For the last month or so i've been researching headers and all the other goodies i'd need to get with them. I'm gonna be running carsound cats, and I'd like to install the headers myself to save myseflf 400 bucks of having a shop do it. Here's my argument for each set of headers. Lemme know how accurate I am or am not.

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Macs:
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-Assurance of NO GROUND CLEARANCE ISSUES.
-Should be able to install them myself without any big complications.
-Price should be around 874 + shipping(MACs w/ ORP = 549, Carsound Cats = 210, cost to have cats welded onto ORP =30, Flowmaster Collector Mod = 35, any other parts = 50)
**Drawback = Not LT power/sound**

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Hooker LT's
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-LT power and tone
-Price should be around 1150 + shipping(Jet Hot headers = 580, mufflex Ypipe = about 295, Carsound cats = 210, cost of welding = 30, any other parts = $50)
**Concerns: Ground Clearance on lowered car and whether or not i'd be able to put them in myself.**

Based on my concerns of each setup, i'd be leaning towards Mac's just because my only concern is the extra few hp i'd get outa LT's. However, if my numbers are fairly accurate and ground clearance isn't a problem. Then Hookers look like it'd be the way to go, asside from puttin them in. How much harder would it be to install LT's over Midlengths? I read somwhere about shaving off the block on the drivers side.... that worries me.

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**Onyx Black 2001 Z-28 w/ GFX**
"I hate rattles"
Performance Mods:G2 air lid, MAF, skip shift eliminator, Hypertech 160 Powerstat, FRA,k&n, SLP Hi flow Bellows, SLP Air Temp Module, Lou's Short stick, Corsa Premier catback, Mobil 1.
Chassis/Suspension Mods: G2 springs, G2 SFC's, G2 3pt STB, G2 LCA's, G2 Adj. Panhard Rod.
Appearance Mods: RK sport carbon fiber letters/Z28 overlays & Nose Badge, Red Calipers W/ Black Brackets, 18x9.5 z06.
Drivetrain Mods:TA Girdle w/ stud kit, redline fliuds.
My Z-28

[This message has been edited by '01BlackZ (edited September 01, 2002).]

 

ttt

 

Now that everybody is going to long-tubes, why not look around for some used MACs? I've seen them for $300 and sometimes less in good condition. I agree with the collector mod and tossing the MAC cats (that's what I did). They are an easy install and sound great. You won't make as much power down low as LTs, but up top you will only lose a few HP. Good luck!

 

Also the Hooker LT's are $580 shipped from Jet-hot I am going with the Hooker LT's simply because I don't ever wan to look back and "should-have-done" anything.I also don't plan on lowering the car.
Kevin

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1998 Black Z28 A4
-------1/8-------
8.548 @ 83.64 MPH
Pics
Camaro/Firebird Birthday Bash

 

Who makes a Ypipe that can have Cats welded into that will fit the hookers? I've been thinking mufflex up until i realized that it has a 4" collector wich might cause some ground clearance issues. Is it possible to put cats on the Hooker ORP?

 

Would it be possible to have a custom 3" collector made for the mufflex pipe?

 

I am getting a muffler shop to make me a custom y-pipe with cats.They said it shouldn't be more than $100.Good luck.
Kevin

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1998 Black Z28 A4
-------1/8-------
8.548 @ 83.64 MPH
Pics
Camaro/Firebird Birthday Bash

 

hookers by far, id even recommend the FLP's kit, they have the highest flowing cats on the market and are a breeze to install, especially since the redesign to offer better clearance and alignment, so check them out. i have them on my LT1 and the rocked. as for your original question here is what ive seen personally on a dyno:
98 TA with macs dynod ~5RWHP thorughout the range and didnt gain anything in the 1/4
00 Hawk with FLP's saw ~16 RWHP throughout the range (only change was FLP's)
00 WS6 in one of the car mags saw ~16 RWHP with all SLP equipment (incl. dual/dual catback)
i have yet to see the hooker/mufflex setup but would expect there to be similar gains as the SLP/FLP
the 98 TA owner hates the MAC's, was pissed he saw little gains and no improvement in the 1/4 and didnt like how they sounded with his exhaust...hope this helps
brian

 

well i searched for posts on FLP, and i looked up them on some businesses that sell them..... altho the kit does seem to be very complete, and offer excellent ground clearance. I also read that they can block the oil drain plug, and bang alot b/c they are tucked up so tightly.

I think i'm narrowing in on the hookers.

 

Do hookers have any problems fitting in with SFCs?

 

Do the hookers block the oil drain plug at all?

ttt

 

I have the MACS and love them (seems every LS1 responds differently to everything!). I originally opted for their CAT y-pipe. I am not lowered and I bashed my driver cat. I had a muffler shop cut out the cats and weld in 2 bullet Dynomax race mufflers where the cats where. More clearence, more power, and I am "modding" the rear O2 sensor to "look" functional. Of course, Florida has no vehicle inspection or exhaust testing. Search using my username in LS1tech and I might have posted a picture (not a great one) of it here.

 

I'd go with the hooker LTs, they sounds awsome and the top end performance improved a lot. Macs are great too , but Ive heard they leak and I know they don't sounds as mean. I have Sportlines on my car and I actually gained clearance when i got my custom 3-inch Y made over the stock Y. I'd go with the LTs, but they are both good headers so either way you'll be stoked.

-Kyle

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yeah you have to take out the drain plug, along with the dipstick and the dipstick case, which is'nt a big deal at all, the biggest pain is tightening the passenger side rear header bolt. I put them on in my driveway.

2000 Camaro SS (M6)
Borla
Whisper Lid
Fernco Bellow
EGR Mod
Hooker LTs with 3-inch Y
NX 150 Shot
Baer GT+ Calipers with Eradispeed rotors

Dyno: 388rwhp 367rwtq

On Spray:543rwhp 617rwtq