Just like the title says I want some first hand experience I have seen mixed reviews about them all over the Internet second question is will say a Doug Thorley make a difference over a pacesetter
I love mine!! Pacesetter is fine! Nice and cheap!! If you get the painted one then it will burn off and rust! No big deal really just looks ugly! Make sure when you order it you get one for an auto trans or manual, it makes a difference! !! And you will not know till you put it on!
There is a whole thing about "turning " a header for your engine but in less it's a race car then it really is more about a free flow and the ability to easily work on and change the exhaust.
You probably will not notice a power difference with it, mine runs a little cooler now and is a bit louder. They are so dam cheap why not get one!!!!
It's definitely not going to make LESS power with a header! The Thorley may help it make more torque if it's a tri-y setup. The added scavenging effect could be the difference.