langsbr

I'm trying to decide between the different 'value' headers available. In 1 7/8 size, I'm aware of the following:

Texas Speed
Speed Engineering
PaceSetter

Each seems to have their pros and cons, and from what I've compiled:

Texas Speed
Pros:
stainless steel
one piece tube (not seam welded)

Cons
y pipe needs modification for 6 speed

Speed Engineering
Pros
Stainless steel
lowest price of all with y pipe
3.5" flange for y-pipe

Cons
seam welded
Lots of reports of fitment issues - o2 sensors hitting, contact with frame, lots of beating needed to fit

Pace Setter
Pro
Available coated

Cons
mild steel, not stainless
Y pipe is only 3"

When considering all of the cheaper long tubes, is there any kind of general consensus as to which is the best as far as longevity and fitment? I know and accept that there will need to be y-pipe modification/customization, especially as I plan to add a single 3.5" cat to reduce the smell. I had originally planned to get Speed Engineering, but the fitment issues I've read had me hold off. I figured Texas Speed would be good, but the issues with the Y-pipe gave me reservations, and I like Pacesetter, especially since they are coated, but it is just mild steel, and their Y-pipe is only a 3" exit I believe.

Thoughts or recommendations?

ZO6Ted

Aren't the fitment of SE headers not recent? I thought they had worked that out. A buddy of mine didn't have issues on his '15. They are my current favorite.

langsbr

I do think most of the threads were fairly old, so that is possible. I haven't seen anything very current, so your post makes me feel much better. I guess it's the old adage of negative outcomes get reported much more frequently than positive, so it's likely the issues have been resolved.

Thanks

madmann26

iTrader: (7)

@Speed Engineering

05GMC4.8

I had none of the issues associated with speed engineering headers when i put mine on a year ago or so

kaze_v8

I havent put my SE headers on, had them on my last truck and they worked great.

What i realized on this new set for my NNBS, one of the header primaries was beat around a curve..
Never knew they did that or i wouldve opted elsewhere. Maybe its not crucial, but it just looks terrible and i know its there

Jonblarc7

I had ODX headers and Y pipe on my last 08 denali with the 6.2. They where 1-7/8" and I had no fitment problems. Ran them for at least 50K miles

I bought band clamps at Napa to use instead of using the ones they supplied. But when I swapped to a magnaflow 12909 I just had them weld the Y pipes together.

Navi

iTrader: (7)

I’ve had the TSP for almost a year and half with no complaints, I did use a custom made Y-pipe for mine.

langsbr

I wasn't even aware OBX made a set - catted no less! I was excited until I saw they are using a 2.5" collector - that's gonna keep me from getting them.

Jonblarc7

Mine had the 3.5 collector that mated up to the stock exhaust perfectly.