Depends on your state most are simply looking for codes. They can't exactly keep a database of every tune and look for discrepancies.

 

I live in NC and they do a visual inspection and OBD plug in. If they know that you should physically have 4 O2 sensors and 2 cats, and something's not there, they'll fail you. Do it in the tune to make it run right but, still have the right equipment.

 

Stock motor with
CAI, efans, shorty headers and dual 2.25" exhaust hp tune - 267rwhp 328rwtq

CAI, efans, Longtubes and dual 3" exhaust with hp tune - 284rwhp 341rwtq

Gained 17 rwhp and 13ftlb of tq with a 11ftb average across the graph.

 

Thank you. It's nice to finally have some dyno proof!

 

I wish I still had the graphs for proof, but no need to lie! I also wish I had dyno tested it with manifolds to have a comparison manifold vs shorty vs LT.

I bought pacesetter ceramic coated online for $340 or 60. They have 50K plus miles on and still look almost new. The idea of ceramic coating is similar to wrapping headers, and they look great forever. Changing spark plugs requires me to use 3 different extensions due to the header tubes are more in the way on the driver side and cylinder #8.

IMO Kooks, dougs, ARH, etc are all amazing quality and craftsmanship, however all headers are going to give you essentially the same power increase for us n/a 5.3 guys, so if it is not a show truck why buy top of the line show headers, when that money could be put towards a cam? Pacesetter has been in the business for 40 years and makes a great quality product especially for the price.

 

So from what I gather, other than Kooks and ARH, none of the cheaper variants fit a 6spd auto transmission without cutting the pipes themselves? Something about clearing the trans pan...

SUV is a 2008 AWD escalade, 6.2. I've gotta go into it to redo busted motor mounts. Figured I'd do some long tubes as well for the right price.

 

Anyone ever use the headers from protuninglab?? They include a catted y-pipe for 340 bucks

 

I noticed they are using a 2.5" collector vs 3" like most, it might help with with the over all tq curve on smaller ls motors. Pretty tempting with the y pipe included.

 

It is tempting...

 

Before I did headers, I was at 300/310 on the dyno. Haven't been on the dyno since, but comparing the logs from that run and most recently after the headers I should be around 330/330 now. Again, that's just from data logs so take it for what it's worth. When I get a decent day out Im gonna get a couple more with the 3" exhaust. Can't say if they would be worth it before a cam or not.

Headers are ebay 1 3/4" with the hump and 2.5" ORY with 3" collector.