Myxtreme1

I was wondering what everyone thinks I should do first? I want to upgrade to 3:73's but I really want to do a cam so headers would need to come first b4 that. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

stereomandan

Headers. No question.

Gears help youget to the upper RPM's faster, where a better cam can help you. There is no need for the gears yet.

Just so you know, my schedule is:
1) Headers and Catback
2) Cam
3) Gears

Dan

Montezuma

I wouldn't bother with gears yet, I would say go with headers you can't ever go wrong.

badblackta

Yeah definitely go with the headers first. You will see a sizeable performance gain. You could do the gears after that, if you wanted but depending on whether on not you have a manual or automatic cruising and going on the interstate will suck.

My 97 Z28

I am in the same boat as you. My dad's friends who build cars and restore them have all told me to go with the gears first. YOu would feel a bigger difference than going with headers. So far for exhaust I have magnaflow cat-back and !CATS. I decided that I would put the horsepower that I have to the ground first. Then feel how much long tube headers help as a near future mod.

badblackta

Driveability issues with the gears if you have an automatic. When you are cruising you will have to ride at alot higher rpm than you used to. With the gears be ready for traction problems. And if you install them yourself you will have to get them just right or else they will howl and be annoying, My brothers 5.0 and my friends explorer have the howling porblem. The choice is up to you but I recommend the headers first.

1982z28with18s

Do you have 2.73's or 3.23's? If 3.23's do headers first hands down. If you have 2.73's then I'd consider gears first. It all depends on what you want.

N2OpwrdTA

Nah, even with 2.73s the LT1 still needs headers first. The stock cam doesnt make much power up high...which is where the gears will keep you. However, the headers will help it at all rpms...and majorly help in the high rpm range.

1982z28with18s

It all depends on what he wants from the car. If he wants a street racer, then the gears might be better for him. 2.73's and a 35mph roll SUCKS, even with headers. You don't start making good power until 55. Believe me, been there done that many times before.

Dan Oldham

Headers, no question.