I am comparing a pair of used (but like new and freshly coated) AS&M headers to a set of new Mac headers. Anyone have opinions on these?

They will be for my '93 Z28 that's lowered with Sportline springs - so ground clearance is an issue.

thanks

 

I'd do the AS&M's in a heart beat, it will take you alot of money and time to out grow those. They are the next best thing to LT's.

-Dustin-

 

depends on your goals. There are guys running 10's with the macs.

Is easy installation and easy plug access an issue with you? AS&M's have the worst plug access of any header, I think worse than stock.

If you plan on building a 7-800 HP motor, go with the AS&M's. Otherwise they're not necessary.

I had an opportunity like this, but after seeing the installation and plug access I decided not to get them.

 

I thought the plug access was night and day from the stock manifolds?!
Are the MAC's 1 5/8" or 1 3/4"? Since the AS&M's are bigger, you have more tube to get in the way.

 

MAC's are 1 5/8". I got mine for all of the reasons mentioned above. Great plug access, easier installation, no ground clearance issues, and they were about $200 cheaper than the AS&M's.

Header choice is probably the most debated topic in this forum, so until someone does a real scientific analysis (same car, same dyno, same conditions) everyone will have an opinion of why their setup is best. I'm happy with mine, although, I'm probably about done with engine mods. You really can't make a bad choice here, just pick one and have some fun.

 

My MAC's are great. My install was a breeze, with no problems, and like everyone says, plug access is far better than stock. I would imagine you would find similar results in your '93. I was very suprised by how well these fit. I was expecting to have problems, but I did the entire job by myself, including installing the y-pipe. It just fit that well.

 

Another vote for MAC's here. I love the plug access and they look great with the Jet-Hot coating. Although the primaries are smaller, the general consensus is it wont hold you back unless you want a high horsepower motor. Also, the gains from my Mac mid's were awesome, huge sotp difference along with huge gains down the track.

 

Yet another vote for the 1 5/8 Mac mids...Easy install, great plug access (the best actually), and you won't give up a thing to the 1 3/4 AS&M's or other longtube set-ups on cars making under 400rwhp. Although there are quite a few big horsepower cars (10's & 11's) like the other guy mentioned that are doing great with the Mac's...

Honestly though, it just depends upon your goals (so keep that in mind). I have the Mac's on my '95 Z28 (stricly bolt-on) and don't plan to do more than a mild cam + ported stock heads at the most...So, they're great for me.

Mike

 

Make sure you have the right MAC part number for the '93.. FYI if you didnt already know..

Headers: TF3593
Cat-back: TK9396, or with stainless steel tips: TKC396
Cat: C35396
Off road pipe: 49395

 

I have Mac headers from a 95LT1, all the emissons hookups have been welded shut and then jethot coated.

They are a great set of headers IMHO.

 

Do you guys know who sells these cheapest? How much does a set run?

 

I don't know, I bought mine used off of this board.

I don't think too many places carry them though.