Holden Astra 1986-1990 1.6L 1.8L SOHC CamTech Wildcat Exhaust Headers WILD209

Wildcat WILD209 exhaust headers (extractors) are designed for selected Holden Astra models from 1986–1990 fitted with 1.6L and 1.8L SOHC CamTech petrol engines.

Featuring an interference-style header design, WILD209 uses 40mm (1.58") primary pipes, 51mm (2.00") secondary pipes and a 57mm (2.25") outlet. This combination is designed for street performance applications, helping maintain exhaust gas velocity and improve scavenging for better torque, throttle response and usable engine performance.

The recommended exhaust manifold/header gasket for this application is RBG209.

Please check availability and current lead time before ordering.

Key Features

• Designed for selected Holden Astra 1986–1990 applications
• Suits selected 1.6L and 1.8L SOHC CamTech petrol engines
• Interference-style header design for street performance applications
• 40mm (1.58") primary pipes
• 51mm (2.00") secondary pipes
• 57mm (2.25") outlet
• Designed to improve exhaust gas flow and scavenging
• Helps improve torque, throttle response and engine performance
• Australian-made Wildcat performance headers

Construction

• Quality mild steel construction
• Strong welded construction for durability
• Formed pipework designed for efficient exhaust gas flow
• Heat-resistant painted finish rated to approximately 600°C
• Australian manufactured by Wildcat

Additional Options

• RBG209 exhaust manifold/header gasket
• Replacement manifold studs and nuts where existing hardware is worn or corroded
• High-temperature exhaust gasket sealant where appropriate
• Performance exhaust system where further exhaust flow improvement is required

Vehicle Fitment

• Make: Holden
• Model: Astra
• Year Range: 1986–1990
• Engine Capacity: 1.6L / 1.8L
• Engine Type: SOHC CamTech petrol

Fitment Notes

• Designed for selected Holden Astra models from 1986–1990 fitted with 1.6L or 1.8L SOHC CamTech petrol engines
• Please confirm your engine and vehicle configuration before ordering if unsure
• Engine conversions, replacement engines, modified engine mounts or non-standard exhaust systems may affect fitment
• Please check availability and current lead time before ordering.

What’s Included

• 1 x Set Wildcat WILD209 exhaust headers / extractors
• Outlet components as supplied

Recommended With

• RBG209 exhaust manifold/header gasket
• Replacement manifold studs and nuts where existing hardware is worn or corroded
• High-temperature exhaust gasket sealant where appropriate
• Quality performance exhaust system where further exhaust flow improvement is required

Why Good Headers & Exhaust Systems Matter

At 4,000 rpm, a 1.6L engine theoretically draws in approximately 3,200 litres of intake air per minute and can expel around 9,600 litres of hot exhaust gas per minute at approximately 600°C. A 1.8L engine can draw in approximately 3,600 litres of intake air per minute and expel around 10,800 litres of hot exhaust gas per minute under the same theoretical conditions.

A well-designed header and exhaust system helps manage this high gas flow efficiently, reducing restriction and improving exhaust scavenging, torque, throttle response and engine performance.

Installation Tips

• Apply penetrating lubricant such as WD-40 or similar to the manifold studs, nuts and exhaust fasteners before removal
• Remove all traces of the old manifold gasket before installing the headers
• Inspect the cylinder-head sealing surface, manifold studs and threads before installation
• Fit a new RBG209 exhaust manifold/header gasket
• Trial-fit the headers before fully tightening the mounting hardware
• Check clearance around the engine mounts, steering, transmission, starter motor and surrounding components
• Protect the painted header surfaces during trial fitting and installation
• Check all exhaust connections for leaks after installation
• Inspect and re-tighten the header mounting hardware after the initial heat cycles

Warranty & Compliance

Wildcat headers are covered by the applicable 2-year manufacturer's warranty subject to standard warranty terms and conditions.

Installation must retain the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor and any other emissions-control equipment required for the vehicle. Exhaust and emissions requirements vary between Australian states and territories, and the completed installation must comply with the regulations applicable in your state or territory.

FAQ

Which Holden Astra models does WILD209 suit?
WILD209 is designed for selected Holden Astra models from 1986–1990 fitted with applicable 1.6L and 1.8L SOHC CamTech petrol engines.

Does WILD209 suit both 1.6L and 1.8L engines?
Yes. The Wildcat application lists WILD209 for selected 1.6L and 1.8L SOHC CamTech Holden Astra applications.

What size are the WILD209 header pipes?
WILD209 uses 40mm (1.58") primary pipes, 51mm (2.00") secondary pipes and a 57mm (2.25") outlet.

Which exhaust gasket is required?
The recommended exhaust manifold/header gasket is RBG209.

What finish is used on WILD209?
The headers have a heat-resistant painted finish rated to approximately 600°C.

Are WILD209 headers Australian made?
Yes. Wildcat WILD209 headers are manufactured in Australia.

Can I pick up from the store?
Yes. Pick up is available but must be pre-arranged before collection.

How much is freight?
Freight varies depending on your delivery location and where stock is available. Please contact us for freight charges before ordering. Where possible, we can arrange dispatch from the nearest available product location to help reduce freight costs and delivery times.

Do you ship to the USA?
Yes. Best Mufflers regularly ships exhaust systems and exhaust parts to customers throughout the United States.

Please note that import duties, tariffs, taxes, and customs clearance fees are not included in the product or shipping price. Once your order is processed and the applicable charges are calculated, we will send you a secure payment link to finalise the import duties and tariff charges before dispatch.

Customer Support

For phone orders, fitment advice or product enquiries, contact Best Mufflers:

Call Now: +61 2 9547 3511 Email Us

Best Mufflers
87A Planthurst Road, Carlton NSW 2218, Australia
Monday–Friday 8:00am–5:00pm by appointment
Exhaust Systems Since 1983