Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk...
11-19-2001, 08:05 AM
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Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... The time has come where I need to make an exhaust decision. I don’t want long tubes, and shorties probably won’t give me the gains I’m looking for, so that leaves MACs. What I want to know is how you guys like your MACs. Would you have bought them again? Did they fit good? Was there any banging of the Y-pipe? Is it a 2.5” Y-pipe or 3”?
And I keep hearing people talk about the AIR tube check valve fluttering with MACs. Is this still a problem, or has MAC fixed it?
Anything else that you’d like to mention about these headers? I’m planning on the off-road version and have RT bullet cats welded in...
And I keep hearing people talk about the AIR tube check valve fluttering with MACs. Is this still a problem, or has MAC fixed it?
Anything else that you’d like to mention about these headers? I’m planning on the off-road version and have RT bullet cats welded in...
11-19-2001, 08:17 AM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... I love mine. You can pick up used MACs for under $400 all day long (or you used to be able to, mine were 275 <img src="images/icons/shocked.gif" border="0"> ). Thier cats suck, so going with the ORP is a good idea. The coating isn't the greatest either. No banging of the floorboard though. The collectors with thier ball flanges aren't the greatest design for a heads cam car, but they can be modified.
The Y pipe is 2.5", I'm sure its not 3". If you plan on going forced induction or spraying, I'd cut off the ball flanges, go to a conventional flange, and get a 3" Y pipe bent. The fitment was good, the driver's side took a little finesse to get it in (there is a casting on the side of the block that gets in the way). I went in from the bottom on the driver's side and then pulled the valve cover on the passengers side and dropped that one in.
J.
The Y pipe is 2.5", I'm sure its not 3". If you plan on going forced induction or spraying, I'd cut off the ball flanges, go to a conventional flange, and get a 3" Y pipe bent. The fitment was good, the driver's side took a little finesse to get it in (there is a casting on the side of the block that gets in the way). I went in from the bottom on the driver's side and then pulled the valve cover on the passengers side and dropped that one in.
J.
11-19-2001, 08:23 AM
#3
Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... I love mine too! Fit is great, the sound awesome through the cutout, I had mine jet hot coated (which you should too, and you'll still end up spending less money than if you bought the FLP's or SLP's). No banging or scrapping. If I had to buy headers again I would buy the Mac's. I can't justify spending $1,000 on headers. You can spray your car and get quadruple the gains for that amount of money.
Get the Mac's, you won't regret it! Put the money you saved on other go fast mods!!
Get the Mac's, you won't regret it! Put the money you saved on other go fast mods!!
11-19-2001, 08:32 AM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... MACs are pretty good headers, and worked well for me for a long time. However, when I switched to my current Dynatech longtubes, I picked up a bunch. Since the weather has been changing a lot lately, I can't say exactly how much I gained, but it's been a noticeable difference.
As someone who's been down the do it once, then change it, then change it again road, I suggest you decide what your ultimate goals are, and buy headers one time. The FLP's are basically the same header as my Dynatechs, except the FLP's come with a Y-pipe and all of the emissions fittings on them. The Dynatechs are a "race" header, with no emissions fittings on them, and they require a slip-on collector.
But, if you're not planning on going all-out, the MACs are a pretty wise choice, and $ for $ can't be beat.
As someone who's been down the do it once, then change it, then change it again road, I suggest you decide what your ultimate goals are, and buy headers one time. The FLP's are basically the same header as my Dynatechs, except the FLP's come with a Y-pipe and all of the emissions fittings on them. The Dynatechs are a "race" header, with no emissions fittings on them, and they require a slip-on collector.
But, if you're not planning on going all-out, the MACs are a pretty wise choice, and $ for $ can't be beat.
11-19-2001, 08:32 AM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... Glad to hear the positive remarks so far! And thanks for the responses guys!
Ok, I’ve heard about the flange problem, but honestly the only other mods I’m planning are eventually a small to medium size cam and LS6 intake. No heads, no blower or turbo, no spray.
I wasn’t aware that the coating wasn’t the greatest though, did yours flake off or something? My car doesn’t see bad weather, so if salt or something is what got to it, that wouldn’t apply to me.
But I’m still wondering about the air pump check valves that people say flutter with MACs. Did you guys notice this and/or fix it?
Again, thanks for the advice! I’m pretty well decided on these headers at this point.
Ok, I’ve heard about the flange problem, but honestly the only other mods I’m planning are eventually a small to medium size cam and LS6 intake. No heads, no blower or turbo, no spray.
I wasn’t aware that the coating wasn’t the greatest though, did yours flake off or something? My car doesn’t see bad weather, so if salt or something is what got to it, that wouldn’t apply to me.
But I’m still wondering about the air pump check valves that people say flutter with MACs. Did you guys notice this and/or fix it?
Again, thanks for the advice! I’m pretty well decided on these headers at this point.
11-19-2001, 09:03 AM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... [quote]Originally posted by RPM WS6:
<strong>
I wasn’t aware that the coating wasn’t the greatest though, did yours flake off or something?
My Jet-Hot coating looks like the day I received it!!!!!! Awesome! No rust, flaking or chipping!
But I’m still wondering about the air pump check valves that people say flutter with MACs. Did you guys notice this and/or fix it?
I do get the fluttering, but only when she's capped up. With the cap of, no fluyyering. Probably because I can't hear it. But, I've heard Grotts, FLP's and Mac's all make that noise.
</strong><hr></blockquote>
<strong>
I wasn’t aware that the coating wasn’t the greatest though, did yours flake off or something?
My Jet-Hot coating looks like the day I received it!!!!!! Awesome! No rust, flaking or chipping!
But I’m still wondering about the air pump check valves that people say flutter with MACs. Did you guys notice this and/or fix it?
I do get the fluttering, but only when she's capped up. With the cap of, no fluyyering. Probably because I can't hear it. But, I've heard Grotts, FLP's and Mac's all make that noise.
</strong><hr></blockquote>
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11-19-2001, 09:23 AM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... I’ve heard there was some kind of restricter plate you can buy to keep that fluttering away, but I don’t know who makes it, or where to buy it. I don’t want a full block off plate though, because I still need the air pump for emissions.
11-19-2001, 10:01 AM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... They're a great value, but they drone in the 2000 - 2200 rpm range, even with race bullets in the Y-pipe. To get the most out of them, you need to do a little work on the collector to open it up to 3"
I've grown tired of the drone and would really consider FLP or TTS if they weren't so much money to switch; but I'm a wimp on exhaust noise - I only want to hear the car at WOT <img src="images/icons/grin.gif" border="0"> and a low rumble at idle.
[ November 19, 2001: Message edited by: Ragtop 99 ]</p>
I've grown tired of the drone and would really consider FLP or TTS if they weren't so much money to switch; but I'm a wimp on exhaust noise - I only want to hear the car at WOT <img src="images/icons/grin.gif" border="0"> and a low rumble at idle.
[ November 19, 2001: Message edited by: Ragtop 99 ]</p>
11-19-2001, 10:22 AM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... Well mine were used, and the coating was kinda brown and dull, but still on there. Not very pretty, wouldn't look good on a show car.
For the money of FLPs or TTS, you could get a cam and a set of MACs. If I were to do over though, it'd be a hard choice between Dynatechs and MACs. I'd have to stare at the SES lights with the Dynatechs, or get a cam and custom programming <img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0">
For the money of FLPs or TTS, you could get a cam and a set of MACs. If I were to do over though, it'd be a hard choice between Dynatechs and MACs. I'd have to stare at the SES lights with the Dynatechs, or get a cam and custom programming <img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0">
11-19-2001, 10:23 AM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... [quote]Originally posted by Ragtop 99:
<strong>They're a great value, but they drone in the 2000 - 2200 rpm range, even with race bullets in the Y-pipe. To get the most out of them, you need to do a little work on the collector to open it up to 3"
I've grown tired of the drone and would really consider FLP or TTS if they weren't so much money to switch; but I'm a wimp on exhaust noise - I only want to hear the car at WOT <img src="images/icons/grin.gif" border="0"> and a low rumble at idle.
[ November 19, 2001: Message edited by: Ragtop 99 ]</strong><hr></blockquote>
Thanks Ragtop.
The drone won’t bother me any. Drone never does, just the off road pipe rasp is the only thing I can’t stand, which is why I want the bullet cats or at least bullet mufflers. How much is there to really be gained by working on the collector?
FLPs wouldn’t be bad, and FLP is very close to where I live which is even better, but the ground clearance issues are my biggest concern, plus obviously the cost.
<strong>They're a great value, but they drone in the 2000 - 2200 rpm range, even with race bullets in the Y-pipe. To get the most out of them, you need to do a little work on the collector to open it up to 3"
I've grown tired of the drone and would really consider FLP or TTS if they weren't so much money to switch; but I'm a wimp on exhaust noise - I only want to hear the car at WOT <img src="images/icons/grin.gif" border="0"> and a low rumble at idle.
[ November 19, 2001: Message edited by: Ragtop 99 ]</strong><hr></blockquote>
Thanks Ragtop.
The drone won’t bother me any. Drone never does, just the off road pipe rasp is the only thing I can’t stand, which is why I want the bullet cats or at least bullet mufflers. How much is there to really be gained by working on the collector?
FLPs wouldn’t be bad, and FLP is very close to where I live which is even better, but the ground clearance issues are my biggest concern, plus obviously the cost.
11-19-2001, 02:42 PM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... RPM WS6 - The restrictor plate mod you mentioned is around, but you have to make them, I made some for mine and it did work to help reduce the noise.
http://riptide63.homestead.com/restrictor.html
http://riptide63.homestead.com/restrictor.html
11-19-2001, 02:51 PM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... Thanks monSSter, that's the mod I was looking for.
11-19-2001, 02:51 PM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... [quote]Originally posted by monSSter1191:
<strong>RPM WS6 - The restrictor plate mod you mentioned is around, but you have to make them, I made some for mine and it did work to help reduce the noise.
http://riptide63.homestead.com/restrictor.html</strong><hr></blockquote>
They're easy to make, but you can buy them for under $20 if you don't have the time or desire. I've seen sponsors and individuals selling them on LS1.com
<strong>RPM WS6 - The restrictor plate mod you mentioned is around, but you have to make them, I made some for mine and it did work to help reduce the noise.
http://riptide63.homestead.com/restrictor.html</strong><hr></blockquote>
They're easy to make, but you can buy them for under $20 if you don't have the time or desire. I've seen sponsors and individuals selling them on LS1.com
11-19-2001, 02:53 PM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... [quote]Originally posted by Ragtop 99:
<strong>
They're easy to make, but you can buy them for under $20 if you don't have the time or desire. I've seen sponsors and individuals selling them on LS1.com</strong><hr></blockquote>
Any idea which sponser? I know Speed inc sells a AIR block off plate that I thought I might buy and then drill it out. But are there others? Thanks
<strong>
They're easy to make, but you can buy them for under $20 if you don't have the time or desire. I've seen sponsors and individuals selling them on LS1.com</strong><hr></blockquote>
Any idea which sponser? I know Speed inc sells a AIR block off plate that I thought I might buy and then drill it out. But are there others? Thanks
11-19-2001, 03:16 PM
#16
Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... I had the Mac's on my 98, GREAT headers!! I'd definately go them again.
FYI, I had the ORP paired with a Hooker catback, and I got millions of compliments saying my car was the best sounding LS1 they'd ever heard. If you're looking for the best pair of exhaust, no drone, almost zero rasp, and pure viagra at WOT definately pair up a Hooker catback with your setup!! Flows awesome and only 270 bucks!
Josh
FYI, I had the ORP paired with a Hooker catback, and I got millions of compliments saying my car was the best sounding LS1 they'd ever heard. If you're looking for the best pair of exhaust, no drone, almost zero rasp, and pure viagra at WOT definately pair up a Hooker catback with your setup!! Flows awesome and only 270 bucks!
Josh
11-19-2001, 03:26 PM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... [quote]Originally posted by DamianLS1:
<strong>I had the Mac's on my 98, GREAT headers!! I'd definately go them again.
FYI, I had the ORP paired with a Hooker catback, and I got millions of compliments saying my car was the best sounding LS1 they'd ever heard. If you're looking for the best pair of exhaust, no drone, almost zero rasp, and pure viagra at WOT definately pair up a Hooker catback with your setup!! Flows awesome and only 270 bucks!
Josh</strong><hr></blockquote>
Thanks for the info. How did the Hooker tips look? I think there like dual/dual tips and their chrome, right? Are the tail pipes 2.5” or 3”? You think the tips would fit good on a T/A bumper? Thanks.
<strong>I had the Mac's on my 98, GREAT headers!! I'd definately go them again.
FYI, I had the ORP paired with a Hooker catback, and I got millions of compliments saying my car was the best sounding LS1 they'd ever heard. If you're looking for the best pair of exhaust, no drone, almost zero rasp, and pure viagra at WOT definately pair up a Hooker catback with your setup!! Flows awesome and only 270 bucks!
Josh</strong><hr></blockquote>
Thanks for the info. How did the Hooker tips look? I think there like dual/dual tips and their chrome, right? Are the tail pipes 2.5” or 3”? You think the tips would fit good on a T/A bumper? Thanks.
11-19-2001, 03:29 PM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... RPM,
I had a set of Mac's with ORP, I got them from www.ls1speed.com and also had them coated thru them.
Were great, dynoed great.
I sold them used to a local guy who is very happy with them.
Excellent deal.
I had a set of Mac's with ORP, I got them from www.ls1speed.com and also had them coated thru them.
Were great, dynoed great.
I sold them used to a local guy who is very happy with them.
Excellent deal.
11-19-2001, 03:40 PM
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Re: Guys with MAC headers, let’s talk... [quote]Originally posted by Pro Stock John:
<strong>RPM,
I had a set of Mac's with ORP, I got them from www.ls1speed.com and also had them coated thru them.
Were great, dynoed great.
I sold them used to a local guy who is very happy with them.
Excellent deal.</strong><hr></blockquote>
PSJ...What did you pay for them un-coated? Or did you just have Tom coat over the MAC coating? Thanks.
<strong>RPM,
I had a set of Mac's with ORP, I got them from www.ls1speed.com and also had them coated thru them.
Were great, dynoed great.
I sold them used to a local guy who is very happy with them.
Excellent deal.</strong><hr></blockquote>
PSJ...What did you pay for them un-coated? Or did you just have Tom coat over the MAC coating? Thanks.