Hey all,

I am going to run the 94-95 Jet-hot Macs on my 96 Z28 and I have a few questions that im not sure on before I order my parts. I have done many searches, but I was hoping for a few definitive answers on the following questions. I plan on installing the taylor OVC plug wires with NGK TR 55 when I install the headers so thats taken care of, but im not sure on the rest of these... Also this is kinda my check list

1) Header bolts: ARP, Stage-8 (3/4 or 1"), or the ones that come with the macs?
2) Gasket: Felpro, Mr. Gasket, or GM?
3) s-pipe from thunder racing
4)O2 sims, do I need 1 or 2?
5)New 02 sensor for the top?

Let me know if I forgot anything. Im also trying to do this with out wasting money, like $40 for Stage-8 bolts opposed to $15 for ARP, but I also want the best parts for the job... Let me know what you guys think... I would like any/all opinions

Thanks, (sorry for the long post)
Matt

 

You need 2 O2 sims. One for each rear sensor that you will be removing.

You don't need new top O2 sensors. I'm not sure what you're referring to.

I would get the ARP bolts before the Stage 8's. I've heard good things about the GM copper gasket

You need a CAT or Off road pipe to fill the gap from the Y-pipe to the S-pipe.

Dan

 

You *might* run into problems with the air pump fittings. Different years used different fittings. I don't know the breakdown of what's what... just that sometimes there are issues

Take a look at this page about 1/2 way down. I never finished the page but the info about the air fittings are there.

http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/fbody/exhaustday.htm

 

New O2's for the top wouldn't hurt if you've got some extra $$ and the car has lots of miles on it. You will need one O2 sim for each of the sensors after the Cats. As far as your header bolts go, instead of the stage 8s, look at the Breslin Splitlocks. They work, trust me on that. Also, you should use a 1 inch header bolt on aluminum heads.

 

Can't help you with the O2 question, but I used the MAC supplied bolts, which work fine, and MR. Gasket gaskets. The MAC supplied gaskets aren't worth a crap. I opted for a MAC Off-Road pipe to fill the gap between the y-pipe and "cat-back". It's flanged on both ends, and has my cut-out welded in it. I've also got a cat set up with the same flanges, so I can swap them in about 20 minutes.

Frank

 

thanks guys,

So I have one vote for Stage-8 and one for ARP header bolts...

About how much do the GM manifold gaskets cost?

So I do need 2- 02 sims for the bottom sensors...

Will I need an ORP other than the short starter pipe it comes with mated to the thunder racing s-pipe?

Thanks again for the info guys... Any other opinions out there, cause I would like to hear them

 

Well, I gave my opinion of the Stage 8 bolts, here's a visual aid though.

http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?d...59&pf_id=45324

 

I currently have the stage 8's on my headers but personally I think theyre a waste of time and money. The clips are just a pain and I've already lost one, theyre doing fine without them... Ive only had to tighten them once

Im running the felpro gaskets on there right now and have an extra set of those along with some ARP 12 pt header bolts incase I ever have to do it again.

My felpro's have held up pretty good I'd say. Im not exactly sure about the o2's, I didnt have to use simms but I have a 94.

 

sorry i misread your post, the Breslin Splitlocks seem like a great concept, but they look pretty tough to install using an allen wrench and a wrench. Also, $70 for a handufll of bolts seems a little expensive for me, but if I had the cash I would give them a try...

Thanks,

Matt

 

What's wrong with the bolts MAC provides? I used them without any trouble, and they didn't cost any extra. And the undersized head made them easy to install.

I only use ARP bolts where strength is an issue. It doesn't take much to hold a header on...LOL

The Breslins look like they'd be a PITA to work with in tight spaces. Maybe a good idea for something that's a little more "open".

Doesn't anyone else check their header bolt torque periodically?

Sorry, guys, maybe it's just me, but I don't see any need for specialty/expensive header bolts.

Frank

 

I'm also using the bolts and gaskets that came with my MAC's. I got mine through Jet-Hot, and the gasket is a nice copper one. Maybe it's different since I ordered through Jet-Hot, but I'm not going to spend any extra money unless I have to. I'll give these bolts and gaskets a try first.

Also, I did buy adaptors for the AIR fittings on the top of the headers. I have a '97 and I'm pretty sure the AIR fitting size is different than the '94-'95 style, so I bought the adaptors just in case. They were about $20 shipped from Jet-Hot. It's just a male to male thread connector.

Dan

 

Like already stated, you'll need two o2 sims and new o2 sensors wouldn't hurt either if you have the money for them. I used gm factory gaskets and the mac supplied bolts. The bolts are just as tight as the day they were installed and I don't have any leaks. Also, I had to buy adapters for the air fittings but I got mine from a local hardware store, they ended up costing about $5.00 for the set.

 

FWIW, I used the supplied MAC paper gaskets as well as their supplied header bolts. Checked their torque the day after install and then again about a week or so later. Had the headers on there for about 4 years and no problems.

 

Just put a set of Mac's on someone else's car. Came with copper gaskets directly from Mac. And I always use the supplied bolts.

 

Copper MAC Gaskets? Good MAC Bolts? Sheesh, i guess I have been poorly informed. I was under the impression that the MAC bolts and Gaskets were crappy and would never seal the header well... But If you Frank use the Bolts, and it comes with copper gaskets... I will definately try them... :


Thanks for saving my 50 or so bucks guys... Ill probably put my order in over the next few weeks... And get in the long line at Jet-Hot

~Matt