Headers, which ones to buy

I have been debating for a while on which kind of headers I want to put on my truck, I've looked at Arizona Speed Marine headers, Borla, Thorly, Gibson, Edelbrock and the list goes on. Im wondering what kind, for those of you that have them, likes and dislikes and any suggestions on which kind to buy. Im not real worried about top end HP, I rarely drive the truck over 70. I was informed to go with either mid length or shorty's, more Touque. I only tow every now and again, mostly just normal daily driving.

I'd think long and hard about going to the trouble and expense of adding headers for the situation you describe. While it will sound stronger, you won't get much real improvement through stock pipe(s) and muffler(s).

Open headers combined with correct fuel and ignition tuning could add up to 50 hp at the track, but you'd get busted promptly on the street.

It takes an experienced pro to break in header and collector gaskets, tightening them periodically and finally installing bolt locks and/or safety wires. I've been there and done that and it ain't easy or cheap.

Most street power per dollar will come from a K & N filter or cold air system and a 3" exhaust with low-restrictioin muffler (I like Gibson).

Once you've laid a foundation with these intake and exhaust improvements, if you still want headers, at least they'll be able to breathe better!

Well I have already upgraded the pipes to 3" with a 40 series, I also went with a Volant cold air intake. I also had my cats replace with high flow cats. I also am running a Jet stage 2 chip which hopefully I can replace soon with one of the better suggestions I have recieved here. As for torquing bolts and safety wiring thats not really an issue. If i know the correct intervals in which to perform the tightening im sure i would have no problems.

I have the Thorley long tubes with two electric cutouts behind them, no cats, and two magnaflow mufflers. I love the Thorleys and they produced a huge improvement over my shorties. I really saw no noticeable gains with the shorties, and in a side by side comparison....I couldn't tell that much difference.
Only thing is you're going to have to redo your entire exhaust system if you decide to go with a long tube. Something to think about.

I have the Thorley long tubes with two electric cutouts behind them, no cats, and two magnaflow mufflers. I love the Thorleys and they produced a huge improvement over my shorties. I really saw no noticeable gains with the shorties, and in a side by side comparison....I couldn't tell that much difference.
Only thing is you're going to have to redo your entire exhaust system if you decide to go with a long tube. Something to think about.

What are you saying as in "redo?" I have a flowmaster, but everything in front of it is stock. What will have to be done? Just the y-pipe?

What are you saying as in "redo?" I have a flowmaster, but everything in front of it is stock. What will have to be done? Just the y-pipe?

Well, I guess it really depends on if you're going to do a "true dual" setup. I guess I just kinda figured you would, but if not....then yes, you'll just have the y-pipe to deal with.

I forgot to mention these headers.....the new lts by Pacesetter. A long tube coated header for $399!!!! You can't beat it, plus they make a y-pipe as well to work with the headers. Check them both out here. I would have definately gone with these headers for that price. I have alot of friends that are very happy with this setup, but unfortunately they weren't out when I was in the market for some.

http://speed-eng.com/store/index.php?cPath=23_67_373_1718

I jusy helped a buddy instll the pacesetters into his truck and theres a hell of a difference in both sound and power....he had a local exhaust shop make him a y-pipe and get everything welded up.......it sounds mean as hell and makes mine sound tame even with my cutout open......I'd love to put 'em on mine but they don't make 'em for 4x4's yet

Well, I guess it really depends on if you're going to do a "true dual" setup. I guess I just kinda figured you would, but if not....then yes, you'll just have the y-pipe to deal with.

I forgot to mention these headers.....the new lts by Pacesetter. A long tube coated header for $399!!!! You can't beat it, plus they make a y-pipe as well to work with the headers. Check them both out here. I would have definately gone with these headers for that price. I have alot of friends that are very happy with this setup, but unfortunately they weren't out when I was in the market for some.

http://speed-eng.com/store/index.php?cPath=23_67_373_1718

So $400 for some ceramic longtubes? So should I just go for those instead of thorley's?

So are the pace setters a good brand, and do they carry any kind of a warranty. Now it was said that with long tube the Y-pipe would have to be changed or made, I just spent 500 in hi flow cats and installation, i would hate for that money to go to waste. Can the cats still be mounted on the truck?

Almost forgot, airjam said that they only make them for 2wd, i dont see how that is going to make that much difference, they offered an offroad Y-pipe. Further explanation please.

Almost forgot, airjam said that they only make them for 2wd, i dont see how that is going to make that much difference, they offered an offroad Y-pipe. Further explanation please.

Might have something to do with xfer case issues

I forgot to mention these headers.....the new lts by Pacesetter. A long tube coated header for $399!!!! You can't beat it, plus they make a y-pipe as well to work with the headers. Check them both out here. I would have definately gone with these headers for that price. I have alot of friends that are very happy with this setup, but unfortunately they weren't out when I was in the market for some.

http://speed-eng.com/store/index.php?cPath=23_67_373_1718

I was actually just looking at these lastnight. Ive heard alot of good things about them. So are you saying they come with a Y pipe so everything fits right up? Im not running the "true" dual setup, I have a single in dual out. How much more is the Y pipe?

So for those of you who own 4x4's which do you suggest. And does anyone know roughly how much the power gains are, and does it help or hurt the MPG.

The pacesetters kinda take up the space where the front drive shaft is........last I spoke with TByrne motorsports they said pacesetter was doing fitment for a 4x4 and they should have 'em out soon.......I'd rather wait for a decent $400 longtube than pay twice that elsewhere.......however, I think the ASM's fit 4x4's but I'm not sure

Almost forgot, airjam said that they only make them for 2wd, i dont see how that is going to make that much difference, they offered an offroad Y-pipe. Further explanation please.
An offroad y-pipe is just a y-pipe without catalytic converters in it......versus a catted-y

thanks for the clairification airjam, now i am better educated, im hoping by the end of the year to get the headers done so hopefully pace setter will have them out for 4x4's by then.

I just checked out the pacesetter site, they said that these "Quick Trip" headers are for offroad use only... does this mean Their not street legal? or they will not pass inspection? Just wondering.

As Slowprocess said, I doubt that you'll notice any gains from using shorty headers. You'll need full length and custom exhaust to do that.

That being said, the only truck header that I have personal experience with is the stainless Gibson shorty style. I put them on my '95 due to the very common problem where the left rear manifold bolt breaks off in the head. (my '02 6.0 has the same issue) I decided not to deal with it and then the manifold broke, requiring action.

The Gibson shortys were very well made, with thick flanges and were a direct bolt up. The looked and worked great. I liked them enough to put a large tube Gibson cat back single exit system on awhile after. Worked great and sounded good. I know everyone talks about the performance gains, but I really didn't notice anything. Just sounded better, so I ended up using more fuel 'cause I liked listening to it. :naughty:

Take a look at the selection here: http://www.performance-exhaust-headers.com/chevrolet/index.html

What did you do, come into the forum, dig up any thread related to headers, and post the exact same thing? Most of these threads are ancient. Totally NOT appreciated :banhim: :banhim: :banhim: :banhim: :banhim: :banhim: