Generation III External Engine LS1 | LS6 | Bolt-Ons | Intakes | Exhaust | Ignition | Accessories
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Best Long Tuber Headers in terms of installation ease, and fitment for 98 Camaro?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-10-2010, 04:05 AM
  #1  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
SSkull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default Best Long Tuber Headers in terms of installation ease, and fitment for 98 Camaro?

Got my LS6 intake manifold, and my headers that I got fell through, so now that I'm looking for another set, I'm wondering which long tubes do you guys say have the easiest install/best fitment for these cars? Exhaust wise the only other modification is a 3 inch borla adjustable catback.

These are the last parts I'm buying before I get the car tuned finally and will be done with the mods.

Basically want to know if there's a brand I should go with from the install perspective because as far as I'm concerned the power gain differences from slp, to pacesetter, etc are to small to warrant any concern on a regular bolt on car. I mean, I've installed ebay headers on other cars that were a pain to install, then some that were easy as hell to do. And the same seems to have gone for namebrand headers. I installed a set of pacesetters on my 3 valve mustang, and after changing the exhaust setup on it, went with some ebay headers and they were a piece of cake to install in comparison to the pacesetters.

Last edited by SSkull; 10-10-2010 at 04:11 AM.
Old 10-10-2010, 06:17 AM
  #2  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (29)
 
blue98Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: The Bayou State
Posts: 1,933
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

As far as the best header for installation I'm not sure which personally. I know I have installed pacesetters and they were a pain plus I didn't like how close they came to the floorboard. I have installed several sets of Hooker headers (including my car) and they have all gone smooth as silk. I've read on here that Kooks fit great but don't have any experience with those. Of course, I have heard good and bad reviews on all types more on some than other's. Most places weld these up on a jig, but that still doesn't eliminate a possible minor screw up. The jig may be right, but the welder might be in a bad mood or half *** the job so it can be off by just enough to **** you off. It's hit or miss on all IMO. I've had the most success and satisfaction with the Hookers so that's my vote.

This is just my opinion and there will be many more from others as well. Ultimately the decision is yours.
Old 10-10-2010, 07:34 AM
  #3  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (41)
 
senicalj4579's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,257
Received 22 Likes on 20 Posts

Default

Sometimes its a tossup. I had to cut the engine tab with a sawzal to get driver side pacesetter header on my 02 but thats it. The dynatechs I had for my 98 went in with no problem which I believe to be the most under rated headers for our cars
Old 10-10-2010, 08:25 AM
  #4  
On The Tree
 
joesscamaro252's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

ARH! Didn't have to remove anything...they just slid right in and up!
Old 10-10-2010, 11:19 AM
  #5  
LSX Mechanic
iTrader: (89)
 
Damian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 10,389
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 7 Posts

Default

I've installed every header on the market available for LS engines.

-MACs are the "easiest" period
-Pacesetters are the easiest longtube. On 98-99 cars, the steering knuckle doesn't have to be removed. On newer cause it does, and they slip right in.
-Kooks and Hookers are a pain in the ***, have to unbolt motor mount, jack motor up, etc.
Old 10-10-2010, 12:33 PM
  #6  
TECH Resident
 
Ghostintheshell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 783
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

If a header is hitting the floor board after it's installed - it is possible the header wasn't installed properly? Or could it likely be a defect header?

Not to hijack..
Old 10-10-2010, 12:57 PM
  #7  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (41)
 
senicalj4579's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,257
Received 22 Likes on 20 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Damian
I've installed every header on the market available for LS engines.

-MACs are the "easiest" period
-Pacesetters are the easiest longtube. On 98-99 cars, the steering knuckle doesn't have to be removed. On newer cause it does, and they slip right in.
-Kooks and Hookers are a pain in the ***, have to unbolt motor mount, jack motor up, etc.
How many newer ls1s have you installed pacesetters? Pacesetters went right in on the 01 with exception of the tab on engine
Old 10-10-2010, 01:00 PM
  #8  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (41)
 
senicalj4579's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,257
Received 22 Likes on 20 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Ghostintheshell
If a header is hitting the floor board after it's installed - it is possible the header wasn't installed properly? Or could it likely be a defect header?

Not to hijack..
Theres no way to install headers improper as far as it lineing up. Header bolts to engine right where the holes go and done. You might need motor mounts if your collectors is actually like that.
Old 10-10-2010, 07:55 PM
  #9  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
SSkull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

Thanks a lot for the info guys. I'm most likely going to be going with Pacesetters as was the original plan. Was beginning to look at hooker headers, but everywhere I looked people were saying they were tough to get in.
Old 10-10-2010, 08:05 PM
  #10  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (41)
 
senicalj4579's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,257
Received 22 Likes on 20 Posts

Default

Pacesetters are well proven you will be happy with them.
Old 10-10-2010, 08:15 PM
  #11  
Teching In
 
JustAnotherLS2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Ft.Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Kooks or stick your dick in a mousetrap.
Old 10-10-2010, 08:32 PM
  #12  
TECH Addict
iTrader: (11)
 
flintwrench69's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Mt Morris, Michigan
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Damian
I've installed every header on the market available for LS engines.

-MACs are the "easiest" period
-Pacesetters are the easiest longtube. On 98-99 cars, the steering knuckle doesn't have to be removed. On newer cause it does, and they slip right in.
-Kooks and Hookers are a pain in the ***, have to unbolt motor mount, jack motor up, etc.
MACs are easiest because they dont make LTs, only mids & shorties.
The BBKs I installed on my 2000 SS were pretty easy too. I didnt have to remove the steering shaft on mine either, they slid right in.
Old 10-11-2010, 12:33 AM
  #13  
Banned
iTrader: (14)
 
joblo1978's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Damian
I've installed every header on the market available for LS engines.

-MACs are the "easiest" period
-Pacesetters are the easiest longtube. On 98-99 cars, the steering knuckle doesn't have to be removed. On newer cause it does, and they slip right in.
-Kooks and Hookers are a pain in the ***, have to unbolt motor mount, jack motor up, etc.
For someone with SOOO much experience I would have hoped you posted something true because that isn't the case with Kooks at all.

And since when does someone need to remove a steering knuckle to install headers?
Old 10-11-2010, 01:57 AM
  #14  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
SSkull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

Oh wait, one more question concerning pacesetters.

Anyone know where I can find the best price on them? I found them for 205 shipped online, can't remember where at the moment, trying to find it again. Figure it can't hurt to ask.

Thanks again guys.
Old 10-11-2010, 09:07 AM
  #15  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (41)
 
senicalj4579's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,257
Received 22 Likes on 20 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by joblo1978
And since when does someone need to remove a steering knuckle to install headers?
It does happen
Old 10-11-2010, 09:09 AM
  #16  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (41)
 
senicalj4579's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,257
Received 22 Likes on 20 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by SSkull
Oh wait, one more question concerning pacesetters.

Anyone know where I can find the best price on them? I found them for 205 shipped online, can't remember where at the moment, trying to find it again. Figure it can't hurt to ask.

Thanks again guys.
I got them from tsp with tsp y pipe. Under 500 for everything to my door. I paid extra for the air fittings+o2 extentions also
Old 10-11-2010, 10:20 AM
  #17  
On The Tree
 
StangeatinZ28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I've always had the best times installing pacesetter longtubes. The fitment is awesome even considering their cheaper price
Old 10-11-2010, 11:50 AM
  #18  
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (14)
 
bayer-z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: N. Falmouth MA
Posts: 4,085
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

I've heard my buddy RAVING about ARH fottment and quality. I'll be getting a set when I get some good income again.
Old 10-11-2010, 12:21 PM
  #19  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (7)
 
Shockwave179's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Western NY
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

My vote goes to ARH.
Old 10-11-2010, 01:21 PM
  #20  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
BennyB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 1,079
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts

Default

Ive heard nothing but good things about the ARH's from people that have actually installed them. I have hookers and didnt have any problems installing them. The hookers tuck really nice, but i do have problems with stock motor mounts and the one side hitting the floor board when the converter locks and im getting on it a little bit. I also have a buddy with pacesetters... quality headers for the price. Just my two cents



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:10 PM.