Sorry to beat a dead horse, but am a little confused after doing some research here.

Looking for a meaner sound out of the exhaust, but the header issue is just not geeting in the grey matter.

Have a stock 03 Z, will be putting a hallteck trap on it. Do the headers replace the complete exhaust system, or just from engine to exhaust pipes? Is it ok to just replace headers and keep Titanium exhaust and factory equipment from headers back or does it all need to be replaced?

What price range we looking at for just headers if that is an OK way to go?

Thanks and I apologize for the ignorance.

JL

 

Headers will just go back to the cats. You may retain factory exhaust from there back. I purchased some used long tubes, with hi-flow cats and x-pipe for $500. A steal it was. I am still running the factory titanium cat back setup. Deeper sound, not really too loud until WOT. May eventually add aftermarket exhaust.

 

Hi syf350,

If you purchase long tube headers, you will also need to replace your stock mid-pipes and catalytic converters. You can retain the stock after-cat mufflers and tailpipes.

If you purchase shorty headers (such as the Borla Shorty Headers) you should be able to retain the stock mid-pipe and cats.

Replacing the stock exhaust back to the after-cat mufflers with long tube headers, an "X" style cross-over mid pipe, and high-flow catalytic converters...combined with a dyno tune to optimize the new hardware...will result in improved horsepower and torque. You, and anyone within earshot of your Z, will enjoy the more aggressive exhaust note as well.

You will also need to do a back to front swap with your oxygen sensors. Because you are no longer running with rear oxygen sensors, codes will appear on your DIC. You have a couple of options to address the codes...you can purchase O2 Simulators to plug into the rear oxygen sensor loom or (this is what I did) your dyno tuner can cancel out the rear sensors in the computer...either way will eliminate the codes.

Upgrading your Z's stock exhaust is a fun and rewarding mod that I recommend. I have LG Motorsports Long Tube Pro headers, X-over, and Random Technologies High-Flow Cats...I got it all from LG Motorsports and they made it easy.

Have Fun!

 

Thanks for the replies. What kind of budget are we looking at to go with shorties and long tubes? Not sure I'll be able to find a tuner in El Paso, but I'll Start looking around. Thanks again.

JL

 

I am considering headers for my 2004 Z06 as well. Right now I am leaning towards the shorties for emission compliance but after reading some other posts I am wondering if they are much of an improvement over the stock exhaust manifolds. What do you all think, are shorties worth the investment?

 

And what are the ramifications for emission compliance going with long tubes?

JL

 

It is my understanding that in Virginia it is technically not legal to do anything that moves an emission control device from it's original location.

I know that there are guys running long tubes and I'm know that there are shops that will allow you to pass inspection.

I'm just looking for information for the people here that have experience with both LT and shortie so I can make a smart decision for the money spent.

I have already put Bassani pipes on the rear of car which has made the car loud, how much more volume will headers create?

 

Ttt

 

With the Bassanis the headers will sound awesome. Myself I would'nt waste the time or effort with the shortie headers. Go the long tube and get it passed. I am running off road pipes currently, the high-flow cats are sitting on the bench, next to the stock cats. I have no emmisions to deal with. It emits a really nice scent with a shot of race fuel in the tank! A set of aftermarket exhaust will probably go on before long.

 

It depends on the headers you get as to how far back they go. I went with the LG headers and their kit goes from the engine all the way back to the stock mufflers. It replaced my cats and H pipe with an x pipe. The LG setup is pricey at around 1500 for the headers with no cats and 1800 with cats. The headers are stainless steel so there is no rusting and it will make the car sound louder.

 

I live in North Carolina...NASCAR country...the shop guys love cars. Everyone I have spoken with in my Corvette club with modified exhaust has passed inspection...some of them many times.

Just as wayneinvirginia mentioned for Virginia...it is technically illegal to tamper with a catalytic converter in working order in NC as well. This seems to be pretty much a technicality that is infrequently called out by the inspection folks.

Inspection time is coming up for me in November. I'll be sure to post my results. In the mean time...put your foot in it...rattle the windows and wake the babies!

-Jay