Headers/hi flow cats for LT1
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 861
Likes: 1
From: Hyde Park NY
St. Jude Donor '05
Headers/hi flow cats for LT1
I am trying to evaluate the benefits vs cost of upgrading my LT1 headers and cats. I have stock headers and cats with flowmaster force II cat back exhaust. Perhaps folks can help me assess:
1. What are the advantages of adding headers and hi flow cats?
2. Are there a recommended brand for these.
3. What is typical hardware cost, less labor to install.
4. Any disadvantages to upgrading headers?
1. What are the advantages of adding headers and hi flow cats?
2. Are there a recommended brand for these.
3. What is typical hardware cost, less labor to install.
4. Any disadvantages to upgrading headers?
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
The advantages are increased efficiency including better performance and mileage. I like the Stainless Works package w/ connector pipes and Random Tech cats. Everything's high grade stainless and will connect to your cat-back with minimal fuss. All hardware and clamps are included except for header bolts and flange gaskets. 
There is no disadvantage to a good set of headers, IMO.
There is no disadvantage to a good set of headers, IMO.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 681
From: Marlboro country MA
I just installed SW headers, hi-flow RT cats, and an x-pipe in place of the resonator. I left the stock mufflers in place, since I didn't want too much noise. I've taken it to the track just once so far, but it's taken a full 0.35 second off my quarter time. More results will be available tomorrow, after my second trip to the track (if it don't rain).
Disadvantages: it has a deep, growly purr and technically it won't pass inspection, although that'll be no problem.
Disadvantages: it has a deep, growly purr and technically it won't pass inspection, although that'll be no problem.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,153
Likes: 1,731
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
1. ~15hp, similar torque. Although mine is a different engine, gas mileage should go up on yours as well. It will sound like it has a motor in it.
2. TPiS, Hooker, for all C4s. Then Exotic Muscle, Stainless Works seem to be popular for LT1/4 guys.
3. You'll end up at around $1000. Can depend on what cats you buy greatly.
4. Can be very loud, nuisance on long road trips especially. May not pass visual emissions inspections. (assuming you keep cats in place, i cant think of another)
2. TPiS, Hooker, for all C4s. Then Exotic Muscle, Stainless Works seem to be popular for LT1/4 guys.
3. You'll end up at around $1000. Can depend on what cats you buy greatly.
4. Can be very loud, nuisance on long road trips especially. May not pass visual emissions inspections. (assuming you keep cats in place, i cant think of another)
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by RAGOVET
Does just getting high flow cats keeping the stock manifold, provide enough of a power gain to be worth the effort?
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,263
Likes: 86
From: O'Fallon Missouri
I'm running EM Headers, Dynatech 3" PowerCats, and a Flowmaster Force II cat-back.
The cat-back will have to be altered to run this setup.
The car is pretty loud at WOT. But, not too bad at part-throttle.
The cat-back will have to be altered to run this setup.
The car is pretty loud at WOT. But, not too bad at part-throttle.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo MI
Originally Posted by RAGOVET
Does just getting high flow cats keeping the stock manifold, provide enough of a power gain to be worth the effort?
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1363220
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 0
From: Warren MI
Jarod good to see your still around...how are things?
I just picked up a set of SW headers, collectors etc....I'm thinking of running my exhaust like this...
Headers>>>Collectors>>>>X-Pipe>>>>Magnaflow mufflers
NO cats.
What do you guys think? what size are the stock pipes on a LT1, 2.75? need to know for new exhaust parts
Sorry to borrow the thread.
I just picked up a set of SW headers, collectors etc....I'm thinking of running my exhaust like this...
Headers>>>Collectors>>>>X-Pipe>>>>Magnaflow mufflers
NO cats.
What do you guys think? what size are the stock pipes on a LT1, 2.75? need to know for new exhaust parts
Sorry to borrow the thread.
Last edited by Red_Vette_93; Apr 17, 2006 at 10:12 AM.
