A header is just part of a system to manipulate the engine to breathe better (it is essentially an gas-powered air pump). What is being balanced is torque and horsepower across a pair of power curves.
What "helps" is how the various components work to shape the torque curve and horsepower curve. It is all in how the elements work together. Some specific components will work wonderful in certain combos and even hurt in other combos.
Everything is in what YOU want. How to achieve that would be nice w/ easy/cheap access to a dyno . . .
A header helps the out-flow of gasses/air from the engine to the exhaust system. A well designed one helps keep the flow smooth and even collection of said gasses for either optimum high-end power and/or mid-range. With an appropriate intake and exhaust system, it makes a huge difference. By itself w/ a stock intake and exhaust it is pointless.
What "helps" is how the various components work to shape the torque curve and horsepower curve. It is all in how the elements work together. Some specific components will work wonderful in certain combos and even hurt in other combos.
Everything is in what YOU want. How to achieve that would be nice w/ easy/cheap access to a dyno . . .
A header helps the out-flow of gasses/air from the engine to the exhaust system. A well designed one helps keep the flow smooth and even collection of said gasses for either optimum high-end power and/or mid-range. With an appropriate intake and exhaust system, it makes a huge difference. By itself w/ a stock intake and exhaust it is pointless.