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Where can I find power comparisons on the major brands of headers. I did a search but most of what I got was opinion. I'm sure it's been asked a million times but I can't find it.
You won't. About the only thing you can do is try to do your own being mindful that most cars are tuned after the header installation and leaned out so the HP may be inflated. I picked up 25 HP with mine, and kept the AFR the same as stock which is fairly rich, but safe for street driving.
The whole thing is driving me crazy. There is a pretty substantial price range and who the hell knows whether or not I need top off the line or middle? Thanks for your input.
If you read on this forum long enough, you'll quickly come to the conclusion that LGLT headers with high-flow cats and crossovers are the most popular choice. There's a reason for that.
LG puts out two systems: they offer a Pro and the Street version. The LG Pros are supposedly a bit better as far as flow is concerned but cost a few hundred more too. The LG Streets are plenty good unless you're building a race car and want to squeeze out every ouce of horsepower.
The other choice is Dynatech who puts out the Supermaxx LT headers. I just installed this sytem on my C5 and I'm quite happy. The kit comes with everything from an X-Pipe, high flow cats, all new exhaust gaskets, new bolts, even zip ties! The build quality is top notch and the install was fairly easy. The entire system cost me $1100 to my doorstep which is a damn good deal for such a high quality system.
The choice is yours though, everyone is going to have their own opinion as to which is better. The best thing you can do is read as much about each one as possible.
The LG's and Kook's are what I have been lookin at. The LG streets look to be good and priced right but I have not seen any numbers so it is making my decision tough. The LG LT's look great but with the complete set up it's about $450.00 more and I don't know if it's worth it for a street car. Thanks.
1. Stainless vs. coated (I went with stainless remembering all to well my old experiences with steel headers from the 60's)
2. Ease of installation (even if you are not installing, some headers are more difficult and could cost more to install)
3. Header design (there are several, but the two basics are Tri-Y vs. 4 to 1 designs)
4. CATS vs. Offroad (depending on where you live, the offroade might be an option, but many report more gas smell with the offroad setup)
5. Installation options (I installed the ARP studs rather than the stock bolts, this allows full thread engagement prior to loading the threads in the head)
My 99 picked up a solid 25 RWHP with FLP LT headers, high flow cats and X-pipe. I already had a Blackwing and Corsa Indy's when I installed the FLP's. I ended up at 325 RWHP and like 330RWTQ. Nice gains, but was even more interesting is on my my before dyno my AFR's were HORRIBLE. Falling to as low as 10.0:1 at 5500 RPM. Everyone was telling me I need a tune bad. I said let's see what it looks like after the LT go on. Take a look at the AFR's after the FLP LT's:
The PCM mechnacially leaned itself out enough that I didn't feel the urge to spend another $400 for an LS1 Edit. If they were still bad I would have since FLP cut me a deal on the tune.
Where can I find power comparisons on the major brands of headers. I did a search but most of what I got was opinion. I'm sure it's been asked a million times but I can't find it.
Thanks.
I have seen two different studies by two different race shops. No they wont publish the numbers.
Some headers work slighlty better for drag racing and some for road race and some are just all around good headers.
Rembers headers work best in conjuction with other parts and need to be tuned for those parts.
Find some one with different hearders and listen to them.
Have a goal of what modes you want to do in the long run.