L-98 Headers
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,191
Likes: 243
From: Guelph Ontario
L-98 Headers
With all the piping on the 86 C4 is there a set of headers out there that will tye into this system. Or do you have to take all that air pump crap off???--Rarely I see discussion about headers for the 86 C4 with the L-98??
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 4,931
Likes: 3
From: Fort Lauderdale FL
Originally Posted by zo1boy
ooh ooh ooh, I want some too! 
I already have all the air crap off and this is something you might want to consider if you go this route depending on your state laws.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Hedman has two versions (with or without AIR tubes) and the prices are much less than the Hookers. But many say the quality of Hedman headers are nowhere near as good as Hooker or other brands. Hedman usually has thinner wall tubes (16 gauge) and Hookers will be 18 gauge.
Try Summit Racing or JEG's for good prices. Figure on $140 for simple painted Headman's or $350 for coated. The Hooker Super Comp's with coating will be $560 or so.
In any event, you will have to have an 02 sensor bung welded into the collector and use a heated 02 sensor to "fool" the computer. I don't think that Hedman's are available with AIR fittings, but they have an add-on kit that requires drilling and welding. Hooker has models with (2149) or without (2151) AIR connections.
You may have to re-figure how you run cats in a header system if you have to do emissions testing. I would go with a true dual system behind the headers and a high-flow cat on each side.
Try Summit Racing or JEG's for good prices. Figure on $140 for simple painted Headman's or $350 for coated. The Hooker Super Comp's with coating will be $560 or so.
In any event, you will have to have an 02 sensor bung welded into the collector and use a heated 02 sensor to "fool" the computer. I don't think that Hedman's are available with AIR fittings, but they have an add-on kit that requires drilling and welding. Hooker has models with (2149) or without (2151) AIR connections.
You may have to re-figure how you run cats in a header system if you have to do emissions testing. I would go with a true dual system behind the headers and a high-flow cat on each side.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 4,931
Likes: 3
From: Fort Lauderdale FL
Originally Posted by c4cruiser
Hooker has models with (2149) or without (2151) AIR connections.
You may have to re-figure how you run cats in a header system if you have to do emissions testing. I would go with a true dual system behind the headers and a high-flow cat on each side.
You may have to re-figure how you run cats in a header system if you have to do emissions testing. I would go with a true dual system behind the headers and a high-flow cat on each side.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,142
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
If you dont see it, then youre not looking. Its no different from any other L98. Hooker 2149 with 16720 Y or TPiS both go right in and work with everything thats on the car. You can keep the AIR and EGR if you want
my website has details
my website has details
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Just the Tip... Just to see how it feels...
Originally Posted by TA
If you're keeping the emissions stuff intact, you want these. Hooker 2149s
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by zo1boy
Is that entirely intact? precats too? I live in California (Cant-afford-ya) so i need to be real careful.
Longtubes ALL delete the precats.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 10
From: Lufkin Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Pre cats are eliminated with all headers. If you are in Cali, it's my understanding that long tubes are illegal and even if you pass the sniff, you'll fail the visual. But I live in Texas so I'm not sure.
What I am sure about is this...
EDIT: looks like vader beat me to it
What I am sure about is this...
EDIT: looks like vader beat me to it
Le Mans Master
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From: Just the Tip... Just to see how it feels...
Originally Posted by vader86
You cannot use longtube headers in california, Hooker 2149 and TPiS are illegal unless you either know someone, or live in a county that has no visual check.
Longtubes ALL delete the precats.
Longtubes ALL delete the precats.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,142
Likes: 1,729
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by zo1boy
Vader, I know you've got alot of good info, what headers would you recomend for Cali, if any at all?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Just the Tip... Just to see how it feels...
Originally Posted by vader86
I can never remember the company that made/makes shorty headers for L98 that are CARB, those would be legal replacements, but they really dont give worthwhile gains on a stock engine (maybe 5-7hp).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,366
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Originally Posted by zo1boy
Sounds like the only route for a Cali L98 huh? Well would it be worth the time and cost of the headers for the 5-7 hp increase? Or am i better off leaving the stock manifold?
who knows what gains were seen if any. I did a bunch of things at once.
long tube headers would make a huge difference, and if you could find a way around CA BS smog, it would be your best bet.
as far as budget headers: hedman. cheap cheap cheap! you also get what you pay for.