GM Engine & Exhaust Performance EFI | GEN I/GEN II/GEN III/GEN IV Engines |Small Block | Big Block |

When are headers worth it?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 23, 2015 | 08:26 AM
  #1  
GM1697's Avatar
Thread Starter
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,568
Likes: 12
From: in MA or SC
Default When are headers worth it?

At what point do headers become a worthwhile upgrade. My current mods are in sig. I plan on doing a TB converter and small cam (212/218) in the next couple of months, just wondering if I should do some long tubes at the same time. Any gain less than 10 hp doesn't seem worth the time and effort, especially when I like my exhaust setup.

Last edited by GM1697; Jan 23, 2015 at 09:24 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2015 | 08:50 AM
  #2  
xdmikey's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Default

I think I've read of gains close to 25hp.

It will be louder, and much more responsive. You will go through more gas, at least until you realize a light right foot is the way to go most of the time on the street.

LTs vary from 1.75 -2 inches. You will need to wait until sharper minds than mine post up.

Good luck.
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2015 | 08:52 AM
  #3  
xdmikey's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Default

You may need a retune as well.

Doh! Definitely due to the cam.
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2015 | 12:24 PM
  #4  
terravast4's Avatar
TECH Junkie
15 Year Member
Liked
iTrader: (25)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,187
Likes: 344
From: Austin, TX
Default

headers are ALWAYS a worthwhile upgrade
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2015 | 06:18 PM
  #5  
01silvy's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 670
Likes: 5
From: NC
Default

^^^^^^ agreed. Especially with the cam upgrade. The headers are usually good for 25-30 horses on a dyno and increased low-end torque. Very worthwhile mod
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2015 | 06:21 PM
  #6  
krainium's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: FL
Default

Headers made a huge difference on my truck I also removed the cats that had 220k miles on them. Really noticed 4500+ rpms
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2015 | 06:43 PM
  #7  
skolman91's Avatar
TECH Addict
15 Year Member
Liked
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 58
From: muncie IN
Default

It all depends on what your longterm goals are with the truck imo, they do have some drawbacks. A good set of headers are worth more than 10hp tho, but not messing with 1 or more broken exhaust manifold bolts might also be worth it, just all depends..
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2015 | 08:03 PM
  #8  
GREENSIERRA's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 69
From: Canada
Default

they are a worth while upgrade on a stock truck. they are the first mod I did to my truck and it was a noticeable gain in hp and throttle response
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2015 | 09:11 PM
  #9  
Mike1992's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, Mo
Default

one of the first upgrades I did, was very satisfied.
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2015 | 12:56 AM
  #10  
gamble686's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 3
From: Arizona
Default

Basically the first thing I did to my truck. Worth it on every LS truck on the road.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:22 AM.