Bang for the Buck - Pacesetter, Texas Speed, or other headers?
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 254
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From: Long Island, NY
Bang for the Buck - Pacesetter, Texas Speed, or other headers? Reposting this here as I accidenally posted in the Gen 4 forum.
I am looking to get headers / y-pipe for my 1999 SS Camaro, and had a few questions.
In terms of cost vs performance, should I be going with Texas Speed, Pacesetter, or is there a preferred brand?
Does Pacesetter still suffer from build issues (i.e. rusting quickly, not fitting right, etc.)?
Which would provide the most ground clearance (My car comes pretty close to bottoming out on stock suspension getting in/out of my parking garage)
Are there other items to purchase when buying headers and y-pipe? I would assume exhaust manifold gaskets at the least (and which brand to go with?).
Is installation a do-it-yourself job if I have access to a hoist, or is it something best handled by pros?
Thanks
I am looking to get headers / y-pipe for my 1999 SS Camaro, and had a few questions.
In terms of cost vs performance, should I be going with Texas Speed, Pacesetter, or is there a preferred brand?
Does Pacesetter still suffer from build issues (i.e. rusting quickly, not fitting right, etc.)?
Which would provide the most ground clearance (My car comes pretty close to bottoming out on stock suspension getting in/out of my parking garage)
Are there other items to purchase when buying headers and y-pipe? I would assume exhaust manifold gaskets at the least (and which brand to go with?).
Is installation a do-it-yourself job if I have access to a hoist, or is it something best handled by pros?
Thanks
IMO, Speed Engineering is the best "bang for the buck" out there now. I have PaceSetters which I installed last year before SE released their new headers. While there is nothing wrong with the PaceSetters (other than they're not stainless), SE will now be offering 1-7/8" primaries for only like $30 more than the 1-3/4" setup. Check out their thread in this section for the link to order them.
As for other items, I'd suggest new motor mounts, header studs (rather than using the supplied bolts), GM MLS gaskets, and either O2 extensions or new, longer [Corvette] O2 sensors (I went with ACDelco OE, but Denso is popular as well).
Installation is straightforward if you've got tools and jack stands. If doing motor mounts -- which is highly recommended -- it adds a bit of extra time, but the result is worth it.
There are a TON of threads on this stuff, and one of the best is stickied at the top. Best of luck with whatever you decide!
As for other items, I'd suggest new motor mounts, header studs (rather than using the supplied bolts), GM MLS gaskets, and either O2 extensions or new, longer [Corvette] O2 sensors (I went with ACDelco OE, but Denso is popular as well).
Installation is straightforward if you've got tools and jack stands. If doing motor mounts -- which is highly recommended -- it adds a bit of extra time, but the result is worth it.
There are a TON of threads on this stuff, and one of the best is stickied at the top. Best of luck with whatever you decide!
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 254
Likes: 5
From: Long Island, NY
Thank you for the information. So there is no issues / drawbacks with going with the 1-7/8" headers instead of the 1-3/4" setup?
I like that the 1-3/4" has been on the market for a while so any bugs have been worked out of them, but the 1-7/8" hasn't come to market yet so any bugs have yet to be discovered.
I like that the 1-3/4" has been on the market for a while so any bugs have been worked out of them, but the 1-7/8" hasn't come to market yet so any bugs have yet to be discovered.
I did the pacesetter route with this car in the beginning. Ended up doing stainless after all. Just do it right the first time. Get stainless 1 7/8. There really isn't any reason to not to considering the couple well known brands out there are so cheap now. I can see doing my headers again because I didn't go with 1 7/8.
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Ive had pacesetters on my car since 2009. No issues at all. No rust or anything. Car is garaged tho. Back then everyone use to say 1 3/4 headers are best so I got them, now everyone says the 1 7/8 headers are better.
I've got Texas Speed 1 3/4 into their off road pipe. Great quality for the price and I just put down 510 hp through them, so they work. If I was you, I would definitely go 1 7/8 with whatever you choose.
I have TSP 1 7/8" and loved everything about the headers except their Y Pipe and have made plenty of negative posts about their Y Pipe but I have to be totally honest! Their Y Pipe was NOT the issue, the installer WAS! (Me!!) After some more tweaking it turns out I have NO issues with their Y pipe hitting my drivers side seat area brace, so I can total recommend their 1 7/8" stainless package. At time of my install, SE's 1 7/8" headers were not available but their package looks to be a lot less for the same type of system, YMMV
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I can't comment on brand, as I have no experience with any of those. I have Kooks stainless 1 3/4 and all I can tell you is to go with 1 7/8 primaries. I might get new headers, just because this bothers me so much. Maybe not a lot, but you ARE leaving power on the table if you don't get the 1 7/8 primary headers.
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Launching!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 282
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From: Wisconsin
I have the speed engineering 1-3/4 "race" headers. They are great and the quality is very nice.
As others have said they are coming out with 1-7/8 headers. Both are stainless. I would not hesitate to buy them again
As others have said they are coming out with 1-7/8 headers. Both are stainless. I would not hesitate to buy them again