When are headers worth it?
01-24-2015, 10:46 AM
#12
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Headers either before or at the same time as the cam. Rule of thumb for headers and tune is at least 25 ponies. Since both headers and cam require a retune, doing them at the same time would be handy.
01-25-2015, 12:42 AM
#15
The eBay headers are not all created equal.
The ones with the notorious hump have issues with spark plug wires, fitment issues, and have smaller primaries and collectors.
On the other hand the LLP heads are significantly better with some complaints about the thickness of the exhaust flang being very think.
Many other variants exist. Some with or without ypipes. Calspeed, speed engineering, Texas speed, and others have had some similar stainless headers over time. These have typically been the ones I have preferred best.
I have a set of the calspeed 1 3/4" primary, 3" collector, and ypipe stainless models. I have had them for 3 years with nothing to complain about and really happy with the results.
The ones with the notorious hump have issues with spark plug wires, fitment issues, and have smaller primaries and collectors.
On the other hand the LLP heads are significantly better with some complaints about the thickness of the exhaust flang being very think.
Many other variants exist. Some with or without ypipes. Calspeed, speed engineering, Texas speed, and others have had some similar stainless headers over time. These have typically been the ones I have preferred best.
I have a set of the calspeed 1 3/4" primary, 3" collector, and ypipe stainless models. I have had them for 3 years with nothing to complain about and really happy with the results.
01-27-2015, 05:32 PM
#17
quality headers are worth the fit and finish aspect, I ran pacesetters on mine and worked out fine also. (cheap a$$)
I don't think headers are quite a 25hp gain, that seems a bit optimistic. Maybe if you combine with a cam or boost but how do you then quantify how much exactly unless you have your trucked strapped to a dyno before and after. There are also reasons to get headers to bring down egts to keep the tune safe if your running boost or lots of n20.
I personally think there are other mods like a tq converter that would give a better bang for your buck, but if you want noise then its probably right up your alley.
I don't think headers are quite a 25hp gain, that seems a bit optimistic. Maybe if you combine with a cam or boost but how do you then quantify how much exactly unless you have your trucked strapped to a dyno before and after. There are also reasons to get headers to bring down egts to keep the tune safe if your running boost or lots of n20.
I personally think there are other mods like a tq converter that would give a better bang for your buck, but if you want noise then its probably right up your alley.
01-27-2015, 05:54 PM
#18
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I bought 1&3/4" ARH Longtubes (catless) for my VortecMax (lq9 6.0)..i noticed a nice difference even before the my tune..it was even better afterwards..i am also looking at cams..really looking at a Lunati 217/223 or the tsp220
01-31-2015, 12:37 PM
#19
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The retune is a must though. Yes it has cats but the truck still kicked the engine light, not knowing what to do with the added airflow.
And nothing like LTs through my Corsa at 5+k, music!
02-20-2015, 09:26 PM
#20
One last question for you guys. I live in MA which has inspections. They do not probe the exhaust, but they hook up to the OBD2 port. So if I get headers without rear o2 sensors, and remove/ turn off the rear sensors, won't their inspection computer recognize them being turned off in the tune, and fail me?