Initial FLP longtube impressions
On The Tree
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg, Va.
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions I was so tired of that banging ypipe on the floorboard of my SS that Jason (Chesapeaketransman) over on EFA spot welded a 941 valvetrain spring into the situation. No more banging. Seems kinda of ridiculous for $1400 (Yes, that's what I paid at Thunder Racing shipped to the door! <img src="gr_eek2.gif" border="0"> )
Steve
99ss m6 b1cam, flp's w/orp, all boltons with fm10 fikse rims. <img src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
[ December 20, 2001: Message edited by: SB ]</p>
Steve
99ss m6 b1cam, flp's w/orp, all boltons with fm10 fikse rims. <img src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
[ December 20, 2001: Message edited by: SB ]</p>
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions I want to get the FLPs because I still have to pass emisions so I can just but the cats back on for that. As for the sealing at the V-clamps, I read that using aluminum foil as a gasket solved all of the sealing problems people had with the flps.
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: CA
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions Ya I have Flp's and they suck ***. They hit the floor boards and my steering column bolt drags *** on the header tube. I feel like I wasted $1300. Well I make sure to tell all my ls1 friends NOT TO GET FLP'S. They just don't fit right and the colletor is a crap.
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Naperville, IL
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions Add another one on the list of extremely unhappy FLP owners. They might have good ground clearance, but that's only because they y-pipe wants to be inside the damn car it's so high. If I could do it over again i'd get ones that were lower and actually fit on the car. You shouldn't have to take a crow bar to $1300 headers. Now my cheap jegster driveshaft loop I expected i'd have to cut on, but in that case you get what you pay for.
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions SB,
You better change that 941 Y-pipe spring out before 20k miles or it's going to break!
LOL, too funny!
Good fix! <img src="graemlins/gr_judge.gif" border="0" alt="[judgement]" />
You better change that 941 Y-pipe spring out before 20k miles or it's going to break!
LOL, too funny!
Good fix! <img src="graemlins/gr_judge.gif" border="0" alt="[judgement]" />
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions "Growing Pains" LOL, maybe they will lose those growing pains once hooker steps up with a lot cheaper set of headers and there is some compeition in the market! $13xx shipped is RIDICULOUS for headers, especially to have all these problems with them afterwards.. You'd think the headers were made of gold! R&D costs is just a cop out imo. Maybe they should put more R&D into some of the problems that they are having here, they sure are making enough off the headers!
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Fowlerville, MI
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions There obviously must be quite a variance in the manufacturing process. I didn't have any problems with mine. The flanges were perfectly flat, the welding was excellent, as was the ceramic coating. They bolted right up without any modifications. I have absolutely no "banging", plenty of ground clearance, and everyone that's seen the car loves the sound with the Loudmouth. I suppose there's just bad batches from every manufacturer.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
From: San Luis Obispo, Ca
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions Mine are perfect. I think a lot of this crap has to do with the tolerance people are willing to deal with:
1. They do cost a lot.
2. They are by far one of the top two headers made right now.
3. They have fixed the banging on the floorboard with newer versions, I have some brand new y pipes and the yare close, but havent even come close to banging - even with the cutout wide open with offroad pipes on.
4. They tuck up under the car like no other headers out there for LS1's
5. Their customer service is EXCELLENT, I have only heard of 2 people who had problems with them, compared to 100 who love them. (Mitch over there is awesome)
6. I think the headers sound great, you may not.
7. The vibrations..mine doesnt vibrate at all with the cutout capped, but it does with it open. Stuck some high temp spark plug boots in between the floorboards and y pipe and its 90% gone.
Again, those are my opinions. I would buy these headers again. Lots of other people would as well. They have redesigned a few things to stop some of the previous problems and I havent had a single problem with mine whatsoever. I would buy them again.
-dan
1. They do cost a lot.
2. They are by far one of the top two headers made right now.
3. They have fixed the banging on the floorboard with newer versions, I have some brand new y pipes and the yare close, but havent even come close to banging - even with the cutout wide open with offroad pipes on.
4. They tuck up under the car like no other headers out there for LS1's
5. Their customer service is EXCELLENT, I have only heard of 2 people who had problems with them, compared to 100 who love them. (Mitch over there is awesome)
6. I think the headers sound great, you may not.
7. The vibrations..mine doesnt vibrate at all with the cutout capped, but it does with it open. Stuck some high temp spark plug boots in between the floorboards and y pipe and its 90% gone.
Again, those are my opinions. I would buy these headers again. Lots of other people would as well. They have redesigned a few things to stop some of the previous problems and I havent had a single problem with mine whatsoever. I would buy them again.
-dan
TECH Resident
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 766
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions Hookers are alot cheaper if you don't want cats. For my lt1 I spent 350 on uncoated headers..don't see the point in coating them. 150 for a badass custom y that fit perfect. 20 bucks for o2 bungs and getting them welded in. Another 30 or so on gaskets and bolts. So for 550 I had a badass exhaust set up.
AJ
AJ
Thread Starter
TECH Junkie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,604
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions 1. They do cost a lot.
Yes, they do.
2. They are by far one of the top two headers made right now.
For ls1 fbodies, maybe. Some might say grots and slp are better.
3. They have fixed the banging on the floorboard with newer versions, I have some brand new y pipes and the yare close, but havent even come close to banging - even with the cutout wide open with offroad pipes on.
Interesting, these flps are brand new..just arrived. I think this statement you made is false.
4. They tuck up under the car like no other headers out there for LS1's
Thats because they want to be INSIDE the damn car. Put the damn ypipe on the roof and of course you wont have ground clearance problems.
5. Their customer service is EXCELLENT, I have only heard of 2 people who had problems with them, compared to 100 who love them. (Mitch over there is awesome)
They told me mine would ship in 3 days when I ordered. 3 months later I got them. 3 weeks after that I got my cats. Yeah, they serviced me great. *cough*.
6. I think the headers sound great, you may not.
I very much preferred the sound of the macs to the dumptruck sound these flps give me. Both setups had no cats, through the same B&B exhaust.
7. The vibrations..mine doesnt vibrate at all with the cutout capped, but it does with it open. Stuck some high temp spark plug boots in between the floorboards and y pipe and its 90% gone.
You realize how ghetto that is? Paid too much to have to do that crap...
Again, those are my opinions. I would buy these headers again. Lots of other people would as well. They have redesigned a few things to stop some of the previous problems and I havent had a single problem with mine whatsoever. I would buy them again.
-dan
I'd buy my macs again, for half the price, and be happier. Wish I hadnt already sold my used macs off my car.
Yes, they do.
2. They are by far one of the top two headers made right now.
For ls1 fbodies, maybe. Some might say grots and slp are better.
3. They have fixed the banging on the floorboard with newer versions, I have some brand new y pipes and the yare close, but havent even come close to banging - even with the cutout wide open with offroad pipes on.
Interesting, these flps are brand new..just arrived. I think this statement you made is false.
4. They tuck up under the car like no other headers out there for LS1's
Thats because they want to be INSIDE the damn car. Put the damn ypipe on the roof and of course you wont have ground clearance problems.
5. Their customer service is EXCELLENT, I have only heard of 2 people who had problems with them, compared to 100 who love them. (Mitch over there is awesome)
They told me mine would ship in 3 days when I ordered. 3 months later I got them. 3 weeks after that I got my cats. Yeah, they serviced me great. *cough*.
6. I think the headers sound great, you may not.
I very much preferred the sound of the macs to the dumptruck sound these flps give me. Both setups had no cats, through the same B&B exhaust.
7. The vibrations..mine doesnt vibrate at all with the cutout capped, but it does with it open. Stuck some high temp spark plug boots in between the floorboards and y pipe and its 90% gone.
You realize how ghetto that is? Paid too much to have to do that crap...
Again, those are my opinions. I would buy these headers again. Lots of other people would as well. They have redesigned a few things to stop some of the previous problems and I havent had a single problem with mine whatsoever. I would buy them again.
-dan
I'd buy my macs again, for half the price, and be happier. Wish I hadnt already sold my used macs off my car.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions The rumor 6 months ago is that they made a "minor modification" to fix the banging. I don't think it's happened, based on lots of recent complaints.
How bout trying the new Dynomax race headers (unless emissions are a concern; same manufacturer, I believe). I've recently seen these in person (Scott M's car) and they look really nice (and high flowing, as well).
How bout trying the new Dynomax race headers (unless emissions are a concern; same manufacturer, I believe). I've recently seen these in person (Scott M's car) and they look really nice (and high flowing, as well).
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,341
Likes: 1
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions For the money you cant beat MAC's. With simple primary port cleaning and collector mod (Basically free to do) you have a great flowing header for around 450 bucks. Also the highest dynoing heads cam cars are running MACs. A MTI 422 dynoed 504RWHP through MACs with MAC Ypipe! That should tell you something. Also if you are really into getting bang for you buck you can cutoff the stock MAC collectors and weld in 3 inch collectors AND extend the collector length. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
Cheers,
Chris
Cheers,
Chris
Thread Starter
TECH Junkie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,604
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions Ok, another initial impression from me.
While my mac headers and ypipe had no issues clearing the speed bumps in my appartment complex, the FLP V-clamps end up DRAGGING THE HELL out of them. Not only do these things rub against hte floor boards, they also lost me ground clearance.
Lovely.
Oh, and ignore my sound complaint earlier...after 50 miles of driving I've gotten used to the FLP sound now...sounds good driving, just not as good idling (relative to mac headers).
While my mac headers and ypipe had no issues clearing the speed bumps in my appartment complex, the FLP V-clamps end up DRAGGING THE HELL out of them. Not only do these things rub against hte floor boards, they also lost me ground clearance.
Lovely.
Oh, and ignore my sound complaint earlier...after 50 miles of driving I've gotten used to the FLP sound now...sounds good driving, just not as good idling (relative to mac headers).
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions I think the FLPs are as nice as the SLPs. TTS are nice too. Grots are thin mild steel I'm not a big fan.
Okay, on the price issue, add it up, let's say if you cobbled together an exhaust system for with Hooker headers:
$300 - headers, uncoated
$200 - header coating
$200 - custom Y pipe
$300 - two hi-flow cats
$100 - two test pipes (swap in instead of cats)
$50 - assorted flanges
-------------------------
$1150
Now a header setup for my old 69Z28 would have looked like this:
$175 - Hooker supercomp longtubes
$200 - header coating
$100 - Some 3" dual pipe
--------------------------
$475
+$300 for cats
-----
$775
If you look in Summit or Jegs, if you add cats to any header/h-pipe combo the price goes up a ton.
Ryan I corrected my #'s oops. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
If you add cats to the equation the price goes up.
I have had custom exhaust on like ten cars, I have had custom 3" duals put on my old 69Z28, 63 Galaxie BB 390 P-code, 70 Chevelle SS, and the list goes on. It costs money!
[ December 21, 2001: Message edited by: Pro Stock John ]</p>
Okay, on the price issue, add it up, let's say if you cobbled together an exhaust system for with Hooker headers:
$300 - headers, uncoated
$200 - header coating
$200 - custom Y pipe
$300 - two hi-flow cats
$100 - two test pipes (swap in instead of cats)
$50 - assorted flanges
-------------------------
$1150
Now a header setup for my old 69Z28 would have looked like this:
$175 - Hooker supercomp longtubes
$200 - header coating
$100 - Some 3" dual pipe
--------------------------
$475
+$300 for cats
-----
$775
If you look in Summit or Jegs, if you add cats to any header/h-pipe combo the price goes up a ton.
Ryan I corrected my #'s oops. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
If you add cats to the equation the price goes up.
I have had custom exhaust on like ten cars, I have had custom 3" duals put on my old 69Z28, 63 Galaxie BB 390 P-code, 70 Chevelle SS, and the list goes on. It costs money!
[ December 21, 2001: Message edited by: Pro Stock John ]</p>