caryb78

I am considering putting headers on my '78 Pace car / L-82 but have read alot of pros and cons on the installation and problems encountered. Would like to hear from someone who has installed headers on 78 vet/L82 and what they had to do ref. the emissions/egr/timing systems.

jb78L-82

McJacks shorty headers-removed AIR pump and hardware, no EGR-Block off plate, advanced timing, 2.5 inch duals. 233 RWHP versus stock 220 Net HP which is about 275-280 Net HP. No other changes, runs great and sounds great.
AND these headers are exact duplicate of the OEM cast iron ramhorn manifolds in a shorty headers-fit perfectly, easy install, no header clearance issues or general header headaches-no pun intended BUT pricey!

jdbuddy

I did the same with block hugger short headers on my '79 (should be the same). No issues with clearance of fit.

jb78L-82

Block huggers are much cheaper way to go than McJacks if you are not concerned about hooking the headers up to a stock type dual exhaust! I already had a stainless steel OEM type 2.5 dual exhaust BEFORE i installed the McJacks.

bluedawg

I did long tube hooker comps. Much easier with a lift. Well worth the extra labor.

donyue

I installed Hedman 68300 long tube hedders which I had ceramic coated.

The hedders fit great with no interference. The previous owner had tru-duals on the car when I bought it, so I had the exhaust shop fabricate the 2-1/2" pipes to interconnect from the header collectors to the existing exhaust and all is good.

I have no EGR and don't need it. Timing is advanced to about 14 degrees, but I no longer have a stock L-82 so I can't compare that.

If you don't have the dual exhaust all the way back then the addition of hedders will probably not provide very good results as the rest of the system will be too restrictive.

JMHO.

caryb78

Thanks for all the comments. I do have duals all the way back. Inerestingly I went and talked to a corvette shop and they said if I put headers on I will have alot of engine issues and wont be happy yet all the comments indicate otherwise. I have the headers now I just have to decide what to do.

v2racing

I put ceramic coated Hooker Super Comps on my 80. If it wasn't for my angled plugs, they would have fit like gloves. Even then it was only one plug I had to dimple one tube for. No interference with anything on the chassis. It was easy making a spacer for the AC bracket. Not much difference in an 80 L82 car and your 78.

Dodosmike

No issues on my 78 L82. Hookers, true duals, no cats, no crossovers. No drone. Clears the R&P steeroids system just fine.


Dodosmike

7t9l82

i installed the o.b.x side exhaust, with the old manifolds off and car on a lift the headers were on in 15 min. easiest header install i have ever even heard of.

caryb78

I appreciate all the feedback but can you tell me if :
1. You saw an improvement in the performance?
2. You had any issues with the lack of heat riser to the choke
3. Did you remove the emissions system and if so did you have any problems with the mixture settings or timing?

7t9l82

1. of course
2. no
3. you have to adjust the timing and fuel or you won't get all the benefits

austinseanchris

I've had the Hooker Super Comp ceramic coated full length headers and they fit fine with no problems. About a year and a half ago, I switched to the Hooker Super Comp side exhaust and again, no problems. Not sure where the "Car will run bad" complaint comes from? Everything is fine clearance wise and is made to fit those cars. All emissions(smog, EGR, etc.)have been removed from mine. No baffles or mufflers either in the side pipes themselves.

C3 4ME

I've had my Hooker Super Comp long tubes on and off several times. Both sides went in from underneath with the car on stands. Passenger side required removing the starter and part of the A/C mounting. On the driver's side, I removed the clutch Z bar and one plug, either the #3 or #5, I can't remember which.