I am getting ready to start adding things to my recently purchased 96 z28. I am looking at headers/y pipes. Being from CT and having to deal with emissions i want to keep Cats in place. I have fought with them too many times over the years. So far i have narrowed it down to Mac TF3597 or BBK 1568. Any opinions on these or have i forgotten any others that fit the bill? And for the ones that are going to chime in about long tubes, I do not want long tubes. This isnt going to be for extreme performance, just for fun.

Thanks,

Steve

 

How about SLP's?
They have nice 1-3/4" tubes.
I got mine used for 200 bucks.
I have to get them coated before I put them in.


Chris G.

 

I have SLP shorties as well great header, but pain to get in. If u get the SLP make sure u get a good header gasket like seal 4 good or whatever. But great shorties and gives a good boost in HP

 

Edelbrock makes a set too.

 

Assumning you are going to a single cat setup, I'd get either AS&M or SLP because they are 1 3/4". Otherwise I'd go with the Macs.

 

I have the bbk headers on my 94 Z28, i couldn't be more pleased. Fit is excellent, flanges are nice and thick and could be used as a straightedge. All the welds are very good, strong and clean. The ceramic coating is thick and uniform, after 4-5 years they still look perfect. They stay nice and cool, never had any problems with underhood temps burning up wires or anything. They went in with no trouble at all, unlike other headers I've fought, and spark plug access is actually better than the stock manifolds. I didn't even have to fight all the emmissions crap, everythings just where it needs to be. I put em on just cuz 2 of the stock manifold bolts decided to break off one day, and I thought if the stockers have to come out they ain't goin back in. The performance gain surprised me, they really woke up this old LT1. I haven't had any experience with the macs, but I can tell you stear clear of the edelbrocks, and if you see a flowtech throw it on the ground and kick it. Just my two pennies, do with it what you will. GL on the project and congrats on the new ride.

 

The edelpuke headers like to crack, they are junk.

TTS Powersystems makes a nice set...

 

The BBK's are terrible. Plug access sucks too.

 

Im actually looking to get some BBKs as well. I agree with the other guy, they seem like a very good buy. And Emissions legal which means IMO that the part and company have gone the extra lengths with the State to get it approved, aftermarket hp thats state approved, thats quality & real research.
Just wait til ya get pulled over and the cop looks at the headers ready for the ticket...hey wait, there's a CARB #! MAC is not emissions legal if I am not mistaken. Edelbrock sucks, SLP is expensive but good.
Plug access cannot be any worse than on stock manifolds.
I have heard many vouch that mid-top range power wakes up a lot with BBKs. With an intake one can figure that the car can really breath. You know what they say, get the air in and out as fast a possible and keep the motor cool is the trick.
Daniel
94 z28 A4, basic bolt ons,
14.3's @ 99mph at high elevation.

 

I've got to put in my vote for the macs. They have the best plug access and add quite a bit of hp. I also have to deal with emmisions, so that's why I picked these because they're great for how inexpensive they are.

 

I have to disagree there, I've had Hooker Lt's and now BBK shorties and I think plugs are easier with the BBK's. The only thing is I had to make me a special tool for the #7 plug.

 

Another vote for SLP simply because you can grow into it with the larger primaries should you want even more HP down the road. Great design and construction (stainless). Check on ebay, I got mine with matching Y-pipe for 160.00 shipped to my door. Otherwise you'll be paying near 700.00 brand new. Also check the parts section on this site and fbody.com