Are headers a must with a cam??
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 221
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From: Sheridan, AR
Are headers a must with a cam?? I am looking into getting the G5X2 cam. The only problem is I dont have the cash to do the headers at the same time. 
My question is how much of a difference will it be with the factory manifolds. Is it worth my time to just wait until I have all the cash or what??
My question is how much of a difference will it be with the factory manifolds. Is it worth my time to just wait until I have all the cash or what?? 
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 24
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Sorry this is so long but I think it's all useful information. This is more of the "why" and less of the short answer.
Headers reduce back pressure in the exhaust system. I am not sure about the overlap of that particular cam, but most aftermarket cams increase overlap (time that both the exhaust and intake valves are open). If you have a significantly free flowing exhaust system, the overlap can help to scavenge the combustion chamber. If you don't (have headers, exhaust etc.), backpressure can contaminate the combustion chamber with exhaust gasses, leading to poor performance. i.e. overcamming the engine. This is why cam makers suggest intake/manifolds for particular cams.
In general, headers will always increase performance over the factory manifolds. The cam will make MORE power with manifolds, and depending on how 'big' it is, it could produce only marginal power with a factory setup (due to contamination of the combustion chamber. I would recommend a cheap set of long tubes before investing in a cam. I think they can be had for less then the cost of the cam (with install kit/install costs) and will be felt in the SOTP.
Hope that helps
Sean
Headers reduce back pressure in the exhaust system. I am not sure about the overlap of that particular cam, but most aftermarket cams increase overlap (time that both the exhaust and intake valves are open). If you have a significantly free flowing exhaust system, the overlap can help to scavenge the combustion chamber. If you don't (have headers, exhaust etc.), backpressure can contaminate the combustion chamber with exhaust gasses, leading to poor performance. i.e. overcamming the engine. This is why cam makers suggest intake/manifolds for particular cams.
In general, headers will always increase performance over the factory manifolds. The cam will make MORE power with manifolds, and depending on how 'big' it is, it could produce only marginal power with a factory setup (due to contamination of the combustion chamber. I would recommend a cheap set of long tubes before investing in a cam. I think they can be had for less then the cost of the cam (with install kit/install costs) and will be felt in the SOTP.
Hope that helps
Sean
Last edited by stuckatcuse; Dec 26, 2003 at 08:38 PM.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 221
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From: Sheridan, AR
Originally Posted by BlackWS602
don't even waste your time on the G5X2 if you aren't getting headers. Honestly I've always been one to prepare the car for a cam. Get headers first.
thats a big converter in you sig. what kind of times are you running??
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 720
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From: So Cal
Originally Posted by Mike98WS6
Headers are MUST in just about any mod u do IMO.
I agree with these guys, at the price Pacesetters are available at that should probably be your first purchase. Headers are good for easy 20+rwhp 
You can pickup Uncoated pacesetters for 275, or coated ones are only 375
You can pickup Uncoated pacesetters for 275, or coated ones are only 375
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Co-Owner, Texas Speed & Performance, Ltd.
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Jason
Co-Owner, Texas Speed & Performance, Ltd.
2005 Twin Turbo C6
404cid Stroker, 67mm Twins
994rwhp/902lb ft @ 22 psi (mustang dyno) www.Texas-Speed.com
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 221
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From: Sheridan, AR
So I have heard good and bad about the pacesetters. But for the price how could they be that bad. They look like they have a great design. So just curious would you guys do the headers or the torque converter first. Living on a college student income so money IS an option!!! I guess what im trying to ask is: I know that when I do the cam i will need the headers; so would i benefit more from saving for the headers/cam or go ahead and get a good torque converter first and then look at headers/cam.
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 185
Likes: 3
From: Sheridan,Ar.
john I would think long and hard about that g5x2, yes its a badass cam but its a big *** cam and if i know you ,you are going to be driving that puppy everyday so you might want to go a little smaller ,maybe something like the tr224 and do a stall and headers.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,659
Likes: 2,588
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
After I did my B1 I waited about 700 miles before putting the headers on. I didn't do any before or after dyno or track runs, but honestly, the gains I felt were very noticeable. The cam barely felt like it gave me much power gain at all till the headers, then it was like the flood gates of power were opened above 4500rpm....
I went with the headers and bolt ons first, then the converter. Finally the cam and heads. You'll be leaving a ton of power on the table without headers. You'll definately want a converter before a cam that big. Don't let a big cam scare you, with good tuning and a converter you'll be alright. I could drive mine in city traffic all day.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 221
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From: Sheridan, AR
Originally Posted by darkside
john I would think long and hard about that g5x2, yes its a badass cam but its a big *** cam and if i know you ,you are going to be driving that puppy everyday so you might want to go a little smaller ,maybe something like the tr224 and do a stall and headers.
Well thats what i thought too awhile back... but after being around brad i think the g5x2 is really not that bad at all. I think the key is to have it professionally tuned by someone who knows what their doing. His drives great plus all the looks at a red light sure does help out!
It all depends on the valve overlap of the cam. The more overlap, the more you need headers. With the TR224 114 and stock manifolds, I went 161 mph on the Salt Flats. With a cam like the GM ASA cam, you might get only 10 hp until you add headers. I don't know about the G5X2.