Headers for '96 LT4?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 291
From: MA
I have had my American Racing Headers 1 3/4" for a year now and have had no problems on my LT4, I did get them with all emission fittings and cats.
If you do a search I had some helpful info on my installation I seemed to be the only one on the forum who used ARH with cats. If you are going to use their cats make sure you install some heat protection where the cats are.
If you do a search I had some helpful info on my installation I seemed to be the only one on the forum who used ARH with cats. If you are going to use their cats make sure you install some heat protection where the cats are.
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 429
Likes: 4
From: Nassau county Land of high taxes
I have had my American Racing Headers 1 3/4" for a year now and have had no problems on my LT4, I did get them with all emission fittings and cats.
If you do a search I had some helpful info on my installation I seemed to be the only one on the forum who used ARH with cats. If you are going to use their cats make sure you install some heat protection where the cats are.
If you do a search I had some helpful info on my installation I seemed to be the only one on the forum who used ARH with cats. If you are going to use their cats make sure you install some heat protection where the cats are.
I also have a Corsa cat back exhaust installed. Will these mate up?
Last edited by wfd1739; Nov 9, 2014 at 10:59 AM.
Max G’s
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 79
From: Monroe OH
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I have Stainless Works on my 96 LT4. Fit nice like them. There are others out there. As long as they are a name brand you should be fine. Just don't buy cheap Chinese ones off ebay.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
Don't buy the cheap Chinese OBX headers!!....darn....I sure like the $700 price tag over that of Stainless Works or ARH.....
I know...you get what you pay for....but $1400 for headers!....OUCH!
I know...you get what you pay for....but $1400 for headers!....OUCH!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 291
From: MA
Wfd1739: My car does not require a smog test anymore here in MA they do check the service engine soon light to make sure it is not lit.
My car has not set any codes since my install but the catalytic converters are relocated further back than stock so that could be an issue in some states.
My car has not set any codes since my install but the catalytic converters are relocated further back than stock so that could be an issue in some states.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,250
Likes: 656
From: San Diego Ca
I also use the shorty headers that do not relocate the cats so I can smog here in Kalifornia.
Mine are from Hooker and I had them coated. They have been on the 93 since 96 with no problems.
Mine are from Hooker and I had them coated. They have been on the 93 since 96 with no problems.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,250
Likes: 656
From: San Diego Ca
I have had LT Headers, but only on cars that have heads that flow enough to use them. I wouldn't put the normal LT1/4/X heads in that category.
I also have moved back to California and you can't run LTs here with the new smog system unless you are willing to R&R every 2 years. And that is more work than I want to do. So my LTs cars have been sold to friends in better states.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,250
Likes: 656
From: San Diego Ca
This seems to be a pretty representative quote on the forum from shorty headers to LT headers on an LT1/4:
I have a 94 LT1 6 speed car with a Vette Doctors head and cam package along with short tube headers, BB TriFlo exhaust and 3.92 gears. The Vette Doctors just swapped the short tube headers for TPIS long tube headers. They also swapped the stock cats for Random Tech 3 inch bullet cats. With the short tube headers the maximum HP was 361 @ 6100 rpm and maximum torque was 334 ft-lbs @ 4700 rpm. After the swap and some custom dyno tuning the maximum HP was 371.5 @ 6050 rpm and maximum torque was 356 @ 4600 rpm. Even though this was only a 10.5 maximum HP change and 22 ft-lbs maximum torque change the differences were quite impressive at lower rpm's. For example at 3500 rpm there was an increase of 15 HP, at 4150 rpm there was an increase of 22 HP and at 550O rpm there was an increase of 17 HP. Likewise for torque there was an increase of 22 ft-lbs at 3500 rpm, an increase of 28 ft-lbs at 4100 rpm and an increase of 24 ft-lbs at 5000 rpm. As far as sound goes, it seems as if the the exhaust may be slightly quieter. The resonance may also be slightly better. In any event the tone is different. Kinda of hard to describe. I am very happy with the results.
I for one wouldn't go to the work or the expense to go to LTs even if I lived in a LT capable state for 10 hp.
I have a 94 LT1 6 speed car with a Vette Doctors head and cam package along with short tube headers, BB TriFlo exhaust and 3.92 gears. The Vette Doctors just swapped the short tube headers for TPIS long tube headers. They also swapped the stock cats for Random Tech 3 inch bullet cats. With the short tube headers the maximum HP was 361 @ 6100 rpm and maximum torque was 334 ft-lbs @ 4700 rpm. After the swap and some custom dyno tuning the maximum HP was 371.5 @ 6050 rpm and maximum torque was 356 @ 4600 rpm. Even though this was only a 10.5 maximum HP change and 22 ft-lbs maximum torque change the differences were quite impressive at lower rpm's. For example at 3500 rpm there was an increase of 15 HP, at 4150 rpm there was an increase of 22 HP and at 550O rpm there was an increase of 17 HP. Likewise for torque there was an increase of 22 ft-lbs at 3500 rpm, an increase of 28 ft-lbs at 4100 rpm and an increase of 24 ft-lbs at 5000 rpm. As far as sound goes, it seems as if the the exhaust may be slightly quieter. The resonance may also be slightly better. In any event the tone is different. Kinda of hard to describe. I am very happy with the results.
I for one wouldn't go to the work or the expense to go to LTs even if I lived in a LT capable state for 10 hp.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 165
From: Motor City
Yea, i'd stay away from Exotic Muscle too, since there are much better options. No doubt the AR headers cost more, but they are stainless and built with quality in mind.
Clearance on my EM headers was not great as one hit the upper control arm inner end and also plug access and header bolt access is a nightmare. Being that the EM are not stainless but ceramic coated, they are still susceptible to rust (which mine are). Spend the extra money and go with quality.
Clearance on my EM headers was not great as one hit the upper control arm inner end and also plug access and header bolt access is a nightmare. Being that the EM are not stainless but ceramic coated, they are still susceptible to rust (which mine are). Spend the extra money and go with quality.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
Just found that the driver's side catalytic converter must be broken inside as I am getting a pinging noise from it...see my other posting.
So now I will compare costs of replacement cats and ARH headers with cats.
Anyone have a used driver's side cat??
So now I will compare costs of replacement cats and ARH headers with cats.
Anyone have a used driver's side cat??
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 641
Likes: 3
From: Long Island NY
Yea, i'd stay away from Exotic Muscle too, since there are much better options. No doubt the AR headers cost more, but they are stainless and built with quality in mind.
Clearance on my EM headers was not great as one hit the upper control arm inner end and also plug access and header bolt access is a nightmare. Being that the EM are not stainless but ceramic coated, they are still susceptible to rust (which mine are). Spend the extra money and go with quality.
Clearance on my EM headers was not great as one hit the upper control arm inner end and also plug access and header bolt access is a nightmare. Being that the EM are not stainless but ceramic coated, they are still susceptible to rust (which mine are). Spend the extra money and go with quality.
Absolutely. Stay away from Exotic Muscle. Merle is a POS. If you have any
issues he will ignore you. Ask me how i know. I have heard of more than one person with coating issues as well.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: CARPI ITALY
The world is beautiful every one do his experiences.
Maybe because i'm here in italy but i have found in Merle a good person and with disponibility. I have installed the EM long tube headers without any problem and no coating problem.
This is only my experience !!!
Robby
Maybe because i'm here in italy but i have found in Merle a good person and with disponibility. I have installed the EM long tube headers without any problem and no coating problem.
This is only my experience !!!
Robby
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 324
Likes: 7
From: Littleton Colorado
I have emissions requirements as strict as CA, so proper headers is a concern as I consider mods to my now-stock '96 base coupe.
I had a check engine light for #2 rear O2 sensor when I got the car. I would clear the codes, and it would come back when cruising. I managed to pass emissions by clearing the codes before turning the car over to the inspector. It sniffed completely clean (for the year/model), so that indicated it was the O2 sensor rather than the cat causing the problem. With more continuous use (and a gas additive cleaner), the O2 sensor has stopped setting a code.
But, I haven't seen anything that indicates the Stainless Works catted long tubes are reliable at passing a dyno sniffer test. So, I'm a little concerned about spending the coin on them without that assurance.
I haven't seen anyone talk about these: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dou-d3330 The 1-3/4" primaries are attractive, sure to flow better than stock manifolds. Stock emissions fittings and bolt-up also attractive. And they come ceramic coated (while stainless doesn't transfer heat as much as mild steel, I still can't imagine having uncoated headers in a tight engine compartment).
I had a check engine light for #2 rear O2 sensor when I got the car. I would clear the codes, and it would come back when cruising. I managed to pass emissions by clearing the codes before turning the car over to the inspector. It sniffed completely clean (for the year/model), so that indicated it was the O2 sensor rather than the cat causing the problem. With more continuous use (and a gas additive cleaner), the O2 sensor has stopped setting a code.
But, I haven't seen anything that indicates the Stainless Works catted long tubes are reliable at passing a dyno sniffer test. So, I'm a little concerned about spending the coin on them without that assurance.
I haven't seen anyone talk about these: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dou-d3330 The 1-3/4" primaries are attractive, sure to flow better than stock manifolds. Stock emissions fittings and bolt-up also attractive. And they come ceramic coated (while stainless doesn't transfer heat as much as mild steel, I still can't imagine having uncoated headers in a tight engine compartment).
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
Likes: 13
From: Slidell Louisiana
Yea, i'd stay away from Exotic Muscle too, since there are much better options. No doubt the AR headers cost more, but they are stainless and built with quality in mind.
Clearance on my EM headers was not great as one hit the upper control arm inner end and also plug access and header bolt access is a nightmare. Being that the EM are not stainless but ceramic coated, they are still susceptible to rust (which mine are). Spend the extra money and go with quality.
Clearance on my EM headers was not great as one hit the upper control arm inner end and also plug access and header bolt access is a nightmare. Being that the EM are not stainless but ceramic coated, they are still susceptible to rust (which mine are). Spend the extra money and go with quality.
Around the same time I did a stainless works install on a buddies car they were decent headers too.