Header and manifold Thread

[ZR1Vette09]

I'm faced with two very convincing arguments here. On the one hand, i want the best deal on non-leaking headers. On the other, I want the ability to demod whenever i sell this car. You guys have both made some good contributions to this thread. Nick I can always just talk to you since you're local. At this point I'm back to debating SSAC vs. Paceleakers

[blueguy]

Just let me know...and if you need any help...whatever choice you go with...just let me or the KCPMC guys know. We'll be glad to help out...or you can just bring it out the one of the GBP garages and we can get it done there

[ZR1Vette09]

GBP garage? oh and maybe something good to add to this thread might be some various parts to buy with the different types. someone mentioned metal gaskets or something (should've read back)

[blowfishRus6]

green bastard performance, where have you been

[ARFF22]

I have a set of the SLP's, they're a great set look, fit and sound great. Only complaint I have is that the flex pipe that is included leaks. It is only noticeable at moderate to heavy throttle pressure. I think they only use a single walled flex pipe, would recommend getting a better double walled flex pipe and have it welded in before installing a set of these. Have heard from others that this is a common complaint about the SLP's. Actually drove my car to SLP to have them take a look at it and they stated that the leak is normal and acceptable. I wish I would of known this before I made my purchase. A even better solution is if SLP would just put in a better quality flex pipe section.

[matt5112]

SSAC knock offs

97-03 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 3.8L 3-1 RACING HEADER EXHAUST : eBay Motors (item 170429109492 end time Feb-05-10 14:19:32 PST)

Too good to be true?

[nawarkk]

Alright I was just thinking about this the other day. Since the piping is gonna be replaced by the 3 inch piping all the way back, are the headers gonna come with this pipe?

[rynoman03]

A guy off of Kansas City Pontiac Motorsports Club - Home bought these were awaiting to see if they fit or not.

[silverstreak]

A guy off of Kansas City Pontiac Motorsports Club - Home bought these were awaiting to see if they fit or not.

Can you let us know his review on these. I have a friend that is considering these. They look decent. All headers for these cars should be priced like that.

[rynoman03]

No Kidding! I will do my best.

[blowfishRus6]

Alright I was just thinking about this the other day. Since the piping is gonna be replaced by the 3 inch piping all the way back, are the headers gonna come with this pipe?

yes most headers will come with a 3in down pipe, the pipe you speak of.

[nawarkk]

yes most headers will come with a 3in down pipe, the pipe you speak of.

So if I bought the SSAC's, I will have pipe going from the engine block to the rear openings of the rear bumper? That is what I'm wondering..

[blowfishRus6]

o no, there down pipes will go back till the resinatior. thats it. your talking about a cat back

[nawarkk]

hmm so I would need to buy a 3 in cat back to get pipe all the way to the rear bumpers.. Where can I get them decently priced at?

[TheOtherNick]

You dont need a 3" cat back.

[blowfishRus6]

you really dont need a cat back. 3in back to the resinatior is fine.

if you really want a 3 in cat back, i would go up to an exhaust shop and have them fab it up. should not be to much.

[nawarkk]

Cat back is something special isn't it?...


Ok what's it called to just have piping all the way from wear the SSAC's leave off to the rear exits? Do I need to have new piping if I buy the headers?

Would I be able to use the stock tubing that's already in place and just have a converter that goes from the 3 in downpipe to the stock pipe? Or would I lose some power?

What about the Catalytic Converter? Will that be taken out when the Headers are installed?


Sorry for the questions guys, hopefully the help somebody else when they see this.

[TheOtherNick]

The headers will bolt right in to the stock cat back. Them have a piece of pipe where a cat would go. You can install a 3"inlet/outlet cat if you need one. Other than that they just bolt in with what they gave you.

[Abrasive]

SLP Headers starting at $689 also found at 3800performance
Pros Stainless steel, 1 5/8" primaries
Cons Have to be welded in, have leaky flex section.

Don't forget, ceramic coated. I love my SLP's but as mentioned, the flex section is crap. Get it replaced with an interlocking flex, preferably before you install them. Much easier that way needless to say. The SLP's also have the bend under the car similar to the SSAC's. Which makes sense since the SSAC's I installed on Ryan's car this past Saturday look like stainless duplicates of my SLPs. My car is very low and I've never banged it on anything, but I iz careful. haha. I actually think that bend is on the SLPs is to help get the entire rear header/downpipe piece down past the firewall since that is all one piece on the SLPs. The SSACs downpipe section is a separate piece that attaches to the rear header with a pretty beefy V-clamp. Good design on SSACs part in my opinion, but I think they could have lost the weird bend underneath since their's come apart there.

Oh yeah, a sure fire way to make your header install the worst experience of your life (and some of your closest friends lives as well) is to accidentally crush your oil pan so bad it bends the oil pickup tube into the crankshaft. Just ask me! LOL!

[TheOtherNick]

What headers can come cermic coated? I will add a note to all those. Slp,pacesetters,S&S any others?