Guys, I have searched the archieves and there is a lot of talk about the different types of headers available and the gains that people get... Here is my situation... I am looking for a set of headers that meet the following criteria:

1: EASY to install
2: High Quality (Nice thick flanges)
3: "Significant" performance gains (15-20 RWHP or More)
4: Does not cook underhood wiring or add too much underhood heat
5: Car needs to be emission legal so the cats MUST stay in place
6: Needs to be Quiet
7: Cost under 1200.00

I just had a dyno run last week and I think that my stock exhaust is really holding the car back. If anyone can give me some recomendations, it would be GREATLY appreciated!! Also, please state what you feel the HP and Torque increases will be with your recomendations... I would like to be able to use my existing stock catback exhaust for cost savings and "stealth look" but if you feel that should be changed too, please let me know.. Below is the dyno sheet and list of mods that the car currently has.

TIA!!!




[Modified by BlkFRC, 2:34 PM 5/25/2003]

 

you will need to up your $$ to get a good set up like you want.....unless you get it used

TPIS headers will get the $$, but the rest of your criteria are questionable with them (from what I understand)

if you up the $$ you can go

FLP or LGM

both SOLID performers

hope that helps

 

Very interesting. I was/am in the same boat. My dyno was somewhat dissapointing considering the mods and was resisting headers for all the old reasons. See sig. Well I broke down and put on the Stainlees Works and we will find out Wed when the fat lady sings the dyno tune. Will report.

 

I've talked to a few people that have the "Stainless Headers" from Xtreme Motorsports and I've heard really good things about them. Good RWHP gains and fairly inexpensive. Just make sure to get them coated inside and out before the install and you should be evry happy with the results.
:thumbs: :thumbs:

 

Thanks guys for your responses.. I have considered the FLP system but have read about some problems with cracking of the welds near the support bracket and there are people who have been waiting for some time for a replacement so for now, they are out.. LGM seems nice but are VERY $$$ so they are out too... The SW headers do look very nice for the money and I would love to see what kind of increases in RWHP/TQ they are achieving with similar mods to what I have.

See5, how is the sound with your SW headers on? Is it a lot louder than with the stock manifolds? Did you have your headers coated?? Does your car feel quicker SOTP???


Thanks again all for your comments...


[Modified by BlkFRC, 6:45 PM 5/25/2003]

 

BlkFRC
Yes, it is louder and I have Corsa Touring which is the world's most mellow.
Frankly, I love it now.
No coating.


[Modified by see5, 8:44 AM 5/26/2003]

 

If see5's dyno numbers give 15 - 20 hp then Stainless Works will fill your bill. I'm having mine put on on 6/11 and will see what my dyno numbers are.

 

Yep, the SW headers will give you another 20 RWHP, just be sure to get those things coated before you pot them in. Otherwise you'll be burn through them and have to get them replaced in 2-3 years.
:yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:

 

:cool: So it looks like SW is the one for me to go with.. For you guys that already have these headers installed, did you get them coated? Also, did you keep your center section stock or did you go with the SW center section that includes an X pipe? Does the X-pipe gain you any performance over the factory H pipe arangement? Lastly, would I really be loosing anything by keeping my factory cat-back exhaust as I hear they flow pretty well already and would fit the bill for the stealth look and keep things quieter...

Does anyone know who has these headers in stock for a 99???

 

Headers made of 304 Stainless Steel such as the Stainless Works headers will not last any longer if they are coated. Only mild steel headers such as FLP, TPIS, TTS need to be coated to stop rust. The only reason to get Stainless Steel headers coated would be to help with underhood heat, which in my opinion is not a big problem at all on our cars. I have the Stainless Works headers on my car and just got back from a 10 hour roadtrip home from Bowling Green yesterday and the heat was not a problem whatsoever.

I definitely recommend the Stainless Works Headers. They are made of 304 Stainless Steel and come with a lifetime warranty which no other header company currently offers. They have 1 3/4" primaries with a 3" collector and are available with 1/4" and 3/8" flanges. They come with slip fit flanges that allow you to retain your stock catalytic converters. They are also available with a Xpipe option that can come with or without cats that allow a true bolt on install with no welding required.

Email me if you are interested in any details or pricing on these.

 

Thanks Matt.. I sent you an E-mail....

 

:iagree:

 

Dont forget Lingenfelters headers.. they are in your price range and I just installed a set this weekend.. look beautiful.. I will finish the install tomorrow and can tell you how they sound

 

0-60... How easy was the install of the Lingenfelter headers?? Any welding? Did you keep your stock center section and cats in place? Also, are they coated?

Thanks for any info you can give me on them!!

 

The install was kind of tricky but all in all not too bad. You do have to remove a bunch of stuff from the engine.. alternator, brake fluid reservoir, fuel rail covers, coils on passenger side.. steering shaft.. etc.. I also had to losen the drivers side motor mount and pry up on the engine a bit to slip the header down into place.. sounds like a buunch of stuff but it is all just bolt on stuff with no major mechanical abilities needed.. I already have the corsa cat back system but opted to also add an x-pipe to the system whil I was doing the exhaust.. So I went with the corsa x-pipe. There is some welding involved.. The headers come with a flange that needs to be welded to the front of your factory cats.. the x-pipe connects to the back of the cats with a slip fit and some exhaust clamps and then bolts to the cat back exhaust system.. Lingenfelter told me their system is the only one proven to make the most HP.. so far I believe them but really I don't know jack about the other systems.. in fact the main reason I went with the Lingenfelter system is the fact that MOST of the other systems I was interested in were out of stock and not available for like 4 weeks... I called Lingenfelter and they were in stock and I had then the next day!! Lingenfelter has a great reputation so I made my buying decision based on that.. I will be finishing up the welds on the flanges tomorrow and should be able to fire her up.. hopefully they will produce some good results!!

 

Sounds great 0-60!! Please let me know how everything goes once you finish your testing!! BTW, are the headers coated or uncoated?? If uncoated, please comment on any additional heat that you are getting in the engine compartment...

 

Dyno delayed due to rain. Guess wet cars short out the electronics under the Dyno. Now June 2nd.

 

Dyno results: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=575538