here is my project.I have just installed the engine and 700/r4.BOTH are brand spanking new.The only deviation in the engine was FORGED Speed-Pro flat tops.A new OEM grind roller cam.NOW..moving forward i'd like "a little" more power.I want to keep emissions controls intact.I really want a set of long tubes ENGINEERED to properly fit.WHO makes them?

My project scope has addressed EVERY aspect of the car.
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I also have a BRAND NEW wiring harness ready to install under the hood thanks to Fuel Injection Specialties in San Antonio

 

I bought a new set of hooker headers that have all the emissions fittings on them.. is that a L98 motor/ gary

 

L98..yep.A pic from engine assemblie last Summer
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I also bought a SECOND C4..An '87 for cheap to compare at my '89 reassemblie

 

an earlier '89 pic from last summer
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If successful/w the '89 I am totally thinking of modding te '87

 

I've had 2 sets of Hooker Headers over the years. They are ok, but the best headers, money no object, are made by ARH. They were worth .15 seconds in the quarter for my car over Hookers. They are stainless steel instead of the mild steel of the Hookers. They have merged collectors which the Hookers don't and should last forever. This is a picture of the stepped headers that I run.

 

You might want to keep in mind, if you buy ceramic coated headers (keeps under hood temps. down). Most manufactors will not warrenty if used during break in. I'm currently building my engine and will change to headers after break in. ARH headers have been highly talked about, on this forum for ease of instalation.

 

If so,can I retain egr and AIR emissions? There was another brand that escapes me I read in another thread today..And with my engine bay in it's current state will they install or do I need to pull the engine again?..I also read in another thread about TPIS headers needing to be hammered to clear the frame(?)..

 

If doing FL headers on my '88 I would go SS into true duals with dual hi-flow bullet cats.

 

leaning towards Melrose headers if anyone has any information regarding those.Other sites indicate some "modifications" required.Now don't get me wrong,as a machinist of over 30 years I do have fabricating abilities.

IF I went with another brand,what sort of "modifications" WOULD be necessary?

 

You might need spacers for assec. brackets. Keep in mind you have angled spark plugs & d-shaped ports. From what I understand they will need to be installed from under the car. Keep in mind I haven't done mine yet. Others should have more knowledge. Joe

 

My TPIS headers fit perfectly and have all the emmision equipment. They are 10 years old and are starting to show their age, some corrosion and a crack around an air tube i had to weld.

 

I just installed a set of Hedman Elites on my '87. I had removed all of the AIR stuff as the car is mostly used for autocross and track days. I did retain the O2 sensor and welded in a bung for it at the reducer.

But Hedman also makes Elites that have the AIR hookups and the tube for the EGR pipe. Hookup to my exhaust system (true duals) was straightforward, but the Elites will also work with the stock exhaust pipes. The pre-cats probably can't be used so if you have to have the car visually inspected, that may be a problem for any header brand.

On your '89, the OEM starter will install with the headers in place. I had to use a mini-starter on my '87 as the OEM large starter would have been a royal PITA to install with the headers in place. There was no custom wiring needed, all of the cables fit properly. I did have to fabricate one bracket to replace the existing lower rear alternator bracket.

With the engine in the car per the pic, you will probably have to install both headers from the underside. Not a big deal and should only take 15 minutes to get both pieces in and a few bolts to hold them in place. Remove the plugs, dipstick, and the coolant sensors. If the wiring harness is not already in place, you may want to do that first.

 

I will be installing the Melrose full system on my 1985 later this summer.

 

I have a full Melrose system on mine. There were few complaints about them when I researched, but I had some fitment issues that required some custom work. I also went with 3" to the mufflers which was non-standard.

Had them for about 2 years now.

 

What kind of fitment issues?

 

Have TPIS on my 89 with no modification to install. Totally happy.

 

The section from the X pipe to the muffler refused to fit properly on the passenger side. Driver's went in and tucked nicely. Returned one and received a better piece but still had to make a cut and re-weld to get it to tuck properly.

 

I pulled the trigger on the Melrose system.$1470 to my door.I've been dizzy lately trying to figure how to put this thing together.I have about 25 boxes of replacement fasteners/u-nuts and convoluted clamps waiting to be screwed.I just sit and stare at it these past weeks.

 

Hey joe, A thought just occurred to me.