Header FAQ
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Kansas
Header FAQ
Q: What length headers should you go with?
A: Most people will agree that long tube headers provide the most performance, and best spark-plug access. Unfortunately, they have problems with emissions. It is up to you to find out if your state has emissions, and how strict it is before modifying your exhaust.
The next on the list is mid-length headers. These provide excellent performance as well, and have a little bit better ground clearance than long tubes, but do not provide as much top-end power as long-tube headers.
The last on the list, is shorty headers. These will provide some performance over factory cast manifolds, while retaining factory ground clearance, slightly better plug access, and allow everything to remain emissions friendly.
Q: What brand of headers should I get?
A: That is entirely up to your budget. The general majority will say to get ceramic coated headers, or stainless headers.
For stainless headers, the main company is Kooks custom headers.
Kooks offer excellent everything, and are very top notch in build quality. Unfortunately, they are also very costly.
Ceramic coated headers:
Pacesetter’s are a favorite among the budget minded. They have reasonable build quality, excellent fit, and are rather cheap.
Hooker headers are a little more costly than pacesetters, but some claim that the hookers have better build quality.
Q: What will I need for a header swap?
A: Well, the list is very simple
-headers
-header gaskets
-bolts (most people will use stage-8 locking header bolts)
If you use pacesetter headers, they come with gaskets and bolts (I used these without any problems a year later)
Y-pipe
[For long tubes and mid-lengths] o2 sensor extensions
Q: How much of a gain will I see?
A: It varies. Some people will say 10-15rwhp for headers, others say 40rwhp or so for full exhaust. Personally, I found it to be enough to feel a vast difference while driving, although I do not know actual numbers.
Chime in with anything to correct/add.
Just thought I'd do a quick write up with some basics to help get rid of some of the questions maybe
A: Most people will agree that long tube headers provide the most performance, and best spark-plug access. Unfortunately, they have problems with emissions. It is up to you to find out if your state has emissions, and how strict it is before modifying your exhaust.
The next on the list is mid-length headers. These provide excellent performance as well, and have a little bit better ground clearance than long tubes, but do not provide as much top-end power as long-tube headers.
The last on the list, is shorty headers. These will provide some performance over factory cast manifolds, while retaining factory ground clearance, slightly better plug access, and allow everything to remain emissions friendly.
Q: What brand of headers should I get?
A: That is entirely up to your budget. The general majority will say to get ceramic coated headers, or stainless headers.
For stainless headers, the main company is Kooks custom headers.
Kooks offer excellent everything, and are very top notch in build quality. Unfortunately, they are also very costly.
Ceramic coated headers:
Pacesetter’s are a favorite among the budget minded. They have reasonable build quality, excellent fit, and are rather cheap.
Hooker headers are a little more costly than pacesetters, but some claim that the hookers have better build quality.
Q: What will I need for a header swap?
A: Well, the list is very simple
-headers
-header gaskets
-bolts (most people will use stage-8 locking header bolts)
If you use pacesetter headers, they come with gaskets and bolts (I used these without any problems a year later)
Y-pipe
[For long tubes and mid-lengths] o2 sensor extensions
Q: How much of a gain will I see?
A: It varies. Some people will say 10-15rwhp for headers, others say 40rwhp or so for full exhaust. Personally, I found it to be enough to feel a vast difference while driving, although I do not know actual numbers.
Chime in with anything to correct/add.
Just thought I'd do a quick write up with some basics to help get rid of some of the questions maybe
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