Which first mod would have the best improvement on my 97 Z? Headers now and catback later? Or catback first then headers later?

 

i would say buy the headers, a piece of 3" tubing and a 3" cutout. run the pipe to the cutout and then stock pipe from there back

that way you have the power and sound, but are able to cap it off and run stock muffler when need be.

but a near stock motor, with headers, will still be choked by the stock catback.

 

Yeah I didnt know if the headers would be cancelled out by the stock exhaust or not. And I have to be smog legal and all that crap here in Az.

 

headers.... get a cutout... $35 or so... costed me $40 to get it installed... and can always cap it off...

-cory-

 

emissions...**** you didn't say that...

forget the headers for now, there are tons more mods you could do and still stay emissions legal.

i say either go inexpensive and do the cutout. although they can get a bit annoying for some.

but honestly i would just get an inexpensive catback...TSP rumbler would be my choice

the cost and effort of shortie headers for only 5-10hp...not worth it.

 

Summit shows a Flowmaster full 3 " catback complete for like $250 with free shipping. Thought about going that route. Yeah stupid emissions crap kills me. They arent as strict on all the city busses but they bust people over their cars.

 

You can go with any legal Header that uses the air connections.

I'm in Cali so ya'll know the laws are stiff. Anyhow, I went with SLP Shorties, Flowmaster & DMH Cutout. For a catback I reccommend Hooker or MagnaFlow.