First off I searched about 5 pages of threads on this. I have an exhaust leak(s) on my manifolds. Rather then spend a whole weekend on trying to swap in new gaskets or manifolds I figure it's better just to do headers, and enjoy some power while I'm at it.

I will probably never build the motor (cam or rockers at the most), no power adders either. It's my DD so no long tubes to bottom out on my crappy roads. Everything has to be emissions compliant. For some reason we get a sniffer on an OBDII, but no visual. I read somewhere that I could still pass emissions with a single cat setup and a pcm tune.

Car has 130k on it, I don't plan on keeping it for more than 2 years most likely, but the car is growing on me. I don't want to dump a lot of money into it. I will definately be looking for used headers. And they will be coated.

I heard good and bad about the edelbrocks. I found someone selling them w/o a y-pipe off a 96. Would I use a stock y-pipe for this? I heard really good things about the MAC headers also. Someone on the board is also selling new SLPs w/o a y-pipe but he wanted 500 for them. I cannot afford that right now, at the most would be maybe 250 for everything.

Based on all this, with costs and emissions as big factors. What headers would you recommend and what would be a good price for used ones?

 

I like my MAC 1 5/8 Headers, Had them on my car when it was a daily driver a few years back. Only complaint I have with them is the slip fit for the #1 exhaust port. Seems to me you could buy a set used on this board for about 200 to 300 coated.

 

Thanks for the info. What do you think of this?
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Edelbrocks for $200 used. I got pics of them and they seem to be in good condition. How much am I looking at for gaskets and stuff? I assume about $25. And these work with the stock y-pipe I assume. It's local so no shipping. Anything I need to really look out for when I look at them? Specific welds that break, or something? First header purchase here so I'm really in the dark. Anyone want to install some for a nice 30 pack of High Life?

 

I DD my pacesetter longtubes.

 

This is my 3rd 95 F-body (1 Z28 M6 & 2 A4 Formulas) and my 2nd set of MAC headers. I think they are awesome! Plug access is great and they look cool under the hood! :-) The 1st set was coated, this current set is not. The coated looked better and it seemed to be a little cooler under the hood. In AZ I doubt you NEED to have them coated......not much rust out there, right? LOL I do have to agree that the slip fitting on the #1 does suck though. Keep in mind that the MAC's are not emmissions legal per se but they do have all the fittings. Mine passes NJ inspection with them no problem and I think the only state with stricter emmisssions laws is CA.
Peace,
Mike

 

Headers do not rust from humidity. Headers rust because the mild steel gets heated to 1000+ degF and the iron in the steel combines with the oxygen in the air = "rust". It has nothing to do with whether you live in a wet or dry climate.

The coating keeps the heat in, increases scavenging, reduces under hood temps, reduces stress cracking, extends the life of the welds.... and also looks good.

The AS&M mid-lengths are a good compromise.

 

If you don't have to pass a visual, why not get used long tubes? You can get emissions legal long tubes then get cat on the y pipe to pass the sniffer. Unless the budget prohibits that of course. I have a similar problem, a leak at the EGR port on the manifold and am looking for a set of used LT's nonemission myself.

 

The TES are decent - with a those, a borla and a K&N i got 285hp/315tq and a best of 13.8@102 out of them.

You have to modify the stock y pipe to work with them though Take a look at the primary for passenger header - you have to weld an adapter to the end of the stock y-pipe to mate to that fitting. Make sure you get the adapter or the whole y-pipe from the guy you are buying from.

 

same here. Good ground clearence too. Even on my lowered car.

 

I would have to agree that the Pacesetter LTs offer good ground clearance and even good plug access on top of that, but if you are seeking an emissions compliant header, I wouldn't consider anything other then shorties or mid-lengths.

 

i drive my car every day, everywhere..ive got pacesetter LT's and ORY. ive put about 5k miles on my car and have scraped it 3 times and they were pretty big curbs or holes.

 

I DD pacesetters as well...no complaints here.

 

Thanks for all the help. Might have a change of plans here. A mechanic offered to install his long tubes with an offroad y-pipe and a stock exhaust with a flowmaster for me. He ended up blowing his motor and is parting it out before he's deployed.

It's an even trade for my n20 kit. Since I'm OBDII there is no need for a visual and a sniffer. Just no SES lights. I have one now, not sure what. But I don't have to worry about it for 18 months.

I'm pretty excited. This should be an extra 30 rwhp I'm guessing. I just hope I can hear with the top down! Hopefully this will be done by next week.

 

[edit] Well I can't get them installed now. The guy is getting deployed sooner and doesn't have the time to do it. They are pacesetter long tubes uncoated with an offroad y-pipe. They have real low miles on them. I could probably get them for $200. What do you think, should I buy them or hold out for something else?

 

You should swing for the setup and have it installed by someone in your area. Shouldn't cost you too much.