Long tube headers- to do or not to do?
03-09-2013, 09:17 AM
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: GA
Posts: 261
Long tube headers- to do or not to do?
I'm currently nearing the end of bolt on modifications. The next mod I have in mind are long tube headers, but I've seen so many options and varying opinions. Was hoping to get some feed back from experience here. My main concerns are...
1) Transmission clearance. I've heard flowtechs, MAC, hooker, and pacesetters have enough room for a manual transmission to be dropped, without loosening a header. I definitely want to be able to get the transmission out.
2) Price and Quality. I understand you usually get what you pay for, but I'm not looking to break the bank here. If I can get a leak proof seal with some RTV hi temp sealant and a good gasket, I'd be happy. I'm not looking for the maximum horsepower increase, just something better than stock and good exhaust note.
3) Install. I've dealt with multiple lowering spring installs, but never went as far as the K-member coming out. Is this install something manageable over a weekend with basic garage tools? Or is it worth the ~$500 shop install?
Just looking for some Pros and Cons, along with opinions. Thanks for any info!!
1) Transmission clearance. I've heard flowtechs, MAC, hooker, and pacesetters have enough room for a manual transmission to be dropped, without loosening a header. I definitely want to be able to get the transmission out.
2) Price and Quality. I understand you usually get what you pay for, but I'm not looking to break the bank here. If I can get a leak proof seal with some RTV hi temp sealant and a good gasket, I'd be happy. I'm not looking for the maximum horsepower increase, just something better than stock and good exhaust note.
3) Install. I've dealt with multiple lowering spring installs, but never went as far as the K-member coming out. Is this install something manageable over a weekend with basic garage tools? Or is it worth the ~$500 shop install?
Just looking for some Pros and Cons, along with opinions. Thanks for any info!!
03-09-2013, 11:13 AM
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MS
Posts: 467
If I could do it again, I wouldn't do it at all. It was the biggest P.I.T.A. job I ever did. I didn't drop the K member, but I had the trans out which did make it easier for access. I did the BBK shorty tuned headers BTW.
In your search for quality, I would buy ceramic coated, as their longevity will be much longer than chromed.
I noticed a slight change in sound, nothing really special, I've been told repeatedly that LT will be your best bang for your buck for HP gain, I got the shortys for 100.00 and my stock manifolds were thrashed from the previous owner. Good luck, hopefully I covered the broad range of your questions.
In your search for quality, I would buy ceramic coated, as their longevity will be much longer than chromed.
I noticed a slight change in sound, nothing really special, I've been told repeatedly that LT will be your best bang for your buck for HP gain, I got the shortys for 100.00 and my stock manifolds were thrashed from the previous owner. Good luck, hopefully I covered the broad range of your questions.
03-09-2013, 11:20 AM
#3
Headers are the biggest hp gain bolt on mod, they really aren't hard to do just drop the k member. When people hear dropping the k member they get scared, I just changed my oilpan out and had the k memeber out in an hour.
03-09-2013, 11:32 AM
#4
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From what I've read the k member is only held in with 8 bolts, then you support it with a jack and move it out of the way. The rest of the install sounds like removing the suspension components, which I'm not stranger to. My main concern with the install would be the replacement of the headers, getting them sealed properly, and bolted down right. I only want to do it once, and not have to re do the work days later.
03-09-2013, 06:45 PM
#7
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That's the exact setup I want! It's a little out of my price range at the moment, but I love how the pro chamber sounds. You'll have to make a sound video! My friend had a GT with BBK long tubes and that thing sounded sick, but he had to have transmission work and it was a PITA for them to work on. So that why I'm looking or transmission friendly headers.
03-09-2013, 07:53 PM
#8
That's the exact setup I want! It's a little out of my price range at the moment, but I love how the pro chamber sounds. You'll have to make a sound video! My friend had a GT with BBK long tubes and that thing sounded sick, but he had to have transmission work and it was a PITA for them to work on. So that why I'm looking or transmission friendly headers.
03-09-2013, 09:06 PM
#9
There was a mod a while back (nanaki) that had a built/blown motor and I believed gained 11 rwhp on that set up with long tubes. Personally unless your stock manifolds are cracked or you install them your self I don't think I would do it, Ive only done them on a v6 vert so I can't help with install on the GT
03-09-2013, 09:22 PM
#10
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Join Date: Nov 2007
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They say its a lot easier on the v6, but I've found a very detailed guide on installing then in a GT. It doesn't sound impossible, and that's part of it for me, actually installing stuff myself. I don't expect a huge HP gain, especially since I'm already running no cats. Every little bit counts tho and it'd add some to the exhaust note. Just can't find a header to match my criteria lol....