I dont want to spend alot, and emissions and ground clearance is an issue. So basically which shorty, mid-lengths are best without spending over $500-600

-Robert

 

Jet Hot LT's are a nice set. They have good ground clearence and will only set you back around $550 unless you can get in on a GP.

 

Well $550 plus a custom y-pipe to fit my cat back right? So im looking at around $700? Thats just out of my reach. Im talking $500-$600 for everything... LTs are just out of my 18 year old budget

 

I just ordered a set of MAC headers, i've heard nothing but good things about them. Haven't put mine on yet.

 

Jet hot LTs ($510) + Y-pipe ($150) + Misc Bolts ($50) Total = $710

http://www.fbodycentral.com/catalog/...roducts_id=174

BBK Shorty Headers (With ceramic coating AND Y-Pipe)
$490 + $50 gaskets and bolts = $540 total

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...15670&view=257

 

I got my SLP's coated, and like it.

 

But how could someone pass emmissions with long tubes? Can you put a cat after your Y-pipe? Would a cat there be too far away from the motor to spark efficiently and work? Also, how is the groudn clearance?

I'm gettin headers soon too and this is whats really bugging me. LT's have more gains over shorties and midlengths, but the sacrifice is that you lose your cats. I need cats so I can get inspected every year. Spending over $500 is big cash and I want to do it right the first time. After various searches, it looks like my best bet is MACs.

 

Weren't there some people with plug access problems on the MAC's? I think I vaguely remember something about that...supposed to make good power though...them and the SLP's. Heck my Edelbrocks made a huge difference....but hindsight is 20/20....i'd wait for the longtubes.

Joe

 

I thought MACs were supposed to have some of the best plug access.

 

That's why I said vaguely hehe.....I just remembered something about hoping someone would chime in.

Joe

 

As your post states,

1) if you want the most power
2) best ground clearance
3) and smog legal (with all hookups, y-pipe, stock cat location & CARB EO#)

then I would sugjest the SLP's 1-3/4" headers with ceramic coating and install kit your right at about ~$600. I'm waiting for a long weekend to put mine in, I just got them and the are beutiful.
Be sure to ask for the CARB EO stickers when you order them (one for your fan shroud one for the glove box).

 

So which will i gain more power with, SLP or MAC headers?

 

If you can't change location of cat (s) I'd suggest getting SLPs. They are 1 3/4 instead of 1 5/8 like most of the others.

They are stainless steel.

Cost more for coated, but maybe you can find a local coater who does a good job for less than the coated jobs.

At any rate, they shouldn't rust like the regular steel.

You might find some in the FS section for a decent price.

Use Felpro gaskets and ARP 1" 12 pt bolts and you should have room between the bolts and the primaries.

If you buy new, don't get the kit. Use the gaskets and fasteners I recommended. You will also have to watch that they don't touch anything and use fire sleeves, zip ties, etc. to keep from burning stuff like plug wires, heater hoses, etc.JMHO