Header options?L98-90?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 868
Likes: 5
Header options?L98-90?
I know this subject has been talked about many times but I couldn't find the answers I was looking for.
Stock 90 that I'm just getting around to modding-Had C4s before but I never did the headers.I keep reading about how long tubes pick these cars up....Who all makes them? Are they all 500+$ ?.I like the TPIS units but I'm not wanting to spend that much.I'm going with true dual piping no cats with Borlas.
I keep seeing these basic LTs on Ebay for like 150.Any comments on them? I know they aren't coated,that keeps temps down?
Are they gonna be that much hotter than stock manifolds? I know I can wrap my starter so they don't burn it up but are they gonna have any other drawbacks?
What are the prices you all paid ?and what brands do you all like?
Any comments appreciated
Jason
Stock 90 that I'm just getting around to modding-Had C4s before but I never did the headers.I keep reading about how long tubes pick these cars up....Who all makes them? Are they all 500+$ ?.I like the TPIS units but I'm not wanting to spend that much.I'm going with true dual piping no cats with Borlas.
I keep seeing these basic LTs on Ebay for like 150.Any comments on them? I know they aren't coated,that keeps temps down?
Are they gonna be that much hotter than stock manifolds? I know I can wrap my starter so they don't burn it up but are they gonna have any other drawbacks?
What are the prices you all paid ?and what brands do you all like?
Any comments appreciated
Jason
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: Rochester NH
Same car, pretty much same questions.
I have seen those same LTs on ebay. I did get a quote from Jet Hot ($270 for the silver coating). If I did get the cheaper ones, I would definitely have them coated.
TPIS or Hookers are going to be the brands of choice.
I have seen those same LTs on ebay. I did get a quote from Jet Hot ($270 for the silver coating). If I did get the cheaper ones, I would definitely have them coated.
TPIS or Hookers are going to be the brands of choice.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 4
From: rome ny
tpis make the best header system for c4. they are a little pricey but they are worth it. normal hp gains are around 20. i put tpis headers in my 91 and the install was fairly easy. the only thing i had to do i do a little grinding on the front right cross member and shim the x brace a little lower. i bought the jet coated ones because of less corosion and less heat. i didnt even wrap my starter and ive had no problems. the fuel lines on the passanger side are a little close so i just zip tied them closer to the frame. if you run with no cats you will want to put in a bosch heated o2. the reason i went with the tpis headers is because where the header bolts go it they designed a flange so the bolts are much easier to get to. plus the spark plugs are a snap now. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,514
Likes: 1,301
From: Windermere FL
I went with the Hookers on my 90. I think that the TPIS ones are supposed to be the best though. Lots of fitting required to make the Hookers work. 
But once they are on I have been happy with them. No leaks. Had them on for some years now. Get the coated ones, or send them out to be coated.
I do not know if Hooker fixed the fit of the Y-Pipe they sell, so I had a custom one made. It would be best to go with dual pipes all the way back anyway.
But once they are on I have been happy with them. No leaks. Had them on for some years now. Get the coated ones, or send them out to be coated.
I do not know if Hooker fixed the fit of the Y-Pipe they sell, so I had a custom one made. It would be best to go with dual pipes all the way back anyway.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,139
Likes: 1,728
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Youll want either Hooker or TPiS if you want quality. You need the ceramic coating, otherwise theyll look like crap within just a few weeks, and it helps temperatures. (you need that, or youll be buying new starters all the time and the heat soak will damage other things)
Unless you can find Lingenfelter ones, these 2 are the only ones you should buy. (Lingenfelter's are no longer made).
They should free up about 15hp just by themselves.
They are both 500-700, but they are worth it.
Unless you can find Lingenfelter ones, these 2 are the only ones you should buy. (Lingenfelter's are no longer made).
They should free up about 15hp just by themselves.
They are both 500-700, but they are worth it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 875
Likes: 0
From: Louisville KY
I have the hooker ceramic coated on my car. BIG difference. Mine fit in (like an odd piece of a puzzle) and for some reason the damn EGR attachment hit the fire wall so it had to be cut off. But I don't have any emissions stuff on my car anyways. 
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
For all the hundreds of pages written about headers on this forum, it's hard to believe there could be any questions left. Go here for a recent example: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=871081
Ceramic coating will save money and aggrivation, in the long run. If the headers you select aren't coated, it is worth it to have it done. Beware of large tubes. Look into Hedman Headers. The cheapies on eBay MAY be a good choice. I haven't seen them. Don't forget the coating. I'm sure there are more alternatives. Keep doing your homework.
RACE ON!!!
Ceramic coating will save money and aggrivation, in the long run. If the headers you select aren't coated, it is worth it to have it done. Beware of large tubes. Look into Hedman Headers. The cheapies on eBay MAY be a good choice. I haven't seen them. Don't forget the coating. I'm sure there are more alternatives. Keep doing your homework.
RACE ON!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,422
Likes: 3,275
From: Hartford WI
Originally Posted by vader86
Youll want either Hooker or TPiS if you want quality. You need the ceramic coating, otherwise theyll look like crap within just a few weeks, and it helps temperatures. (you need that, or youll be buying new starters all the time and the heat soak will damage other things)
Unless you can find Lingenfelter ones, these 2 are the only ones you should buy. (Lingenfelter's are no longer made).
They should free up about 15hp just by themselves.
They are both 500-700, but they are worth it.
Unless you can find Lingenfelter ones, these 2 are the only ones you should buy. (Lingenfelter's are no longer made).
They should free up about 15hp just by themselves.
They are both 500-700, but they are worth it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,167
Likes: 0
From: What did the 5 fingers say to the face? SLAP!!
Originally Posted by aklim
Just checked with Lingenfeler's. Their's were discontinued and they have no plans of doing any more. Also they recommend the Hookers but people say those require a lot of work.
