lnuxhakr

iTrader: (2)

Ok..I am getting ready to buy a set of headers this week and I need some questions answered to help with my decision. I only have around $400 - $500 to spend on the install and the purchase, but I will probably buy them used to save money.

1. I want to go with Long tubes but I will be using my stock cats and exhaust for now. Can this be done and does anyone have any recommendations on a brand? What do I need to do the complete the install (x-pipe...y-pipe..or what)?

2. I need to keep emissions in mind becasue I am in Atlanta and emissions are required but are visual checks only.

3. What should I expect as gains in torque and HP?

Thanks in advance...

PewterSS01

I dont know of anyone using the stock cats but it may be able to be done. You will have to get a custom y-pipe though, and that will cost some money. Even going used, you are going to be hard pressed only spending $400 - $500 including install (if you dont do it yourself). Honestly, I might try and save up a little more before you make the purchase.

lnuxhakr

iTrader: (2)

What are my options?

AdamSS

iTrader: (3)

Buy uncoated Pacestter and paint them with high temp paint
Buy nice flowing Carsound cats on e-bay for $80
have a shop fabricate Y-pipe with those cats...

Your bill should be ~600

Or....

Get used Pasetter headers and Off road Y-pipe ($300 maybe...) , use stock cats and have shop weld them in.... ($100)

Oh yea....you might need O2 extensions..... So that would be ~$500

I wouldn't re-use stock cats...they flow like crap..... going with LT is useless in that case....

hourang

iTrader: (6)

or you can throw away your money on shorties and maybe gain some, seriously $400 is not enough for long tubes and cats setup. especially if your getting it installed.

AdamSS

iTrader: (3)

Exactly...."some"

Just wait to save some more $$$

PewterSS01

I think the idea of pacesetters and buying the carsound cats would be your best route. A custom fabbed y-pipe might not be too bad.

lnuxhakr

iTrader: (2)

Ok...money aside...what would be your choice between the following Lt's?

Pacesetter, Hooker, Edelbrock

What are the expected gains in Hp and TQ?

Thanks

hourang

iTrader: (6)

yeah and dont forget the "maybe"

hourang

iTrader: (6)

the power will roughly be the same, i went with the pacesetters for the cheap price, i like them. the ypipe sucks tho.

lnuxhakr

iTrader: (2)

What HP/TQ gains did you see (in numbers)? I am not trying to be a dick..just trying to justify the investment. I am trying to decide between LTs or a catback. I am stock on both but I want extra torque...thats why I am thinking LTs.

How did your car feel/perform after the pacesetters? Was it a noticeable difference?

Mooobunnny

iTrader: (1)

Really? There was a test done on all of them and the stock cats outflowed several aftermarket high performance cats. Very impressive flow for stock cats.....

hourang

iTrader: (6)

um im not sure on the horsepower increase, i dynoed at about 320rwhp/330rwtq on a 80deg humid day with the mods in my sig, basically LTs, offroad y, cutout, lid and no tune in a 98 that dyno lower. im thinking before the headers i was at about 290rwhp, it was litterally a night and day difference in power, my car was boring to drive before the long tubes(well i was used to a 340rwhp light car, hehe). im thinking also with a tune and better weather i would easily be at 330+rwhp, the a/f ratio is off for sure i know.

AdamSS

iTrader: (3)

I'd love to see that flow rate comparison chart... Do you have a link somewheere ?

I know they don't suck completely, but certainly they're not better than carsound, catco, or random technology ones......