I am planning on buying either Hooker, or Jet Hot LT's in the near future. If I buy the headers, will that come with everything I need for the install? Do you need an aftermarket Y-pipe, or will stock work? Even if the stock Y works, is it recommended? Am I going to lose some hp with a stock Y? Finally, Which would you pick out of the two if your going for most RWHP. What about difficulty to install?

 

When you get headers you'll need new GM gaskets. All the clamps ect should come with the headers. You can re-use the stock manifold bolts. If you run an offroad y-pipe you'll need 02 extensions & a pair of o2simms. That's about it. You can not use your stock y-pipe, you'll need to buy whatever y-pipe needed for whatever brand headers you get. Just about every header has it's own y-pipe. I'm not a fan of either headers & they are both the same, so either way you go one isn't going to be better. I recommend PPC, Kooks, TR, TTS, FLP headers.

 

I had no problems w/ my hooker headers. They also came with gaskets and new header bolts. I bought the Mufflex y-pipe which fit up to them nicely.

Installation is a bitch though, so be prepared to spend a good day doing it

FLP's are very nice, especially with the ability to swap cats and off-road pipes, but $1,200 for headers is just too much IMO.