Header Question
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Header Question
The '87 is ready for a new exhaust system and I am thinking about adding a set of headers at the same time. I will be doing a true dual system with a single cat on each side. I will not have any provision for running open exhaust. Haven't made any muffler choices yet.
The car is a 4+3 primarily used for autocross, occasional track days and general street driving. I don't do any drag racing. Current mods are a ZZ3 cam (older GM cam), balanced, port-matched intake runners and a Hypertec chip. The mods were done by a reputable shop before I bought it and it runs fine. I estimate the HP at around 280.
Most of the short and tight autocross courses I see allow me to run in 1st gear at the upper limits of the L98's ability to breathe (4500-5000 RPM) or some longer courses where I can run in 2nd at 2500-4000 RPM.
Given this, is it worth it to install a set of headers? Would I see enough of an increase in HP/torque to make it worth the money compared to keeping the stock tubular exhaust manifolds??
I assume that headers will require using a heated O2 sensor??
The car is a 4+3 primarily used for autocross, occasional track days and general street driving. I don't do any drag racing. Current mods are a ZZ3 cam (older GM cam), balanced, port-matched intake runners and a Hypertec chip. The mods were done by a reputable shop before I bought it and it runs fine. I estimate the HP at around 280.
Most of the short and tight autocross courses I see allow me to run in 1st gear at the upper limits of the L98's ability to breathe (4500-5000 RPM) or some longer courses where I can run in 2nd at 2500-4000 RPM.
Given this, is it worth it to install a set of headers? Would I see enough of an increase in HP/torque to make it worth the money compared to keeping the stock tubular exhaust manifolds??
I assume that headers will require using a heated O2 sensor??
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Most end up using a heated sensor but some have gotten by w/o it I believe. The long tubes and good exhaust tuning beyond are definitely worth the trouble but what class are you running? If you're not already in SM2, headers will put you there. Definitely incorporate an X-pipe into the system to reap the maximum benefit in response and torque. 
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
Well in autox conditions where youre at WOT, it won't matter what sensor you have.
But in general you may or may not need one, I'm not using one and my mileage is still better than before. It does depend on the distance of the O2 bung from the head though. Hookers wont, some TPiS users may like it but mine didnt need it. The headers will let it rev a bit higher and so the upper end/midrange would increase in power, so I dont see a reason NOT to add the headers if you can stand the noise.
But in general you may or may not need one, I'm not using one and my mileage is still better than before. It does depend on the distance of the O2 bung from the head though. Hookers wont, some TPiS users may like it but mine didnt need it. The headers will let it rev a bit higher and so the upper end/midrange would increase in power, so I dont see a reason NOT to add the headers if you can stand the noise.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 857
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From: Morrisonville Illinios
Used a set of MELROSE on our 87' Quality was great and have 3" to the mufflers, no cat, no air, no egr, and they will sell you wha tyou want and you can get just the parts you need. Talk to Chris at Melrose for what you are looking for. wro87
wro87
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: College Station TX
Originally Posted by Corvette Kid
Most end up using a heated sensor but some have gotten by w/o it I believe. The long tubes and good exhaust tuning beyond are definitely worth the trouble but what class are you running? If you're not already in SM2, headers will put you there. Definitely incorporate an X-pipe into the system to reap the maximum benefit in response and torque.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by wro87
Used a set of MELROSE on our 87' Quality was great and have 3" to the mufflers, no cat, no air, no egr, and they will sell you wha tyou want and you can get just the parts you need. Talk to Chris at Melrose for what you are looking for. wro87
wro87
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Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by vinnies87
do you have the site:??
