After market headers
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
After market headers
Hey guys, im wanting to put headers on my 2001 C5 5.7 but want to delete the air tubes. I know how they work with emissions and want to know if regular headers will be ok. i have found a set here: https://pontiacheadlights.com/produc...a3776ba3&_ss=r
the add states they are for 97-00 but they look like they will fit fine. Was there an engine bay change that would prevent me from installing these. any help would be appreciated as the ones im finding for 04 are WAY more expensive. Thanks very much for any help.
the add states they are for 97-00 but they look like they will fit fine. Was there an engine bay change that would prevent me from installing these. any help would be appreciated as the ones im finding for 04 are WAY more expensive. Thanks very much for any help.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 162
Likes: 80
From: Central NJ
The AIR port change from one cylinder to another on the exhaust manifold after 2000. Don't remember the exact cylinder switch but this is why you'll see some headers marked for 97-00 and 01-04. So if you still wanted to use the AIR system without modifcation, you would need to get the right model year setup. If you are deleting AIR, then it won't matter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,566
Likes: 3,307
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
I would bet those headers would give you nothing but trouble. That particular set looks like it is setup to keep the AIR system. However, you could probably plug the holes, and delete it anyway. Those are VERY VERY cheap for headers. It does not say in the ad, but I'm not sure if those are bullet style cats or just resonators that come with the system. I would bet that they're resonators for that price.
If you want a cheap system with a proven reputation, I would check out speed engineering headers. The speed engineering headers do not have cats, but you can have them welded into the x-pipe if you want them. You'll also want to get better clamps than what comes with the kit. With that said, a lot of C5 owners have been very happy with them. They would probably be a safer bet than the ones you linked.
The BEST headers are Kooks. However, they will cost you WAY more.
If you want a cheap system with a proven reputation, I would check out speed engineering headers. The speed engineering headers do not have cats, but you can have them welded into the x-pipe if you want them. You'll also want to get better clamps than what comes with the kit. With that said, a lot of C5 owners have been very happy with them. They would probably be a safer bet than the ones you linked.
The BEST headers are Kooks. However, they will cost you WAY more.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,659
Likes: 684
From: Pingree Grove IL
Keep saving. Buy kooks or LG, you will need a tune too from a reputable shop, which is 500-750 dollars.
I have LG on mine 1and 3/4 headers with cats and xpipe, custom tuned, all completed back in 2007, 70,000 miles and 15 years later, no problems ever. Very reliable mod, just buy the good stuff. You get what you pay for, but it’s your car, not mine. Good luck
I have LG on mine 1and 3/4 headers with cats and xpipe, custom tuned, all completed back in 2007, 70,000 miles and 15 years later, no problems ever. Very reliable mod, just buy the good stuff. You get what you pay for, but it’s your car, not mine. Good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 747
I can't believe I clicked a link for pontiacheadlights.com, but those look just like headers that you can get on ebay for less lol. As mentioned above, if you don't want to spend a grand on headers for a 20+ yr old platform, go Speed Engineering. No need to spend more 
