Input appreciated on headers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood, Colorado, USA
Input appreciated on headers
gotta install the new opticrap this weekend. Long as I'm there, probably do the new front seal. While I got it up in the air, thought about headers. Long or short is the question, and how readibly adaptable to my current exhaust system. Don't know if I can do a catback and headers. I expect some change in performance. Anybody done it and to what end? Is there a question of price differential for the shorties, vs. the long tube, and where is the best place to get them re: price and customer satisfaction?...appreciate the response. TKS...-C4- :flag
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: Input appreciated on headers (C4)
Hi C4,
I'm just finishing up on all that you are about to do. I went with Hooker shorties because I wanted to minimize fabrication and retain cats and be able to attach a cat back system without much R&D. The shorties were an easier choice for me. Now if you're after a big mod on your engine with big HP gains and you want all the best #s, go with the LTs. I don't have the fastest Vette on the forum, but it looks good, and the shorties helped the engine compartment as my stock manifolds were nasty.
Make sure your new opti-spark is vented! It'll last allot longer.
Oh, I bought my hookers from Jett Hot with their new coating, looks great.
:flag :flag :flag
I'm just finishing up on all that you are about to do. I went with Hooker shorties because I wanted to minimize fabrication and retain cats and be able to attach a cat back system without much R&D. The shorties were an easier choice for me. Now if you're after a big mod on your engine with big HP gains and you want all the best #s, go with the LTs. I don't have the fastest Vette on the forum, but it looks good, and the shorties helped the engine compartment as my stock manifolds were nasty.
Make sure your new opti-spark is vented! It'll last allot longer.
Oh, I bought my hookers from Jett Hot with their new coating, looks great.
:flag :flag :flag
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,127
Likes: 1,727
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Input appreciated on headers (C4)
It would depend on how stringent emissions tests are in CO, if you even have any. We dont have them at all in SC right now.
If its a manual, i believe it will be comparatively easy to fit some bullitt cats in there, as long as you have them it should pass emissions. Catback on the LT1 flows ok, so it wont kill power numbers if you go LT route, and you should still get around 10-15hp at peak and increased torque across the entire band.
There is still some weight savings for shortys, but performance gains are comparatively minimal and there can be quite a price difference.
You should take a look at Exotic Muscle, TPiS, LPE, Hooker 2149 from any of the parts retailers (summit, Jegs, etc.). See what you like and can afford.
If its a manual, i believe it will be comparatively easy to fit some bullitt cats in there, as long as you have them it should pass emissions. Catback on the LT1 flows ok, so it wont kill power numbers if you go LT route, and you should still get around 10-15hp at peak and increased torque across the entire band.
There is still some weight savings for shortys, but performance gains are comparatively minimal and there can be quite a price difference.
You should take a look at Exotic Muscle, TPiS, LPE, Hooker 2149 from any of the parts retailers (summit, Jegs, etc.). See what you like and can afford.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: Input appreciated on headers (vader86)
It would depend on how stringent emissions tests are in CO, if you even have any. We dont have them at all in SC right now..
What happens if we get pulled over, say in Washington, DC, and they check you for emissions, can they do that and give you a ticket if you don't have cats? This is highly unlikely, but I wonder if they can. :confused:
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,127
Likes: 1,727
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Input appreciated on headers (Strick)
They can definitely get you for noise violation, but I dont think they can touch you for not passing emissions if the car isnt registered in their state.
I'm not voting for anybody advocating emissions testing, unless its new cars only.
I'm not voting for anybody advocating emissions testing, unless its new cars only.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu HI
Re: Input appreciated on headers (Strick)
Be careful, it doesn't matter what state your in if you get caught without cats, thats FEDERAL EPA stuff your messing with. Do guys do it, yeah but they are not street legal and are betting they will not be caught. If you live in or frequent areas that perform alot of random inspections becareful you don't want to pay this fine. BTW, if you are going to mess with headers, do the longtubes. I am very happy with my TPIS longtubes on my 95, great fit, look good, and Pete at CNC told me the have the best flow numbers. :chevy
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: College Station Tx
Re: Input appreciated on headers (95Redsled)
I have TPiS long tubes on mine and I love them. They fit great and look awesome. Headers really will clean up the engine compartment. TPiS also has awesome customer support.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: Input appreciated on headers (95Redsled)
Be careful, it doesn't matter what state your in if you get caught without cats, thats FEDERAL EPA stuff your messing with. Do guys do it, yeah but they are not street legal and are betting they will not be caught. If you live in or frequent areas that perform alot of random inspections becareful you don't want to pay this fine. BTW, if you are going to mess with headers, do the longtubes. I am very happy with my TPIS longtubes on my 95, great fit, look good, and Pete at CNC told me the have the best flow numbers. :chevy
How's FL, do they have those stinkin inspections?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,127
Likes: 1,727
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Input appreciated on headers (Strick)
Hey Vader, ever come up to Charlotte for the NASCAR races?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 1
From: Chandler AZ
Re: Input appreciated on headers (C4)
I used the Hooker longtubes which tuck up really nice and don't interfere with anything. Then bolted a pair of 3" Carsound cats right up to the collector flanges. After that, you're free to do whatever to get the exhaust to the back of the car. I'm partial to big pipes with minimal bends...
[Modified by gcrouse, 9:21 AM 4/11/2003]
[Modified by gcrouse, 9:21 AM 4/11/2003]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood, Colorado, USA
Re: Input appreciated on headers (C4)
Thanks for all your input. Amy currently considering options (actually its bucks) Great pictures. Makes me just want to sit the C4 ontop of the exhaust...Thanks again...-C4- :flag
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 984
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati OH
Re: Input appreciated on headers (C4)
While I got it up in the air, thought about headers. Long or short is the question, and how readibly adaptable to my current exhaust system.