Looking for Headers
Looking for Headers I've done a search and haven't found the info that I'm looking for. I'm looking at getting headers for my new toy, a '98 Z. Wanting "Race Style" headers and ORY Pipe. Was looking at the Pacesetters again because that's what I've always had and never had a problem with them. But after doing some research there are posts saying that they are a 8+ year old design and there are better ones out there. Basically, what is the loss, if any, to Pacesetters over say LPP, Edelbrock, any brand that is around the $500 range. I know that the loss will increase with power/mods but even say H/C, again what is the loss difference? Not interested in paying an extra $200 for 10HP ya know? Let me know what you guys think!!!!
Of course, the cheaper the better...but I want something that performs also. The $500 budget is what I was basing the Ceramic Pacesetter Headers and ORY pipe off of $400 for the painted which is fine with me, or the LPP's you can get right now for $600 shipped Headers/ORY pipe. So around that price range would like to stay under the $600 mark though....I assume the LPP's are probably the best for my price range, but are you just paying that cause they are stainless? Would the Pacesetter's perform just as well for up to $200 less?
My vote is for LPPs also. Its what I went with and I am very happy with them. They have a High Velocity merge collector and a merge spike. Not to mention you dont have to notch the sub frame at all either. They fit great. Another plus is that they are stepped from 1 3/4 to 1 7/8. Another plus is that the ORY also mounts in the stock location as well as the driver side with the supplied mount. That prevents the Y from hitting the floor board when in the gas. Yet another positive is that they are stainless so they will never rust or peel.
Now for the con: I have only found one and it wasnt a big deal at all, which was wires. I was planning on goin with the NGK spark plugs and MSD 8.5s anways, but on the driver side two of the primaries touch the wires. But with the MSD, which have a bendable boot, that fixes the problem. Some sponsors on here are running a special of 64 buck shipped for both wires and plugs.
Now for the con: I have only found one and it wasnt a big deal at all, which was wires. I was planning on goin with the NGK spark plugs and MSD 8.5s anways, but on the driver side two of the primaries touch the wires. But with the MSD, which have a bendable boot, that fixes the problem. Some sponsors on here are running a special of 64 buck shipped for both wires and plugs.
Does anybody else have any advice? Links? Info? etc?!?!?! Let's even throw Kooks and ARH's in there for giggles....what kind of power loss/gain is there to these brands over the cheaper ones? Are you just paying for the name or are they actually a better performing header? Don't mind paying more for a part, as long as I know that it is worth it in quality/performance. Thanks for any help in advance!!!!!
If $500 is your price range, you can pick up BBK LT's (silver ceramic coat) & ORY for $499 Shipped from LMPerformance. These were designed on a lowered T/A from a member on here. So fitment and etc. isnt to much of an issue with these header's. I have em, but i cant say how they turned out. I never got to install them before i totaled my Z28. So there in my room waiting for a new f-body.
Powerwise, im not sure if there's a huge difference between the big named brands like Kooks & ARH's vs. Pacesetter's & etc. If so, im sure it's only a couple HP difference. I cant see them anymore then 10HP more. I think a big reason ppl go with Kooks or ARH's, is because they come "stainless steel". Which will last you, pretty much forever or aslong as you keep your car. Basically, with those. You never gotta bother with header's again.
Powerwise, im not sure if there's a huge difference between the big named brands like Kooks & ARH's vs. Pacesetter's & etc. If so, im sure it's only a couple HP difference. I cant see them anymore then 10HP more. I think a big reason ppl go with Kooks or ARH's, is because they come "stainless steel". Which will last you, pretty much forever or aslong as you keep your car. Basically, with those. You never gotta bother with header's again.
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Teching In
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2
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From: North carolina
i have pacesetters and a cutout on my 2000 ss and am extremely happy with them great sound and good power increase and i think they are some of the cheapest out there for f bodys ls1speed.com has them with free shipping
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TECH Regular
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 458
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From: Marissa, Il
Take a look at the new kooks. They havent left anything on the table.
But I wouldnt let the 8+ yr old designs bother you if price is the main concern.
If they worked for you before, bet you will like them again.
I have the old design SLP and love them, but many do not agree with me. But I like them and thats all that maters. (BTW I am not meaing for you to buy slp original design, But maybe take a look at the new ones)
But I wouldnt let the 8+ yr old designs bother you if price is the main concern.
If they worked for you before, bet you will like them again.
I have the old design SLP and love them, but many do not agree with me. But I like them and thats all that maters. (BTW I am not meaing for you to buy slp original design, But maybe take a look at the new ones)
Last edited by HMERacing; Nov 1, 2008 at 05:11 PM.
texas speed recently did a test with pacesetters vs their 1 7/8 headers on a stock ls1 and it was like a 14+ hp difference, even on the bigger primaries, the pacesetters are a bad design, but are definitely cheaper...
Test? 
It was posted, and they were using an engine dyno.
IIRC they lost a few lbs of torque on the bottom but gained 10-15 up top on a stock ls1 with just headers and a fast 90/90 setup. They are 1 7/8 so they will really shine with heads/cam or better yet a built motor.
I personally ordered the LPPs for my LS1 car because they are stainless and the y-pipe has a mount. My LT1 coated pacesetters started rusting within a few months and the y-pipe always banged the floor. The merge collector and spike are good for some HP also and they are usually only found on $$$$$$ headers.
Just ordered the LPPs today so I know nothing about fitment, but I haven't heard of any issues.
IIRC they lost a few lbs of torque on the bottom but gained 10-15 up top on a stock ls1 with just headers and a fast 90/90 setup. They are 1 7/8 so they will really shine with heads/cam or better yet a built motor.
I personally ordered the LPPs for my LS1 car because they are stainless and the y-pipe has a mount. My LT1 coated pacesetters started rusting within a few months and the y-pipe always banged the floor. The merge collector and spike are good for some HP also and they are usually only found on $$$$$$ headers.
Just ordered the LPPs today so I know nothing about fitment, but I haven't heard of any issues.
Last edited by FlashLCD33; Nov 1, 2008 at 09:19 PM.
I am planning on buying some hooker headers and their ory. I have heard good things about them. I have a buddy here with a 00' SS with some pacesetter lts on it, and he is happy with their performance. They seem okay to me.
11 Second Club
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Charleston, SC
my QTPs have served me well. no banging or tapping. and btw your not paying an extra 200 for 10hp, your paying that for quality and fitment.
The hookers are also a very nice peice for the money. seem to be worth the money
The hookers are also a very nice peice for the money. seem to be worth the money
TECH Regular
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 458
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From: Marissa, Il
http://www.slponline.com/inst/ceramic_header_maint.pdf
Take a look at the PDF, I have seen a lot of people classify the header appearance as rust. Just take a look at it, Its all about Proper maintenance.
Take a look at the PDF, I have seen a lot of people classify the header appearance as rust. Just take a look at it, Its all about Proper maintenance.
