I'm looking for a set of tried-and-true long tube headers to run on my 5.3L. I've read that Pacesetter headers put up some good numbers. I was originally considering some shorties, but it looks like LTs are the way to go if you wanna do it right. Suggestions?

 

LPP, OBX, ARH, and Dynatech. The former two around about $500 and the latter are around $1200 for the headers and Y pipe. Coincidentally, all of those I listed are stainless steel headers. So take your pick, depending on your price range and go from there. You can't go wrong with any of them.

 

The LPP's look really slick and are a steal at $500 shipped for headers and Y.

 

Don't bother with the shorties. You'll put them on and wind up wanting longtubes in the future like some of us have done already. (myself included) I have pacesetters on my truck and have no complaints. Easy on the wallet as well. I want to say I got the lt's and the y pipe for somewhere under $400.

 

Right on. $500 sounds a little more friendly than $1200 lol. I've heard some things about long tubes being a bit harder to push through emissions... Is it just the cat placement or do they really not put out clean enough exhaust?

 

They put out clean enough exhaust if the cats are on there, it's jut cat placement. If you're in CA long tubes are a no go for visual inspection.

 

I'll definitely keep cats on; passing emissions is a must. It's an Arizona truck, and AZ has been known to follow in CA's footsteps. As long as moving the cats is ok in my area, I'll go for the LTs.

 

They wont even hook you truck up to a sniffer, they will just check for codes, so as long as you get a tune you will be fine.
You could do no cats, and be fine. just dont give them reason to look under the truck

oh and Welcome! from mesa

 

I'm going to have cats in just to be on the safe side. This will be my daily driver and only vehicle, so I can't afford not to have it. I do have it tuned; I had Justin at BlackBear Performance take care of that. The rear O2 sensors are disabled as well. That should take care of it, right?

And thanks. I'm from Tucson...currently in Montana, but coming back soon.

 

No one mentioned Arizona Speed and Marine.