Hey Guys,

I have an interesting situation with my LS1 power '78 Trans Am that I would like to run by the community to see what the consensus is.

Because of how low the car is, I cannot run with the set of headers I have on there currently. They are the BRP Stepped 1 3/4" to 1 7/8" to 3" collector version. Beautiful headers, badass sound but simply not enough ground clearance for my ride. I can't get a soda can under it. The car is down like 3.5" lower than standard ride height and NJ roads flat out SUCK. One of the guys at BRP is trying to see if we can work out a deal on a set of mid-lengths in trade for my old headers which is appreciated but I am not sure whether I will have a problem still or not. I am also getting rid of the X-pipe and just going to straight duals so I can really tuck it up against the body.

This leads me to the headers. I recently acquired a set of non-egr truck manifolds to use on my set-up. Yes I know this is really not the best solution but frankly I want to drive this car without worrying about it slamming into stuff. I am planning on getting them blasted then ceramic coated so at least they look nice. That being said, eventually I am going to pull the engine to do a heads/cam and converter swap and I am looking for a cam that will at least work with the "not as great" combo I now have.

Originally I was looking at a V3 Torquer, but taking into account my whole combo - 5.3L stage 2.5s and a 2800-3200 stall converter and the likely prospect of switching the stepped headers back to 6.0L Truck Manifolds, I am thinking the V3 may not be the right move for me. I am thinking the TSP233/239 on a 112 would probably make more sense since the exhaust side is now going to be worse.

I would pair the 233/239 with a new Ported LS6 pump, the LS7 lifters, PRs, LS6 intake, 85 mm TB, truck manifolds and the 3000 stall converter.

What are your thoughts? Would you recommend something else?




Thanks,
Dave

 

I like the cam, but not sure it'll perform at top end with stock-like exhaust. Should be OK for the bottom of the torque curve, which is probably what you use most...

 

if your welding skills are up to it,then i would fab up a custom set of headers or maybe have an exhaust shop fab you up some then get them coated.

 

Honestly I was thinking about going that route...how much and who sells a decent kit?

I can get something very close to what they did but change the bends in a few areas.

Dave

 

i sent you a pm with some info. i dont think they are a sponsor so i had to pm you. maybe you can find what you need there. btw slick looking ride there.

 

how about stock vette exhaust manifolds?

 

Straight down into the crossmember...unfortunately.

 

What exhaust do you currently have on the car from the headers back?