johnfin

Does anyone make headers that are 1) easy to install 2)bypass the cats 3) bolt up to the stock Y pipe?

1bdbrd

iTrader: (12)

I have installed several different brands of ls1 fbody headers over the years and they all required about the same amount of work until you get into the larger (2") primary headers which require much more work. None of them will work with the stock y-pipe either. The collectors are just in a different location than where the stock y bolts up.

Chris Paveglio

iTrader: (2)

Please install cats. We all like to breathe clean air.

G Atsma

1) Some are, some aren't
2) Headers occupy the space cats lived in before
3) Nope

wannafbody

iTrader: (2)

TSP headers and catted Y pipe are a great combo, provided TSP has the catted Y in stock.

johnfin

anyone heard about these? they are stainless.
https://m.ebay.com/itm/98-02-CHEVY-CAMARO-Z28-FIREBIRD-TRANS-AM-5-7L-LS1-STAINLESS-STEEL-HEADERS-F/112936151001?hash=item1a4b84e7d9:g:zBEAAOSwSdZWcPi ~

00pooterSS

iTrader: (40)

If you want the headers to meet option 1 for don't buy the cheapest ones on the planet.

The highest quality, great fitting, all around great low cost headers I have seen are Speed Engineering. I had a set in my hands this past weekend and after seeing what I saw even if I had the money I wouldn't spend it on higher cost headers. With speed engineering you get more than you pay for. Texas speed has really nice headers as well for low cost, but they are a bit higher than speed engineering, if I remember correctly it's due to a difference in tubing that each of them uses.

Here is headers only at $219
https://www.speed-engineering.com/sh...e-version.html

That's headers only, they have larger primary headers and headers with y pipes etc also
https://www.speed-engineering.com/sh...ion-pipes.html

johnfin

whats the point of o2 sensors in long tube headers. they incorrect readings would still trip the light, right?

00pooterSS

iTrader: (40)

What? The point of them is the same in any exhaust setup, and no they won't read incorrect.

If you choose to not run cats you can have the rear 02's disabled in the tune

Utinator

I have the Kook's headers and catted-Y pipe. I had the rear O2 sensors deleted and tuned out. It doesn't throw any codes that way.

The Kook's headers fit perfect, but they are very expensive. If I could do it over again, I would get the TSP headers and catted-Y pipe. When I needed them, the TSP catted-Y pipe was at least 6-8 weeks out. I couldn't wait that long, so I ended up with Kooks. I have only heard good things about the Speed Engineering headers though.

johnfin

I guess I dont understand the o2 thing. If I go with long tube headers, the cats are gone, right? Whats the point of o2 port in the long tube headers?

jaxcam02

iTrader: (1)

The second o2 port is for the option of installing a wideband sensor to display air fuel ratios in real time on the dash

G Atsma

They tell the PCM how much oxygen remains in the exhaust, so the PCM may add or subtract fuel. They are essential for closed-loop operation.

johnfin

if i remove all 4 o2s will the car run like crap without a tune or do i need to install atleast the rear 2?

1bdbrd

iTrader: (12)

Rear 2 do nothing but check catalytic converter efficiency so you could unplug them while the engine is running and nothing (but a check engine light) would happen. If you start without the front o2 sensors plugged in the car defaults to open loop all the time and will run with no fueling changes by the computer. It will more than likely run just fine. My car used to pop the fuse that powered the MAF, front o2 sensors and the reverse lockout and I never could tell this happened until I tried to shift into reverse and had to fight the lockout.

Some people believe that o2 sensors don't react fast enough in longtubes because of how much further away from the cylinders they are compared to the stock location. I personally have my car tuned open loop speed density all the time and have no issues with it like that. My old daily driver silverado was tuned the same and never had a problem with temp swings from winter to summer. I personally like OLSD right now because its easier to tune and less reliant on sensors for data but I understand the arguments against it.

Z28tek

Anyone here have the Speed Engineering headers with the O2 extensions installed?
My car is a dual-cat car from the factory with a SLP LMII catback, would those Speed Engineering headers w/ O2 extensions and Ypipe bolt up to my car without issues?
Im a little rusty with this stuff...as you can see.

00pooterSS

iTrader: (40)

You'd want to get a tune to tune out the rear 02 sensors if you choose to not use catalytic converters.

I don't know if the headers and Y pipe connect directly to the existing exhaust or if you need to cut the stock pipe or what, contact speed engineering and see. Most people that do headers already have aftermarket exhaust and the Y pipe mates up to that without issue or with a simple cut.

I would upgrade the catback system too, make the most out of installing headers. no point in doing headers and running a cat back that doesn't flow well. Not sure what you have now, but if it isn't that great may want to change that out too.

00pooterSS

iTrader: (40)

You have to use the front 2. Those are the ones that go in the headers.

I think you're mixing up which 02 sensors go where

You put the FRONT 02 sensors into the long tubes to read air/fuel

There are no bungs in the long tubes for rear 02's

If you choose to run catalytic converters the rear 02 sensors would go in behind the cats as they are now, which would be in the Y pipe, not the headers.

There are only 2 bungs in the headers themselves, those are for the two front 02 sensors

johnfin

are the exhaust bolts into the head special or can i get them at the hardware store.

00pooterSS

iTrader: (40)

Get good ones that stand up to heat and expansion well

They are 8mm x 1.25

I believe the length is 25mm, not 100% positive may be 20mm. Take one out and take it with you for proper lenght