Pacesetter Mid-Length Headers for 98 LS1

I did a search and read up on what you guys have said about pacesetter headers, and learned that they suck in almost every way, said they're hard to get in, they leak, steering shaft rubs on them, lose gas mileage etc. etc. but then I saw that almost all of them are for V6's or the older models. What about the new LS1 engine. I have a 1998 Z28 and can't find anything 50 state legal besides the pacesetters that are cheap enough for my budget. I live in NJ, it's a daily driver, and military. So I can't afford to go non emission, or to lose gas mileage, or for leaking or rubbing or anything of the sort. It's just a short term install though (as in 4-6 years) Until I get another vehicle and move back to my home state :D

I already bought the headers off Ebay so I'm hoping I hear decent things about them. I want to get them coated though, I heard someone say to use a high temp silicone spray or paint but you have to bake it in the oven first, how long and what temp? or how much is it usually to get them coated with Jet Hot? Also I know I'll need a new gasket, I can't believe they call this piece of paper a gasket! come on, I can make that out of a piece of cardboard. But do any of you recommend a gasket?

It's my first muscle car, first time around a muscle car, first time building a car up, so I need some advice.

PS I have a CORSA cat-back, free ram air mod, SLP air lid, soon to install tunnel brace, sc's, shift kit and seperator plate for my weak 4L60E, next mod being an SLP Y-Pipe with high flow cats.

Pacesetters are supposed to be the best cheaper header for the LS1.
Don't get the SLP y-pipe if you are getting Pacesetter headers. For the most part, you need to get a y-pipe that fits with headers.
I am not 100% on that, just make sure they will fit before buying that y-pipe. Do some research on that.

these mid-lengths are supposed to fit the stock cats and y-pipe, I kinda did research already on the SLP Y-pipe and am not completely sure, but think it's supposed to fit the stock cats, unless you get the one that's made for the headers they sell. But I will have to call them and ask specifically

personally i dont see the point in spending all the money on a car you are going to wind up selling, dont expect to get any money for the aftermarket parts and the work you did in the sale price, its gonna sell for maybe a hundred or two over the book price unless you are really lucky.

If you are going to have the headers coated then go with jethot, even if its a bit expensive, ive never heard of this silicone paint but i wouldnt do it. chances are its going to burn off, and smell horrible when your pipes get up to temp. and any oven you use will not be suitable for food anymore. unless you like the taste of burnt silcone in the morning.

For an exhaust gasket, go with a quality aftermarket bronze gasket. they have bronze O rings embossed into them and are virtually leak proof.

oh no no, I must not have explained myself well enough, sorry, my plans are never to sell this vehicle. I am having waaay too much fun with it, paying way too much for it, and want to learn and play with it to make it really move. I mentioned getting another vehicle so I won't be scared to really put anything into the car since I won't rely on it every day anymore. but sell it? never, I love her way too much lol. my friend's even joke with me and bought a wedding ring which I use as a keychain now!!!!

-Dan

-edited: thanks for all the info, I don't know how soon I'll have them coated and put on considering how much I pay on the car a month, but eventually, parts will speed up too as soon as I get this thing refinanced for smaller payments lol, not the wisest thing but it's gonna be fun

i have pacesetters on mine and what you heard was kind of true.

the first set they sent me the flanges on them were not perfectly flat, but it was my own dumb ass fault that i didn't check them before i put them on.

they send you some piece of junk white cardboard gaskets, so do what 89 said and go ahead and fork it out probably 30 bucks for some copper gaskets.

as for the coating, i did the high temp 1500 degree paint on mine and it burned right off and smelled like ass and now they look kinda ugly but they are not rusting or damaged at all.

the steering shaft was just barely and i mean barely touching the header in one little spot along the revolution of the steering wheel. but i had to beat it with a hammer until i put a little ding in it. works fine now.

when you recieve the headers they should have some black paint on them already to keep them from rusting while they are in a warehouse. have them sandblasted and the ceramic coated. this will give you your best looking and longest lasting finish (unless you want to have them chromed :naughty: )

yeah sorry, i meant copper gaskets not bronze, im going out of my mind haha im going out of my mind ho ho ha ha he he

THAT SONG!!!! Whats the name of it? Been looking for it for ages....

im going out of my mind.........

Makes sense I guess... who plays it?

Before I put them on I have to sand all the paint off the flanges where the gasket sits right? for a better seal? Also what if I just bought some of that heat reflective wrap, I know it's gonna look kind of ugly but if I'm planning to swap in some long tubes one day this stuff should work for what I'm going for right? Thanks for all ur help!

you dont need that wrap shit, if anything just wrap your spark plugs, plus your not going to have room for it. especially around the steering shaft. not to mention it will void your warranty.

if your going to have them ceramic coated you need to have them sandblasted to get all the paint off of everything. but yes the paint totally has to be off the flange to make a perfect seal.

if your not going to get them coated just sand the flanges and let the paint burn off.