L98 Headers 86' C4 Corvette
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 51
Likes: 2
L98 Headers 86' C4 Corvette Options
My L98 block is due back from the machine shop soon. Having a mild 383 N/A motor built with all the good stuff top to bottom.
I had a link to a pair of TPIS headers saved in my build sheet - but it seems as though those are no longer available? I've messaged them, but haven't heard back if its a website issue or if they discontinued them.
I see a $2000 American Racing set, which is insanely expensive, or Headman, which I read require denting primary tubes for clearance (user posts).
scouring the net today, I've come up snake eyes for the ole 1986 C4 vette.
Any recent purchases or recommendations out there, assuming TPIS isn't an option??
My next step is to see if my builder can bore out my stock manifolds (which I've already cut and plug welded shut all the emissions) and build my own exhaust by hand. I can fabricate - just wasn't looking to make a weekend project of it was all.
THANKS!!
I had a link to a pair of TPIS headers saved in my build sheet - but it seems as though those are no longer available? I've messaged them, but haven't heard back if its a website issue or if they discontinued them.
I see a $2000 American Racing set, which is insanely expensive, or Headman, which I read require denting primary tubes for clearance (user posts).
scouring the net today, I've come up snake eyes for the ole 1986 C4 vette.
Any recent purchases or recommendations out there, assuming TPIS isn't an option??
My next step is to see if my builder can bore out my stock manifolds (which I've already cut and plug welded shut all the emissions) and build my own exhaust by hand. I can fabricate - just wasn't looking to make a weekend project of it was all.
THANKS!!
Last edited by JL_L98; May 26, 2025 at 07:41 AM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 51
Likes: 2
Appreciate the reply. At the price point, it might be worth giving them a shot. Got concerned when I saw a lot of posts saying they required tube mod, bolt alignment and clearance issues. What style header bolt did you use?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,315
Likes: 245
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
I used Breslin split lock bolts.
I did have some issues using a 12 point box end on a few due to lack of room for a box end.
I cut the end of box to look like a tube wrench and then beefed up the sides of box with some mig welding to reduce flex.
6 point header bolts would be easier, but I like the idea of locking bolts from previous cars without.
I did have some issues using a 12 point box end on a few due to lack of room for a box end.
I cut the end of box to look like a tube wrench and then beefed up the sides of box with some mig welding to reduce flex.
6 point header bolts would be easier, but I like the idea of locking bolts from previous cars without.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 325
From: San Antonio Tx
I had Headmans on my 86 and no tube denting was required. Use better gaskets than they supply with the headers. I installed Percy's Seal-4-Good gaskets many years ago and never another leak.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 15
From: Wallingford Vermont
Don't be too concerned about having to dent a new header. I've had to "clearance" my Hooker headers here and there for bolt access. It's something to be expected (sadly) when you start swapping parts around (they're bolted to AFR heads). I would recommend to purchase the model with ceramic coating, as I have yet to see header paint last more than a year.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 51
Likes: 2
Don't be too concerned about having to dent a new header. I've had to "clearance" my Hooker headers here and there for bolt access. It's something to be expected (sadly) when you start swapping parts around (they're bolted to AFR heads). I would recommend to purchase the model with ceramic coating, as I have yet to see header paint last more than a year.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 51
Likes: 2
@AGENT 86
any pics you can post? I am lazy and want to toss on Hooker shorties from an LT1, but cannot find them anywhere for reasonable. If I need full length, oh well.
any pics you can post? I am lazy and want to toss on Hooker shorties from an LT1, but cannot find them anywhere for reasonable. If I need full length, oh well.
maybe others on the thread could comment - I wound up ordering Hedman Elite headers. Will update this thread with my experience and any notes once I get my motor back.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,315
Likes: 245
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
@AGENT 86
any pics you can post? I am lazy and want to toss on Hooker shorties from an LT1, but cannot find them anywhere for reasonable. If I need full length, oh well.
any pics you can post? I am lazy and want to toss on Hooker shorties from an LT1, but cannot find them anywhere for reasonable. If I need full length, oh well.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 734
From: Stay dangerous my friends
Exotic Muscle sells nice headers, very similar to what TPIS sold. Made here in the US and ceramic coating is good. They have both 1 3/4 and 1 7/8. And then they sell different options for the tubes downstream.
https://www.emracingshop.com/exhaust
However, the ARH stainless is by far the best, will last a lot longer in a performnace application, 304 stainless conducts less heat... regarding the price, as it includes the dual pipes from the collectors downstream with an X-pipe and cats as an option, to make that part high quality and a lot easier, so after you add it all up with the cheaper stuff, you may be at or above the ARH.
TPIS sold a Y-pipe and that was it, I used their Y-pipe in the past, and Y pipe is not the way to go for the 383 (that was the L98 original configuration)
https://www.emracingshop.com/exhaust
However, the ARH stainless is by far the best, will last a lot longer in a performnace application, 304 stainless conducts less heat... regarding the price, as it includes the dual pipes from the collectors downstream with an X-pipe and cats as an option, to make that part high quality and a lot easier, so after you add it all up with the cheaper stuff, you may be at or above the ARH.
TPIS sold a Y-pipe and that was it, I used their Y-pipe in the past, and Y pipe is not the way to go for the 383 (that was the L98 original configuration)