Headers

I put a K&N intake on my '09 Silverado 5.3 Flex engine and was wondering about the benefit...if any...of installing a set of short tube headers that mate up with the existing exhaust system. I did a search and didn't come up with anything. Is it worth it and who makes the best set? About the only other thing I might do is get a Superchips Cortex programmer.

I put a K&N intake on my '09 Silverado 5.3 Flex engine and was wondering about the benefit...if any...of installing a set of short tube headers that mate up with the existing exhaust system. I did a search and didn't come up with anything. Is it worth it and who makes the best set? About the only other thing I might do is get a Superchips Cortex programmer.

What are you wanting?
Gas mileage or power?
Hard to get both at same time.

K&N filters do not help much.
Headers do not help much unless you have all of the other racing goodies to go with them.:lol2::lol2:

Sometimes chips or programers can help but are a illegal operation for driving on a federal funded highway.

I put a K&N intake on my '09 Silverado 5.3 Flex engine and was wondering about the benefit...if any...of installing a set of short tube headers that mate up with the existing exhaust system. I did a search and didn't come up with anything. Is it worth it and who makes the best set? About the only other thing I might do is get a Superchips Cortex programmer.

this vehicle you purchased is tuned for the max performance. the addition of headers will not change anyrhing. some with exhaust manifold failure have replaced with headers to find no improvement. then you must insulate the headers in the engine bay. alot of work money for no gain.

programers are good if you need to change wheel dia./ stop DOD operation . alter shift points etc. you can get some improvement in how the engine / transmission operates to your specific liking. as far as power MPG gains go not much reported.

purchasing the K&N filter is good as you will save money on filter replacements over time. a new paper filter has more air flow than a K&N. the paper however after a couple thousand miles will quickly fall behind the K&N on the amount of air supplied. I go about 20,ooomi between filter cleaning with the K&N. off road this would require more frequent servicing.

when towing your horses around I would not use e85. go with the higher octane 89 -91.

Thanks guys...I had a feeling that headers weren't a good idea. And I have the whole K&N intake, the one with the conical filter. I'm just looking for a way to get more power is all. It looks like I need to be happy with the way is is...which is pretty good!