[Cop Magnet]

(And I am referring to tax from the manufacturer, not the reseller. Just to be clear.)

 

[ViperTony]

Viper Tax. Plain and simple. Why else would a GenIII header cost twice as much as the GenI/II. I doubt they are all NOS made with cheaper steel. Maybe the '08 has more R&D, but seriously. Apologies to JonB, but these headers look pretty similar to me./quote]

Belanger's '08 package includes cats and catback...a complete exhaust system. When adding Belanger headers, cats and catback to a GenII I can tell you the total cost is $3K or so. The '08 price isn't really that bad or a ripoff for a complete system. Expensive but you get what you pay for.

 

[Cop Magnet]

Tony, it doesn't sound so bad that way. But the Gen I - III difference remains unexplained.

 

[ViperTony]

Tony, it doesn't sound so bad that way. But the Gen I - III difference remains unexplained.

That's true. It's too bad Lou doesn't have a website or jumps in here from time to time to answer questions or promote his products. If you really want to know why there's a difference, give him a call. He'll talk your ear off. I'd call and ask but I don't have 2 hours to spare today.

 

[CitySnake]

Belanger's '08 package includes cats and catback...a complete exhaust system. When adding Belanger headers, cats and catback to a GenII I can tell you the total cost is $3K or so. The '08 price isn't really that bad or a ripoff for a complete system. Expensive but you get what you pay for.

It's a bit expensive...but heck, he's got the only one out there right now. As with everything, I'd venture the '08 exhaust packages will ALL be less expensive when there's a few out there (assuming some other manufacturer(s) play ball).

 

[JonB]

Plz remember I am TERRIBLE at posting photos, so the photos on my site do NOT depict model-year changes, SORRY!

Tony correctly mentioned the R+D Factor. A few months back Lou told me that his direct expenses related to developing a totaly new header for the 2008 were over $50,000 at that time, and likely to end up at $75,000 and more. These headers are even getting dyno and testing time at Mclaren.

So when PartsRack sold Rich serial # 0001, Lou figures that system which sells at under $4000, actually cost $50,000+ to build.

Simultaneously, Belanger decided to LOWER the Gen 1-2 prices......since the cost of R+D on those was long ago amortized over hundreds of sets.... The Gen 1-2 are a GREAT deal....still built by hand, by someone named Belanger, for over 40 years....

 

[Stealth]

From the mailer:

1. What is "ODB2 compliant" mean? Will these have California CARB approval? (I am sure that is a "NO" given the "offroad only" notation.

2. What is aluminized tubing? Stainless steel with coating? Mild steel?

3. What does "Factory tested" mean? Has Dodge Mopar racing endorsed these?

4. On just about every car I have had, the headers throw "check engine" lights that will only be removed by tuning.

5. Do these headers cause cabin resonance (drone) in low-rpm throttle roll-ons? For example, highway cruising in 6th and gentle throttle? This happened with my Z06 and basically eliminated the use of 6th and caused me never to cruise below 2000 rpms.

That said, the WOT sound and usu. extra torque of headers is very nice! Just trying to make an informed decision for my '08.

Thanks!

 

[rcl4668]

From the mailer:

1. What is "ODB2 compliant" mean? Will these have California CARB approval? (I am sure that is a "NO" given the "offroad only" notation.

2. What is aluminized tubing? Stainless steel with coating? Mild steel?

3. What does "Factory tested" mean? Has Dodge Mopar racing endorsed these?

4. On just about every car I have had, the headers throw "check engine" lights that will only be removed by tuning.

5. Do these headers cause cabin resonance (drone) in low-rpm throttle roll-ons? For example, highway cruising in 6th and gentle throttle? This happened with my Z06 and basically eliminated the use of 6th and caused me never to cruise below 2000 rpms.

That said, the WOT sound and usu. extra torque of headers is very nice! Just trying to make an informed decision for my '08.

Thanks!

I'll try to answer what I can from talking with Lou. My 08 Belanger headers/exhaust are currently being installed so I will post results in another thread when I get the car back and put some miles on it. Anyway:

I believe OBD2 compliant means that the install will not trigger any codes or check engine lights on the 08; I am not sure but I do not believe this is the same thing as CARB approval (in fact I highly doubt they have been CARB approved);

Regarding aluminized tubing, Lou has explained this to me several times but I am not an engineer so my understanding is that they are not stainless steel by design to address resonance and other issues. I believe they have a mild steel component but beyond that Lou's explanation fell on deaf (or rather thick) ears. Can someone else explain this in more detail?

Factory testing means just that. Remember when the 675-hp 2008 Mopar concept coupe came out at the Detroit Auto Show? Those were Lou's headers. The folks at McLaren and I believe Chrysler have previously done dyno testing with the headers and have verified the horsepower gains.

Hope this helps.

/Rich

 

[mjorgensen Woodhouse]

I know that part of Lou's reasoning for not using SS is because they hold and radiate MUCH more heat than his aluminized and double coated design, which is very important to Viper owners especially. Plus they are a lot less prone to cracking/leaking.

 

[wallbanger]

so why is hennessey claiming that belanger headers are made out of mild steel?

Headers & Exhaust Tested on 2008 Viper @ Chrysler Proving Grounds - Viper Alley - Dodge Viper Forum

 

[ViperTony]

so why is hennessey claiming that belanger headers are made out of mild steel?

Headers & Exhaust Tested on 2008 Viper @ Chrysler Proving Grounds - Viper Alley - Dodge Viper Forum

From the man himself: "but to suggest that any mild steel exhaust system is superior to a stainless system is just pure salesman baloney." Well, he would know wouldn't he?

 

[[email protected]]

I'll try to answer what I can from talking with Lou. My 08 Belanger headers/exhaust are currently being installed so I will post results in another thread when I get the car back and put some miles on it. Anyway:

I believe OBD2 compliant means that the install will not trigger any codes or check engine lights on the 08; I am not sure but I do not believe this is the same thing as CARB approval (in fact I highly doubt they have been CARB approved);

Regarding aluminized tubing, Lou has explained this to me several times but I am not an engineer so my understanding is that they are not stainless steel by design to address resonance and other issues. I believe they have a mild steel component but beyond that Lou's explanation fell on deaf (or rather thick) ears. Can someone else explain this in more detail?

Factory testing means just that. Remember when the 675-hp 2008 Mopar concept coupe came out at the Detroit Auto Show? Those were Lou's headers. The folks at McLaren and I believe Chrysler have previously done dyno testing with the headers and have verified the horsepower gains.

Hope this helps.

/Rich

Has anyone installed and tested the complete Belanger exhaust system for the 08 yet?

I posted before if the warranty(7year,100K)would hold up and was told it would be the dealers call. I purchased mine in Sarasta and am not real happy with them, but haven't had any real problems.Had a tire problem and felt they could have warrantied it. I'm going to ask when I take it in for my first service.
Could I get some opinions on the best dealer in the greater Tampa Bay area? Clearwater to Naples. I'm willing to travel to establish a good relationship I am about ready to trade my Durango in on another Mopar,Jeep for hauling my motorcycles, etc.
Thanks
Charlie

 

[Joe Dozzo]

The folks at Woodjouse have installed a number of complete Belanger systems on 08's, including mine.

I can't help you with test numbers from my car, but I know Mark has posted before / after numbers in another thread.

The car sounds great! I don;t have too many miles on mine yet, but no noticable drone.

 

[FLL-B/W-GTS]

Hollywood Dodge(Fl.).Viper service is excellent.Call Mark Leslie.I have had my 08 their,they do great work.