I would like to get headers for the 86, not looking for the "best" but the most hassel free, as far as installation, and details like being able to install plugs and the o2 sensor.
Tom

 

my slp shortys were easy to install and the plugs are easy to get to also.

 

Any shorty header will probably be the easiest to install, but they also don't net you much power gain. I'd say any of the brand name LT headers are probably on par with eachother for install; I've heard lots of great things about Exotic Muscle fitment though.

 

I have installed TPIS in a 88, and they were very easy. Took a day, without doing even a PB blast on original bolts to loosen things up.
On my LT1, DRM 1 3/4 Long tubes are SIMPLE, but not made anymore.
Again, for an LT1 I would go TPIS then Exotic muscle, as EM are getting allot of average reviews lately with fitment.

 

My TPIS header and y were a bresze to install

 

I agree with TPIS, very easy and great plug access. They come with the stand offs welded in place so you can reuse the original bolts.

And if you get the y-pipe they offer, header to cat-back is also a breeze.

Install note for the TPIS config, leave everything a little loose so you have some wiggle room for the header / y-pipe / cat coonections. Once all bolts have been started, tighten it up.

 

On the 87, I had to get the neck of the cat stretched to fit the Y pipe though.

 

TPiS were pretty easy on mine, install tips are on my webpage, click my name.

 

how about hedman's elite ?

 

Any shorty header would most likely install as easy as your stock headers came off, but you won't see a helluva difference IMO and from documented stats (Most likely why CA allows them.)

Hopefully this fall I'll be buying a set of Melrose. I've seen some great numbers on them and have heard they're a great fit and play well with bolt-on modded engines.

 

Did anyone notice a nicer sound after putting the shorties on?...I'm not worried about a big gain...but would like that crisper exhaust tone headers give along with the nice appearance under the hood that a nice set of chrome or ceramic coated pipes give...I want to also use a new front Y that will eliminate the pre-cats and just use a Magna Flow Hi-Flow large middle Cat with thier resonators at the rear

 

The TPiS LT's where a piece of cake for my 94.

 

Make sure to tighten everything again after you run a few heat cycles. Also, if you do not have emissions, get it without the EGR/AIR bungs. Hedman Elites are cheap but I believe they require some modifacation.

 

TpIS on my 93. plugs are now a 10 minute job for all 8.

 

None with LT1, or with gutted cats. No change. Mine were SLP shorties, stock motor, then with 396 LT1 w/Hot cam.
Until you put some air through the exhaust, your note wont change much.

 

I was thinking SLPs weren't made for vettes anymore. Plus, they might not fit an L98 -- if they were only made for LTx cars. The exhaust port looks higher on the LTx heads to me.

 

Even installing the same header on two different cars can yield different fitment issues. My TPIS LT's touched one of the motormounts, yet it was ok. Came with a pinhole in it from the factory that made an annoying tick though, but uses the factory bolts and the stand offs are welded in which is a nice plus.

My replacment EM headers rubbed the crossmember support on the pass side and I had to cut the support back, also the EM's have only about 1/8" clearance between the #6/8 tubes and the wall on the pass side. Have to say that it concerns me and I was a bit dissapointed, there's plenty of room to tuck them in better than was done. EM's long tubes don't come with the stand offs welded on for the accessory bracket for LTx engines.

All systems have pro's and con's with them, and you will most likely have to do some amount of tweaking/wrestling with them to get your exhaust all lined up correctly. One of the mounting tabs on the Corsa was welded on backwards too, made it hard to fit in the hanger until I reshaped it. The non-working tip on the Corsa mufflers was a big "doh" for me, I already have two shiny tips, and two semi-sooty ones. It'll be pretty obvious that two are fake unless I can keep them equally clean.

My advice would be if your engine is stock, forego the header induced issues and just do a catback. (also plug access and changes were easier on the TPIS than the EM's) I'm just glad it's over with

fwiw, my engine is a nearly 12:1 compression 396, no cats and it's f'in LOUD. (EM/Corsa)
I'm just waiting for the first "noise ordinance" ticket....

 

Melrose all the way!!! No fitment issue what so ever.

 

wro87
Ps get them JETHOT coated in and out

 

I installed them i love them, you'll need an exhaust shop to put in a o2 sensor tap... i had them weld me up a complete exhaust 2.5 header back catless with dynomax mufflers... word of advice if you have them put in an o2 sensor hole DO NOT, i repeat DO NOT let them drill in your nicely coated headers... theres a flange pipe that is un coated...

Kris