So what do you think are the best long tube headers for the LT1 and why? Do you think its worth dishing out a grand to get the most HP, or are you the type who thinks any old set of 16 gauge 1 3/4" LT's is the way to go??

I've been looking into replacing my Z28's Edelbrock TES and most shops/people I talk to mention Hooker LT's based on their performance and price. There is also one very prominent F-Body shop in town who thinks Hooker headers are absolute garbage. ( :rolleyes: )

Then there's these super affordable Pacesetter LT's I've discovered on eBay that sell for $289. They are 16 gauge 1 3/4" tubes with 3" collectors that come with O2 & EGR fittings. The distributor will ceramic coat them for an additional $150, and the optional Y-pipe is an extra $125. I'm thinking $289 for just the headers is crazy, and since I'm looking to replace everything up to the catback, $564 for everything is the best price I've seen.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/67796Pacesetter_headers.jpg


The Hooker LT's by comparison cost around $400. They are similar 16 gauge 1 3/4" headers. Thunder Racing charges you an additional $230 extra to get them JetHot coated, and $170 extra for the Y-pipe. So complete (from Thunder mind you) we're talking $800 for the system.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/67796Hooker_headers.jpg


The last set (and actually first set I had my eyes on) is the complete Finish Line Performance LT's that include twin high flow cats and Y-pipe. Nice thing is the entire system is ceramic coated. Cost is over $1,200. Pictured here is the LS1 model but the LT1 version is similar and available. Thats one thing I've noticed about LT1 long tubes - there's not too many that come as straight as the available LS1 headers. The SLP headers for the LS1 look very similar to these (yet the LT1 versions are totally bent and crammy).
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/67796finish_line_headers.jpg


So how much difference in horsepower are we talking about here between a set of bent 1 3/4" long tubes and a set of straight 1 3/4" LT's? - 20 RWHP or more?? 10-15 RWHP??? - think in terms of an LT1 running a .525-.575 lift cam, ported heads/manifold, 58mm TB, ignition, and PCM tuning.


If you actually had to spend money to buy one of these systems, which one would you choose? (if you like others please post and explain).

with pacesetter you get what you pay for, they are cheaper but the ones i got were put together pretty slackoff. i had to do some grinding and cutting to get em in right; might be different with the v8s though...

I figured the craftsmanship of the Pacesetter's would have to be poor. But in terms of HP - if these give you the same boost as the Hooker's or do almost as much as a real expensive set, it makes them tough to ignore.

I really like the Finish Line set. Would love to hook that up to a Magnaflow catback.

that actually would probably be the better buy, especially if they come with the cats and y-pipe. no doubt it would sound and look nice in front of a magnaflow system...