So here's my mandatory, already-covered, should have used the search button, exhaust thread.

Anyways, I bought a 97 z28 last saturday, it's all stock as of now. The driver's side exhaust manifold has a pinhole in it so I have a very small, but noticable exhaust leak. Now I can live with the ticking sound I suppose or try to have it sealed. BUT...

Now I was thinking I could just remove these POS manifolds and try to get a set of headers and y-pipe. First off I'm not gonna go with long tubes probably mids with emissions. As of right this second, especially since buying this thing I'm on a VERY TIGHT BUGDGET, and I know that does not go hand in hand with performance upgrades...

So what would be the cheapest route to maybe pick up some mid length headers? How does the uncoated painted finish hold up at all or no? How long would they last uncoated? What about pacesetter mids, where can I find those for a decent price?

Basically I guess I'm asking is how much are the headers and everything Id need to go with them for an acceptable install and how much would I be looking at price wise?

I know I'll probably just be gritting my teeth until I could consider doing things the right way... but Im one of those people that always want instant gratification so Im just trying to figure out options for now.

Also, any issues with using stock exhaust after the y-pipe until I can afford a catback?

Thanks,

Chris

 

Its hard to put together an exhaust properly and fall into a budget. My whole exhaust from front to back ran around 1500 bucks with everything. As for your header choices, I would go with the MAC mids versus the Pacesetters and I would try to get them coated. If you do go with the painted version, that paint is mainly there to get them through the shipping process but does not hold up well once installed on the car. I would buy a good quality header paint, strip them, and repaint. As for the stock catback, sure you can reuse it for now, once you replace it though, you will see some additional gains.

 

My exhaust was in the 1000-2000 range when i did it last summer. My advice to you is pick which one you want, Budget or Performance. You will have more headaches then you realize trying to squeeze a $1000 exhaust system into $500. Its funny how fast extra things like O2 extensions, new O2 sensors, misc. wiring and spark plugs add up. Not to mention the price of the headers Y pipe and catback. (if you purchase a new one) This is assuming you do the install yourself. If you need someone to install for you tack on 500-800 just on install. If you are on a real tight budget it may be better just to get a new manifold and be done with it. A good estimate is to price out all your parts then add 100-200 dollars on top.

Good luck,

~Jim~

 

I paid $400 for coated mid Pacesetters with Y pipe, $12 for copper flange gaskets, $70 for a pair of new AC Delco 02's, New Magnaflow cat for $50, exhaust cutout $35 & Misc clamps, gasket sealent & pipe extensions. I did it myself in 2 days and all the parts are available thru Summit racing or Ebay. For under $600 all that wasn't replaced was the newer muffler assembly after the cat. I got the drivers side out the top and the new one in the top with as little trouble as possible. The passenger side came out the bottom and went back in there to and all i had to do was cut a 1/8" piece of sheet metal to get them in. I pulled the starter but i think it could have stayed. I could not have been happier with the results. Just be sure to have several types of extensions and if i went back i would have pulled the alternator because it only takes 5 minutes and would have saves an hour. I recommend putting some electrical tape to keep from scratching them all over the outsides. I tried to leave the plastic bags on but could not see when to put them.