Are Headers Reliable These Days?

[EA$Y_MONEY_04]

I have a 04 Silverado with a few aftermarket accessories. Would adding headers be beneficial to me or more of a headache? I remember my Dad changing gaskets like once 2-3 times a month on his older model chevy. All opinions would be greatly appreciated, and HI EVERYONE. Love the site... First post.

[Nathan4286]

If you get headers, get some really good gaskets.. don't go cheap with the gaskets... If you have a really good exhaust system it should increase your gas milage

[01Blackerado]

yep it wont be a headache at all with the right parts and try to get long tube headers they get better flow and more power

[simple_country_guy]

They are VERY simple to install. Hedman should send new gaskets with the headers. The complete install should only take, even a novice only an hour and a half. If you really want to complete the install make sure you upgrade to high flow catalytic converters and a good "TRUE" dual exhaust.

[NWChevyGuy]

I had headers on my 94. The gaskets always seemed to blow out and leak after a few months. Then I switched to some copper gaskets, and it never leaked again. I sold the truck about 3 years after installing the copper gaskets, and never had a problem.

[HerG35]

Hey,
I put a set of Borla headers on my truck 4 years ago. I used the gaskets that came with them. Fortunatly I have not had to replace the gaskets yet. The flange that mates to the cylinder head was really flat. The pipes are discolored but there is no rust on them. Borla is a quality product.They are much better than the stainless Gibson headers that I had to return because they didn't fit. The Gibson flanges were warped also so I imagine they would have leak issues.
As far as performance and fuel economy issues go... I am disappointed. I spent about $1400.00 on a K&N Intake, Borla headers, Gibson exhaust and a Power Programer. The engine is louder but it doesn't make much more power. The truck is a 2 wheel drive 1500 regular cab with a long bed. I get around 20 MPG on the highway at 65 MPH. I do have a bed cover on it. I take it easy on the gas pedal.
My headers are the shorty design. Four years ago Edelbrock was the only company that offered longer pipes but everyone I talked to would not recommend them. I would imagine long equal legnth tubes are the hot ticket.
About 25 years ago my father's full time 4 wheel drive 3/4 ton 350 CID GMC pick up got terrible gas millage. We put an Edelbrock SP-2P intake, headers and dual exhaust on it. He got about 30% better gas milage and the engine really came to life. There was way more power. I was hoping for simular results with my truck. Like I said, I am disappointed.
Knowing what I do now I think I would supercharged it. That makes the power you feel. You may loose some gas milage but going the route I did there isn't great gas milage anyway.