So I currently have new in box a speed engineering axle back kit. I want to buy their 1 7/8th headers and x-pipe to have a complete kit from the motor on back.

Do I need ceramic spark plug wires or are my factory GM wires good to go? Would adding spark plug boots help or do I need any longer plug wires with ceramics boots. I’ve heard that I should go ceramic but nobody ever mentions just doing boots. If I need longer, do I only need 10” or 12”?

Are their included zinc header bolts good for long term use? If not, should I get the 12 point ARP bolts for $50 or do I need to get the more expensive ARP studs/nuts for $121? I ask as I may take the headers out one day in the future and I am curious about re-use of the included zinc coated bolts.

Are the included standard band clamps really bad or are they good? I am trying to decide if I really need the 3” lap joint band clamps instead. I’m not buying the v-band clamps are they want $25 each. The 3” clamps are $8 each and that is more tolerable. Per their website, I need 7 since my car is not a z06.

Last question is do I need to have the axle back exhaust ceramic coated or is it only worth coating the headers and x-pipe. Summer time, the center console gets hot! I’m thinking about getting the DEI tunnel kit to help cut down on exhaust and maybe even put one of their covers on my starter as well.

We all know the old saying is “you get what you pay for” but I don’t like wasting money just for nothing. I prefer spending money in the right areas. This is why I ask what everyone else prefers.

 

Cant speak directly for speed engineering headers, but I have LG LTs and have had no issues with the stock wires, no boots. Some will only put the boots on with others go with ceramic. I think its a matter of personal preference as well as any other mods besides the headers. I will probably go back and add boots next time I decide to work under the hood but after 6-7k miles I have had no issues. But it does boil down to what the cost of "incusurance" is to you. As for ceramic coating, only do the headers. The axle back wont need it.

 

I didn't see your engine. LS2 1 3/4. LS3 1 7/8. LS7 2.00

 

Answered your questions above in red based on my own experience. Worth noting the design has changed slightly, The o2 sensor placement is a pain from what I understand now. I think @farmington might have dealt with that issue if I recall correctly. Honestly for the money I think their great. I've ran them on my car, my cousin had them on his 09, and one of my customers runs them on his 12, all are holding up great several years in. I just coated mine while i had them out just to see if it made a difference and it really helped. You wont be disappointed.

 

2005 LS2 6 speed

long term plans are an A&A or ECS supercharger but that may end up next year. Also Speed Engineering doesn’t have 1 3/4 on their site. Just 1 7/8 & 2.00

 

thank you for this information.

Are you @StayinStock able to confirm that it’s 7, 8 or 9 clamps? Their site says 7 for non-z06 and 9 for Z06. I thought I counted 8 but man it’s hard to tell without them being open and without anyone else’s knowledge.

 

Honestly it's been a minute since mines been on there. I'm not to sure

 

thank you for your post , you answered almost all my questions … I am also looking for these headers and had the same questions. One more question for you … for the GDI spake plug wires did you get standard or long length and lastly, did you buy any spark plug wire boots for them?? Thank you
can you also post what Vband’s you got from Amazon?

 

hey @Ap2Iven

@StayinStock mentioned that he got 3” lap band clamps. Those are now an option to buy for $7.99 each from speed engineering. Those are what I plan to use. V-Bands cost like $25 each. I’m going to call speed engineering Monday and ask them about the quantity of clamps.

As far as the spark plug wires, that same question you have is a question I thought about as well.

 

Wire Length depends on your valve cover and coil placement. If your running stock location you want the smaller ones. If you're running a tall valve cover like a preform or katech you want the long ones. I've never ran boots... never had an issue on any of my LS motors.

 

please post on what SE tells you for quantity of clamps and thank you , this thread answered a lot of my questions since I am looking for SE headers.

 

@Ap2Iven

i called speed engineering today. If you’re going to use their product from front to back, it’s 11 clamps. If you’re using their headers and x-pipe with z06 axle back, it’s 9 clamps. The x-pipe all by itself is 7 clamps without headers. It’s hard to see but once they explained, I can see 11 clamps in their pictures if your doing their headers, x-pipe and muffler kit.

looks like I am ordering 11 clamps. They said you can use OEM spark plug wires but recommend heat boots.

i hope this helps.