Are headers really that big of a deal?
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Louisville, Ky
Are headers really that big of a deal? I just read a post where Lou G. said that headers make a huge difference on overall power and, pretty much, that all the headers made for LS1's suck. He said on a NA motor, the size of the pipes matter, a given, the length of the primaries matter and even the angle of the headers matter. He said the headers he makes for his vettes cost 5-6 thousand dollars!!! So who makes the best header? Cause he even said the grotts or whatever the new name its called sucked and I thought those were the best. I know SLP's are tuned but what about the rest of them? What are the advantages of them? Has anyone tried different brands only to find out the difference was 2 or 3 rwhp? Hookers are the cheapest and from what I read make good torque from the longer primaries. FLP's are pretty straight-forward and SLP's are all over the place. I haven't seen a pic of the grotts, whats the new name? Aren't they the same ones that Thunder sells? Now I'm lost on what headers to buy..?? Do they really differ that much? They say the only reason these new cars are making so much hp is because they are so fine-tuned now. So how do you know which ones are right for your application?
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Orlando
Re: Are headers really that big of a deal? People far and wide could nickel and dime this to death from an engineering standpoint. Not that I would say that there are not some valid points raised on all sides of the fence but ask your self if the pros or cons really matter from an enthusiast standpoint. I have a set of the LT's once known as Grotyohann, now sold by QTP. My tubes are 1 7/8". Some folks say that's too big for stock cubes...some didn't. All I can say is that now, my car pulls quite a bit harder from about 3800 to redline than it ever did stock. From my perspective, money well spent, plus when I go to a stroker I have plenty of header already. Why buy twice, right? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
I think you'll see from a bunch of input here that headers do make a difference...especially on heads or cam mods. For someone to tell you that all LS1 headers are junk is a misrepresentation, one, and unfair to you as an enthusiast, two. If you have the funds, go for it. You wont be disappointed IMO. Just keep your level of expectation realistic and you'll be satisfied. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
I think you'll see from a bunch of input here that headers do make a difference...especially on heads or cam mods. For someone to tell you that all LS1 headers are junk is a misrepresentation, one, and unfair to you as an enthusiast, two. If you have the funds, go for it. You wont be disappointed IMO. Just keep your level of expectation realistic and you'll be satisfied. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Re: Are headers really that big of a deal? In my own opinion who in there right mind would spend thousands of dollars on ******* headers!! I bought the SLP long tubes for my Camaro about a year ago and they cost a bit of money but they are well worth it. Just as Lou G. said headers do make a big difference. They open up the exhaust which in turn produces more horsepower.
Launching!
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Port Saint Lucie,Fl
Re: Are headers really that big of a deal? I just did the jet-Hots on my 2000 Ta and I am not sorry even though the have a few issues.This is my first Ls1 car so I don't know alot about them yet,but on my basically stock car I would have to say I am getting at least 5/10ths and 4-6 mph faster out of them <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />
Launching!
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Point Mugu, CA
Re: Are headers really that big of a deal? If you give Barry a call at QTP he can help you out a lot in this matter. He won't BS you when it comes to headers. He is very informative and loves to talk about it. Obviously from his standpoint he likes his headers (grott design derivative), but he will tell you pros and cons of the others without getting too salesman-like. I bought the QTP's for their design, which everyone that has them has been happy with, and just as important is that Barry stands behind his work 100% and is truly interested in your inputs of how to make things better. Give him a call you just might get hooked like I did and end up with a great set of headers for much less than that corvette guy was selling them for.
