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LT header cons. What are they.

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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 08:07 AM
  #1  
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Default LT header cons. What are they.

I am thinking of problems I had in the 80's such as the following, Starter problems when hot, Flange leaking, Frequent gasket replacement, Removal of headers to access clutch ETC. :flag
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 08:41 AM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (ROJO99)

Add to your list; melted wiring, crunchy wiring/connectors due to increased heat, scraping on bumps and increased rattles/noise.

Thick flanges and good design of the headers to the chassis will eliminate most, if not all of these problems.

Everytime add power, you trade off reliability, its a rule.
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 09:42 AM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (Heretic)

Everytime add power, you trade off reliability, its a rule.
:iagree:
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 10:00 AM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (RoliO)

Reduced MPG! I love staying in the throttle much longer now. :smash:
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 10:04 AM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (silverz06vette)

just include a heat shield blanket for starter, heat shielding wire loom for any wires that are close and cannot be positioned away (far) from heat you should be ok.. I used the OEM gaskets and they should lst a long time (head) and the LG system doesn ot have collector flanges to leak....PLUS, it sounds great,, you will notice a decrease in tire life and mpg, due to lead footitis that comes with owning a sweet sounding c5 :party:
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 10:05 AM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (silverz06vette)

The one little header bolt on cylinder number 7 or 8 that refuses to stay tightened down.

Extra cabin heat, cockpit noise.

No longer emissions compliant in CA and a few other states unless it has the EOD attached.
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 01:36 PM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (ROJO99)

My issues: No power gains (from 350 to 345), false KR that is not resolved, exhaust sound now way too loud to humans, can't get O2 sims to work (P0141 and P0160) and passing Cal smog could be an issue.
I am still hopeful that I will realize LT gains after the H/C upgrade.

:flag
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 01:41 PM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (C5X2C)

Let's not foget cost. They ain't cheap. :nonod: :nonod:
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 02:00 PM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (ROJO99)

Depending on mods and tuning, less low RPM torque.
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 02:11 PM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (ROJO99)

And if you don't pay extra for a 100% bolt-in system, you will likely need cutting and welding to go back to stock. Slip fits do just that.

Sound was an issue too. My Corsa Indys sounded great until H/C/LT, then they were too loud at WOT with top down and to others all the time at WOT. Why announce you're on it when everyone has a cell and can rat on you?
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 03:03 PM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (C5X2C)

My issues: No power gains (from 350 to 345), false KR that is not resolved, exhaust sound now way too loud to humans, can't get O2 sims to work (P0141 and P0160) and passing Cal smog could be an issue.
I am still hopeful that I will realize LT gains after the H/C upgrade.

:flag
How did that happen?? I believe that is the first time I have heard someone say they lost power. Mine is not too loud in fact it is near stock sounding until you nail it....and I am certain even without tuning I gained power and torque. Also no codes!!! Better luck with the H/C!!!!
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 03:31 PM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (ROJO99)

If you buy Kooks it takes about 3 months to get them... :banghead:
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 03:32 PM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (sweetcharity)

Thanks SC!
Perhaps the real issue is that we can't explain how I had 10 pulls in the high 340s, eventually 350 with only a Vortex Ram Air, X-pipe, Corsa Indy Pros and some Editting. Same shop, same mechanic, same dyno. Lou listened to my story and was willing to pay to reinstall my manifold, insisting that I would lose 20-30 hp.
My real pain is the O2 sims that just don't work!
:flag
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 03:33 PM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (Stu in CA)

I feel like I am in teh Twilight Zone!

NO! I have none of the problems of old headers. There is NO heat soaked starter problem, no need for a MAD external solenoid. There is no replacing header gaskets every 3 months and rewelding collectors every 6. There are NO clearence issues on the quality header sets (in fact mine hang NO lower than stock). They are not much louder than stock, especially if you stay with CATS and not off road pipes. You ALWAYS should get more power - if not you need to address the real problem. Your wires and connectors will not suffer if you take a moment to make sure they are routed correctly. There is NO more cabin heat. Yes They can be a pain to install. Yes a good set is 14 or 1500 dollars. Enough power to sacrafice reliability NO! You are not running your car on a track or a dyno for the 7 day WOT test. You are driving the car - It may change your drving habits so you are on the throttle more often, but that is not a function of the header - that is a function of your foot.

It is a great power/attitude mod for sure.
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 03:50 PM
  #15  
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (Ragtop_Rob)

if the o2 simms dont work, have someone with lsi edit get rid of the things....easy,,,,,,,,
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 04:07 PM
  #16  
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (Ragtop_Rob)

I feel like I am in teh Twilight Zone!

NO! I have none of the problems of old headers. There is NO heat soaked starter problem, no need for a MAD external solenoid. There is no replacing header gaskets every 3 months and rewelding collectors every 6. There are NO clearence issues on the quality header sets (in fact mine hang NO lower than stock). They are not much louder than stock, especially if you stay with CATS and not off road pipes. You ALWAYS should get more power - if not you need to address the real problem. Your wires and connectors will not suffer if you take a moment to make sure they are routed correctly. There is NO more cabin heat. Yes They can be a pain to install. Yes a good set is 14 or 1500 dollars. Enough power to sacrafice reliability NO! You are not running your car on a track or a dyno for the 7 day WOT test. You are driving the car - It may change your drving habits so you are on the throttle more often, but that is not a function of the header - that is a function of your foot.

It is a great power/attitude mod for sure.
:iagree: If you get a quality set of headers, have them coated, and get a good installer there are none of these issues.

The only issue is more work do do certain maintenances, like clutch replacement will require removal of the headers. :cheers:
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 04:10 PM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (ROJO99)

I have seen them burn up AC lines as well.
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 06:10 PM
  #18  
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (fdupny)

I have seen them burn up AC lines as well.
Thermo-Tec makes a wide variety of products for heat control. :yesnod:

Robert
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 08:01 PM
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (LoneStarFRC)

I can’t believe nobody mentioned the BIGGEST problem about getting LT headers…..

You’ll be compelled to participate in immeasurable number of recurring header war threads defending your choice of headers.
:lol::lol::lol: :lolg: :lolg: :lolg:
:beatdeadhorse:
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Old Apr 21, 2004 | 10:10 PM
  #20  
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Default Re: LT header cons. What are they. (ArKay99)

If you buy Kooks it takes about 3 months to get them... :banghead:
:sad:
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