I am installing a set of Flowtech headers and would like to know what modifications are needed to the Y-pipe in order to fit to the new headers. I have an 89 Camaro IROC-Z28 with a 350, TPI engine. Thanks!!!

 

They didn't come with a Y-pipe? I think the factory y would require lots of fabrication to work with any aftermarket headers, and you would be better off getting a local shop make you a y-pipe for the headers.

- Justin

 

I have an 87 w/305 TPI and installed the Flowtech headers on mine and was able to purchase the Y pipe with them.

 

from what i heard....flowtech headers are very poorly made....but you get what you pay for.....you should just get a used set of quality headers...i got my edelbrock headers for 70 bucks including y-pipe. And if you do use those headers get a shop to make you a y-pipe. The y pipe flowtech sells with those headers are not any better than stock, they are just made to fit better. So by the time you get most of it to work you'll be spending almost the same as a GOod Quaility set of headers cost.

For a 350 i would go with some better headers in my opinion but check this thread out and find out some people's experience
http://thirdgen.org/techbb2/showthre...hreadid=302300

 

From what *I've* heard, Flowtech are VERY nice headers.

 

Other than to heap criticism on your header choice, I havent seen anyone answer your question yet.

Exactly what kinds of modifications are you thinking? Are you thinking of using the existing factory Y-pipe with it, or did you buy the Flowtech Y-pipe? Do you have dual-catylitic converters, or a single slip-fit converter?

Have you installed subframe connectors?

I dont know the Flowtechs very well at all, but if they've engineered them right, you shouldnt have much modification to do, especially if you buy their matching Y-pipe. You might have some troubles at the cat converter end of things, because it gets rather close to the rocker panels at that point. Some people have clearance problems, especially with subframe connectors. If you plan on adding SFC inthe future, be sure to attempt maximum clearance at the rocker or you'll have to do what I did and chop off twelve inches of your SFC in order to get them installed.

 

" And if you do use those headers get a shop to make you a y-pipe. "

if you try to make the stock pipe fit the headers...you'll have to have at least a welding machine cause you gotta cut them to fit then weld them back its more work actually.

and since you got flowtech headers...they already make a pipe to fit those headers and its not really a Y pipe more of a T pipe ...you can buy it and it make it fit . Flowtech and Summit Headers are the same headers just that one doesnt come with the pipe and the other does

using the stock y-pipe would not benefit those headers much....they'll work much better when they actually look like a" Y "pipe when both tubes meet together heading towards the Cat converter ....Instead of a" T " when one pipe is welded on top of the other and makes it look like a T

 

First I'd like to thank Y'all for your input. I haven't purchased the flowtech headers and from the info received I've changed my purchase to Hooker Comp. headers with Y pipe. Another question I have is when installing the headers will disconnecting the airpump affect the running of the engine. There are two connectors and the valve which comes off the airpump which I presume are tied into the computer. Thanks!!

 

it shouldnt effect anything...but the service engine soon light will come on...and thats about it....you can always delete that with a custom chip if you get annoyed by it and free up some power too

and trust me you'll be very happy once you put those headers on. my stock 305 ran a 15.4 then i added some good headers and then ran a 14.9

another thing is you might want to get a tune up done at the same time..with spark plug wires that have the 90* angle on both sides & shorter spark plugs. cause they will touch the header and start melting. and make sure your battery power wire is not touching the headers too this can melt your terminals.

are you gonna stick with the smog pump cause all those hoses and tubes will be a pain to get around in the motor.

http://thirdgen.org/techbb2/showthre...77#post2389577

this show's how my header install went including pictures . i would've got hooker headers too but couldnt find any used with y-pipe. these are so much better than my edelbrock shorties cause hooker is tubular all the way and edelbrock just turns into triangles at the collector (not good)

 

Ignore the above statement about the check engine light coming on. The AIR system (smog pump) is an output from the ECM, and provides no input. The ECM will tell it what to do, but has no idea if it's actually doing anything, much unlike the later OBDII cars.

Removing all that smog equipment will clean things up a good bit. However, it will shorten the life of your catalytic converter. Your factory converter was designed to use the extra air for proper operation. Some get away with it for many years.

Finally, removing the smog pump will require a new belt and belt routing. Visit www.thirdgen.org for the belt diagram in their Tech Articles.

Good choice in going with the Hookers over the Flowtechs. They may advertise differently, but the Flowtechs are cheaply made and use a small 1.5" diameter primary, whereas the Hookers use a 1.625" primary, and will allow that 350 to breathe like it should

 

I originally installed slp headers and had a ton of clearence problems with the steering nuckle.I changed the motor mounts to only have the same problem.I ended up using edelbrock headers .I have a dual converter car and the install was easy. I put a hose on the smog pump pipe and vented it into the converter tube(not attached to the converter).My emissions testing didn't really change here in cleveland.It passed no problem.He's right you won't get a code.I covered the under car section of my fuel lines (drivers side of car)with header wrap. My car had vapor lock with no header wrap on my headers.The fuel was bubbling /boiling coming out of my fuel pressure gauge dump.I should of taken the headers back out and wrapped them , but I can be lazy at times