Hey everyone. New to the forum. I just got a 98 V6 3.8L Firebird a month ago. I put a Magnaflow cat back exhaust system on her, and a K&N air filter for starters. I just finished pricing out some headers and there quite expensive (Around $800) I'm a college student, so im on a budget, ha, ha! I was just wondering if there was a "little difference in performance (i know it wont be huge) and a change in the tone of the car? ANy feedback would be great. Im just a little hesitant on spending that dough! Thanks guys!!

 

Yes, i'd say the headers are worth it... especially on a '98 car, which has the stock cast manifolds. It'll really open up the top end for you. I have Pace Setters on my car, and I've been happy with them since I bought them.

 

Thanks for the reply. Did you notice any change in sound from your car?

 

Yeah, it sounded deeper at idle. On the top end, couldn't really tell you.

 

At car's current stage, I would vote no.

Your money is best spent on an intake/lid right now. I don't consider a K&N filter to even be a modification since it doesn't really add much of anything.

Since your car is a '98, I believe you have tubular manifolds. So, I would wait to do headers a little later on, especially if you are under a budget.

But yes, they will make your exhaust deeper/louder and more pull up top.

 

tubular manifolds didnt start untill 2000. Headers are definatly worth it, how are you coming out to $800?

 

Im in Toronto, Canada so everything is obviously in Canadina funds. The headers are $425 with tax, plus $250 for installation. Thats already $675, plus i need a Y-pipe, which i dont know how much they'll charge. So all in all it will probebly be around $750 to $800-ish.

 

What headers are you getting that don't come with a y-pipe? Both pacesetter and rksports come with a y-pipe and CIA headers are more than $425 so that counts them out.

 

They come with the y-pipe? Really! The guy at the performance shop said i would have to pay for it seperatly. Is he trying to take advantage of me?

 

Sounds like it. I got my pacesetter headers off of www.ftpp.net and they were like $225 shipped for them, the y-pipe and gaskets (uncoated).

 

Really! Wow, im not going back to that place. I was even going to put down a deposit on them.....go figure. I guess i'll keep calling around to other places around here. Thanks a million for the help. When i do call the performance shops, should i ask if the headers come with the y-pipe?

 

I would order the headers then just bring em to a shop and ask for install. That'll prolly be the cheapest way because shops always mark up prices. I just installed mine myself when I got em.

 

A little of topic, but i was wondering if you could help me. Ever since ive installed my Magnaflow exhaust, there seems to be a whistle noise coming from my car. Its a 98 3.8L. Its not annoying or anything, im just curious. Ive had people ask me if there was a turbo in it. Its kind of strange. Any insight would be great!

 

Wow, I'm not sure. My car makes a lite whistle but it's just the EGR sucking in air since it's no longer connected to the header. Not loud enough for anyone else to really hear though. Loud enough to be a turbo, **** I have no clue.

 

Just wondering...would a cold air intake and a new air lid be worth it? Does anyone make an intake for a V6, 3.8L.