Of al the Brands of headers out there which ones are the least expensive.

The two most expensive, and best out there are the Wheel to Wheel racing @ $2999 for just the headers, and the LGM long tubes for $2195 for the complete header with X-pipe, cats, etc...

What is the least expensive, mild steel, uncoated header out there?


[Modified by J-Rod, 10:48 PM 2/7/2003]

 

Never thought of even pricing out a non coated header but the TPIS headers are pretty resonable :seeya

 

I want to get in on this discussion.

From what I've heard to this point (I started researching today), FLP headers are a good package, including HF cats and exclusive x-pipe(which would render my recently purchaced Corsa x-pipe useless) and run about $1500 plus installation. TPIS are much cheaper (no HF cats, no x-pipe) but may not provide equivalent performsnce , especially on higher HP applicayions (H/C. etc) compared to the FLPs.

Another issue: I have heard that unless you invest in custom engine management (LS1 edit, etc) you may see little or no improvement from headers. Another $500.

Last point: Only long tube headers on street C5s. Short tubes are problematic, from what I've heard.

Looking forward to feedback on this topic.

 

Agree with everything MagRed2002 said except that shorty headers do not cause any problems - they don't do anything. No RWHP or RWTQ increase. If you own a 2001 and up model, the factory cast exhaust manifold looks a lot like a shorty header and flow just as well. Also, the facory manifold is about 1/2 the cost at the dealer and a lot less 2nd hand than what a shorty header will cost. In most cases, you can purchase a set of long tube headers for the same $$ or a little less than the cost of a set of shorty headers.

For the trouble of installing, I'd stick with long tubes only. At least you get some performance improvements. Shorty headers are a waste of ~$900 for B&B's and do nothing for your car.

I have the SLP headers. A great header but a real B.I.T.C.H. to install!!!!! Their unique design requires a lot of remedial work to brake lines and clutch lines (I have a MN6) and some wiring harnesses to avoid heat damage. But the RWTQ is awesome. If I had it to do over, I'd go with TPIS or Belanger for the ease of installation. I got such a great deal on a GP for the SLP's that I failed to do enough homework and wound up doing a lot of extra work during teh install.

SAVE THE WAVE :seeya :cheers: :cool:

 

I was more looking for a set of mild steel uncoated header to use as a starting point, cut ehm off and finish them out myself. Hence the reason I asked about the cheapest uncoated headers. I just don't want to do all the engine compartment part. Under the car is fine... I had some idea I wanted to try.

 

Jrod,
I posted over on @ ls1tech about modifying my current LTs. I would get a set of Uncoated TPIS, cut them off right at the corrent collector use either 1 7/8 piping or 1 3/4 into a nice set of burns merge collectors. If you price out the parts the headers are going to be 700, collectors are $600, and 6-8 Ubends(mild steel) $175. If you add a nice set of Random Cats that will add another 300 with flanges your looking at 1800-2000. This is exactly the same thing I am trying to work out. I probably am going to just buy a new set of headers since the parts alone are roughly the cost of the LG headers.
Phillip :cheers:


[Modified by Phil97SVT, 7:48 PM 2/8/2003]