Absolute numbers are good if you can equally compare them. Personally what I like to see are what the gains were relative to baseline.
For example (made up numbers).
- Stock: 140 RWHP (baseline)
- With just a tune: 170 RWHP - 21% increase over stock,
- With header & tune: 182 RWHP - 30% increase over stock, 7% increase over tune alone
So, while I love the headers, incrementally, it doesn't potentially make a lot more than just a tune alone. At the same time, it would likely be the cornerstone to build upon and another ~7% is nothing to sneeze at. So the low-hanging fruit is going with a tune. At the same time, if I go with the headers, I'll need to spend some $$$ on dyno time to get it right or I am leaving HP on the table.
I priced dyno tuning in my area, and I got quotes of a minimum of $500 USD to $1000, depending on the shop I went to. So I'd have to add that into the overall cost. Now if there is a map already that would work with the header for TuneECU then I could save on that expense.
Despite the economics not being as good as I would like, to hit my goal of 200 RWHP, it will likely be necessary. So there is a header about to go in my cart. I am just debating between the stainless or Ti version. I wouldn't mind the few extra pounds weight savings. I am assuming there is no difference in output.