I have a Flowmaster American Thunder catback. I'm just wondering... I want to get some long tube headers... but have no idea which ones to get?

Is there a great horsepower jump?
Is it even possible to get these bolted up without lifting the engine?
If I were to get a midpipe catless x pipe... which one would I get? Because don't the headers change the length you need for the midpipe?

 

Whatever headers you get the mid-pipe in the same brand. Long tubes can get you 20rwhp by them self and help other mod's you to put out bigger gains. I don't think you can change these without lifting the motor up some even if you drop the k member. I hope to start on this tomorrow as I planned on already being done 3-4 weeks ago. It seems like things just don't work out sometimes tho.

 

Well... I have to go through emissions EVERY year... but I want a catless X pipe. Any suggestions? My stock midpipe that I have right now with the cats will be too long for these long tubes, wont it?

 

The hp jump won't be that great with bolt ons, but the sound alone is worth it IMO. The headers can be done without lifting the engine, but it's a pita.

You'll need what is called a "shorty" x pipe to fit those long tubes. There are several to choose from. Your best bet is to get matching brand long tubes and x pipe.

BBK and MAC are good budget long tubes. Kooks and ARH are some of the higher quality brands.

 

Alright, if I go with this setup, is there any way that I can get the catless X pipe and somehow "cheat" emissions? What's that stuff that people put in their cars to pass emissions.

 

Well I guess I'll just have to buy the LT's and a short midpipe... then next year when the time for emissions rolls around... throw the stock crap back on? Lol

How much of a PITA is it really to put on LT's? Will there be any welding invloved when I put on the LT's and midpipe?

 

No welding and they make catted mid pipes.

 

If you buy almost any of the more expensive setups (Kooks, ARH, SSW) they're a slip-fit designed midpipe so that you can easily remove or reinstall converters. To me the more expensive ones are worth it; better material and usually better fitment. I'd like to do a set of Kooks at some point.

 

Like I've said most times, you get what you pay for in headers. Kooks and ARH are the best by far. They are stainless steel and will not rust. Also they allow you to still drop your trans without having to remove them. I got ARH's with their matching midpipe on my cobra and I love them!

 

do yourself a favor if you have the money pay someone to do it. and if you're doing it yourself. you absolutely have to lift up the motor. but to make it easier if you're gonna be doing it, just drop the k member because it is almost impossible to get those damn bolts in.