I really want to buy headers because I want the sound and performance but I can not decide. I keep reading different threads and I am not sure if I want to deal with the problems that can occur. I have read things about leaks, floor boards getting hit by something, and that it can get too hot under the hood and cause damage. Are these really problems that become problematic? I do not want to constantly keep taking my car in for little issues after a header install. Help me figure out what to do.

 

If you buy a coated or stainless steel set of headers and do the install correctly, you shouldn't run into any problems. People mainly get leaks, rattles, and floor board bumps because they don't take the time/$$$ to do it right. Just my 2cents.

 

Are you going to be installing them yourself, or you having a shop do it? Most problems with headers are fitment. You want a set that does not have alot of fitment problems. I have LT's and they are geat.

 

I would have a shop install them and they are experienced with muscle cars so I assume they would know what to do. I was probably going to talk with them about these concerns that I have and how they get around them.

 

issue with leaks is usually the use of less than ideal gaskets...ie...the crappy ones supplied with most headers.

do yourself a favor and buy the metal OEM ones.

as far as the flange being warped...checking that as soon as you get the headers with a straight edge will alleviate most of that concern.

burning stuff up...just be mindfull of where plug wires and things are laying. don't be affraid to use zipties. not to mention ceramic coating GREATLY decreases the heat in the engine bay as well as the chance of something burning.

as for the floorpan clearance...that's a $50 fix.

when you have the manifolds out, remove the motor mounts and install poly bushings in them. it virtually eliminated all motor movement under load for me. i can rev the engine and the Ypipe/ header collector barely move1/8th inch.
my Ypipe is about 1/2" from my floor....and i've yet to have it hit.

before my ypipe was at least 3/4" from the floor and it would hit almost every time i made more than the gentlest start from a stopped position...not to mention a hard launch or power shift to 2nd.

 

98 SS
getting LT Headers with borla cat-back installed now
hope it sounds mean.

 

with the plate wide open on the borla it's gonna be pretty raspy...

but otherwise it should be nice!!

keep us posted

 

Getting my Pacesetter LTs and catted-y installed tomarrow morning on my '98Z. I am also worried about leaks and clatter. Hope it sounds meaner with my GMMG.

 

Not sure what problems your talkin about...any mod on a LT1 in the engine bay is a pita cause theres no room to move...and the occasional clearance problem w/ long tubes and some mids..thats about it...Big powergain on a LT1

 

Got my car back from the shop tonight. Had my Pacesetters LTs and TSP catted-y installed. I have to say, it didn't sound as raspy as I thought it would. Actually, I really didn't notice much of a difference coming out of my GMMG than before. Is that because my catted-y? And will it get raspier when the cats get worn in? It does however, when I rev the engine my GMMG is rattling from the rear somewhere. Is that normal or is there a fix to that?