Looking ti get a set of shorty headers for my 5.3 sierra smog keeps me from going LT . So i come to ask whats better gibson or hooker blackhearts
1 3/4 or 1 7/8

 

I don't see the point in changing from the factory manifolds. There isn't enough gain for the money.

The factory manifolds are not as much of a restriction as people think. Why do you think people with turbo kits run factory manifolds.

 

unless you plan to run longtubes, keep the factory manifolds.

 

Well i plan on installing a 2.9 whipple , figured i try to free up some exhaust

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^ see above statements.

 

the factory manifolds are as efficient as any shorty header. it will not free up any power. If anything it will just make more valvetrain noise.

 

Holdener's dyno tests on LS (n/a) engines show a small increase over factory manifolds. In general I agree they're not worth the cost and trouble performance wise. If you're looking for the "cool factor" for under hood looks complementing the whipple, yeah I can see cost in a nice looking stainless set. That said... **** California

 

Ken, KBuskill over at the TahoeYukon forum has Gibsons on his Suburban. Look him up and he'll be happy to share his thoughts on them with you. - James

 

Since I don't live in California (thankfully) I have to ask, why can't you put on LT's? If you still run the factory emission equipment there should be no different in output gases.
Two cats, four O2 sensors, at least one muffler and extending over the rear axle there would be no different in SMOG pollutants.
But it is California, I would save the money for the electric car your going to have to buy when they outlaw all gas powered vehicles!!

Chad

 

When I pulled my manifolds off my 5.3 to put on LT's I was impressed with them, they are decently sized and should support power well.

The other thing is they are a lot more durable and hold up to heat better, and make far less noise.

If you're gonna do a shorty, do the best one you can find. You probably won't find much of an opinion about them from us, because we don't use them lol.


If I had to do them, I'd do the 1-7/8 and probably the hookers.