Initial FLP longtube impressions
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From: Austin, TX
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions thats not very fair john. you add the FLP costs up, thats cool...but on the 69 prices you add 500 for the cost of the complete exhaust. <img src="images/icons/confused.gif" border="0">
Ryan
Ryan
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From: Maryland
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions Bob, thanks for the correction. Although the DYNOTECH's are made by the same co, I've not heard of any of the complaints above. Of course, in Scott's case, he only bought the headers and had a custom y-pipe made. And that seams to be the problem area.
Staging Lane
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Houston, Texas
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions I really hate my FLP's, if I could do it over I'd get anything over FLP's. In a nutshell one of the flanges was warped and one of my cats crapped out on me after about 2 months. The banging isn't very much fun either.
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions The sound you get from FLP's is the same sound that you're gonna get from ANY longtube.
For ground clearance, my FLPs were a LOT better than my Macs.
Let's look at the other header companies for a moment. If you can get GET a set of Grotts you're ahead of the game. If you want a poster child for crappy customer service, then feel free to give Roger Grotyohann a call. Their quality isn't the best IMO, and I've heard of more than once case of various pieces breaking on the headers themselves. As for TTS, you get a y-pipe with cats you can't remove, and they flow like CRAP. I'm sure the Hooker LT's will be nice, but they won't be a complete setup. Total costs with a full setup will depend on what kind of deal you can get through your local exhaust shop on a y-pipe, welding in O2 bungs, etc. This will also be dependent upon them being able to mandrel bend the pipe and get it right for floorpan and ground clearance. It should work out well if you have a quality exhaust shop around you.
There are problems with every set of longtubes on the market. That's not an attempt to excuse the problems that some are running into, but that's just a reminder that there are problems with the other longtubes on the market. Things aren't going to be perfect everytime; that should be a given when you start modding your car. If you're having problems, then I would recommend calling them and telling them what's going on. Griping on the internet only goes so far.
For ground clearance, my FLPs were a LOT better than my Macs.
Let's look at the other header companies for a moment. If you can get GET a set of Grotts you're ahead of the game. If you want a poster child for crappy customer service, then feel free to give Roger Grotyohann a call. Their quality isn't the best IMO, and I've heard of more than once case of various pieces breaking on the headers themselves. As for TTS, you get a y-pipe with cats you can't remove, and they flow like CRAP. I'm sure the Hooker LT's will be nice, but they won't be a complete setup. Total costs with a full setup will depend on what kind of deal you can get through your local exhaust shop on a y-pipe, welding in O2 bungs, etc. This will also be dependent upon them being able to mandrel bend the pipe and get it right for floorpan and ground clearance. It should work out well if you have a quality exhaust shop around you.
There are problems with every set of longtubes on the market. That's not an attempt to excuse the problems that some are running into, but that's just a reminder that there are problems with the other longtubes on the market. Things aren't going to be perfect everytime; that should be a given when you start modding your car. If you're having problems, then I would recommend calling them and telling them what's going on. Griping on the internet only goes so far.
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Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions Hookers will have O2 bungs, AIR and EGR provisions and a Ypipe is available for those that want it. It is easy (And cheap) to weld in a set of flanges and good cats that you can drop or replace with offroads at any time. About 1 hours work at a muffler shop to do it.
Cheers,
Chris
Cheers,
Chris
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From: Marysville, WA
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions I respect folks telling the truth about something they purchased and do not like. I really respect them when they spent a lot of money and still tell the truth. Hats off to you! <img src="graemlins/gr_hail.gif" border="0" alt="[hail]" />
Just my .02 cents with my SLP LT Headers, "Y" Pipe, and RT Cats. Seriously, if there was a problem with them I would tell you. They are a perfect match with my 01' SS.
I installed them myself on jacks with some help from reference postings. (It took me 3 days) I am not a mechanic by any means either. They fit perfect and the quality is great. I have not encountered any clearance problems with them. Basically, I am saying they are a great product with no problems. Are there better headers out there...maybe, I am letting everyone know my experience with the SLP LT's. No risk with the SLP LT's on a 01' SS. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
Honesty is the best policy! <img src="graemlins/gr_judge.gif" border="0" alt="[judgement]" />
Todd.
Just my .02 cents with my SLP LT Headers, "Y" Pipe, and RT Cats. Seriously, if there was a problem with them I would tell you. They are a perfect match with my 01' SS.
I installed them myself on jacks with some help from reference postings. (It took me 3 days) I am not a mechanic by any means either. They fit perfect and the quality is great. I have not encountered any clearance problems with them. Basically, I am saying they are a great product with no problems. Are there better headers out there...maybe, I am letting everyone know my experience with the SLP LT's. No risk with the SLP LT's on a 01' SS. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
Honesty is the best policy! <img src="graemlins/gr_judge.gif" border="0" alt="[judgement]" />
Todd.
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From: San Luis Obispo, Ca
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions jmx,
1. They do cost a lot.
Yes, they do.
Agreed.
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.
Some might (you) say macs are better as well...
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.
Think what you must. I was told by Dan and Mitch at flp that they were redesigned. Side by side a set of ls1 headers off a 99z from almost a year ago (compared to mine) are a slight different angle that bends from the driver side y pipe UP to the main y pipe, which lets them hang a bit lower than before and further from the floorboards.
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.
I will call this one...asinine. When you make headers that are further from the ground AND further from the floor boards i will buy your design.
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*.
Thats funny. *cough* I got my order from another dealer and somehow along the way something got messed up (wrong size and extra clamps, no gaskets/bolts, and AFTER the install, I found I had a y pipe from an lt1. Mitch overnighted me the right clamps, AND sent out a brand new ls1 y pipe to me without me sending them back first. Sure it should have never been a messed up package, but that wasnt FLP's fault..and guess who took care of me..FLP. Nuff said.
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.
I see you changed your mind about those, its a personal choice so i can't really comment here, nor can you.
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...
I made a mistake before, I put the padding between the headers and the y pipe support/crossmember because it was resting on that and shaking the car. but I have to agree we paid a lot of money for them and they shouldn't do this. Ill give ya that one.
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.
AGAIN, those were my opinions, your mileage may vary. I hope the headers work out for you in the end. Nice car and website. Good night.
-dan
1. They do cost a lot.
Yes, they do.
Agreed.
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.
Some might (you) say macs are better as well...
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.
Think what you must. I was told by Dan and Mitch at flp that they were redesigned. Side by side a set of ls1 headers off a 99z from almost a year ago (compared to mine) are a slight different angle that bends from the driver side y pipe UP to the main y pipe, which lets them hang a bit lower than before and further from the floorboards.
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.
I will call this one...asinine. When you make headers that are further from the ground AND further from the floor boards i will buy your design.
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*.
Thats funny. *cough* I got my order from another dealer and somehow along the way something got messed up (wrong size and extra clamps, no gaskets/bolts, and AFTER the install, I found I had a y pipe from an lt1. Mitch overnighted me the right clamps, AND sent out a brand new ls1 y pipe to me without me sending them back first. Sure it should have never been a messed up package, but that wasnt FLP's fault..and guess who took care of me..FLP. Nuff said.
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.
I see you changed your mind about those, its a personal choice so i can't really comment here, nor can you.
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...
I made a mistake before, I put the padding between the headers and the y pipe support/crossmember because it was resting on that and shaking the car. but I have to agree we paid a lot of money for them and they shouldn't do this. Ill give ya that one.
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.
AGAIN, those were my opinions, your mileage may vary. I hope the headers work out for you in the end. Nice car and website. Good night.
-dan
Thread Starter
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From: Los Angeles
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions [quote]Originally posted by dan98z:
<strong>I will call this one...asinine. When you make headers that are further from the ground AND further from the floor boards i will buy your design.</strong><hr></blockquote>
My macs were further from the floorpan AND further from the ground. The problem is the FLP V-clamps are soooo huge in diamater that they are ending up getting caught on everything. The macs have no such clamps, thus the overall ypipe diamater stays much smaller, needing less room to clear.
<strong>I will call this one...asinine. When you make headers that are further from the ground AND further from the floor boards i will buy your design.</strong><hr></blockquote>
My macs were further from the floorpan AND further from the ground. The problem is the FLP V-clamps are soooo huge in diamater that they are ending up getting caught on everything. The macs have no such clamps, thus the overall ypipe diamater stays much smaller, needing less room to clear.
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 259
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From: Viginia Beach, VA
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions I have had no issues with my FLP's. I think a lot has to do with installation. If you do not know how to adjust the Y-pipe to a good ride height, you will run into the banging or hanging to low. Also if you do not replace the factory tranny mount, then you will get the same problems of banging. It may not break, but it sure will stretch. If I remember correctly MAC's are a mid length header, and they have had serious issues when it comes to installation. I know I have personally seen a lot of primaries dented to get around steering knuckles. They are not coated and therefore look like a$$ within days, and the welds are not even quality. As for the V Clamp design on the FLP's, it is a superior design that has been used for 30 years on aircraft, and has proven to be very reliable. I have pulled my V-Clamps many times with no problems. The first time is hard, but once they are on and have been heat treated and settle, they become easy to use. But the biggest reason to buy them, was for the Horsepower and Torque. Sorry but MAC's do not compare.
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions I have no complaints with my SLP LT. In power, Im making 350 RWHP and 360 RWTQ with just a couple minor bolt ons and on spray Im around 700 RWTQ so no problem there. Fit and finish are awesome too. Just the ground clearence can be tricky, but thats easy to deal with. The install took 8 hrs with jack stands and in the FL summer sun so I asnt in a hurry. I have a friend who does them in 4 hrs flat.
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From: San Luis Obispo, Ca
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions [quote]Originally posted by jmX:
<strong>
My macs were further from the floorpan AND further from the ground. The problem is the FLP V-clamps are soooo huge in diamater that they are ending up getting caught on everything. The macs have no such clamps, thus the overall ypipe diamater stays much smaller, needing less room to clear.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Are you talking about the headers/collectors themselves or the y pipe? I thought we were speaking of the Y pipe. The only way you can make the y pipe give you more ground clearance and more floorpan clearance, is to crush/restrict the pipe size..just like gm did with the flat y pipes. Or I guess someone could get a lift kit and some 36" tires for the car and then lower the y pipe some. As for the headers themselves, yeah those v flanges are the lowest part of the header, they COULD be smaller but I have yet to have a problem with them, no leaks either.
-dan
<strong>
My macs were further from the floorpan AND further from the ground. The problem is the FLP V-clamps are soooo huge in diamater that they are ending up getting caught on everything. The macs have no such clamps, thus the overall ypipe diamater stays much smaller, needing less room to clear.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Are you talking about the headers/collectors themselves or the y pipe? I thought we were speaking of the Y pipe. The only way you can make the y pipe give you more ground clearance and more floorpan clearance, is to crush/restrict the pipe size..just like gm did with the flat y pipes. Or I guess someone could get a lift kit and some 36" tires for the car and then lower the y pipe some. As for the headers themselves, yeah those v flanges are the lowest part of the header, they COULD be smaller but I have yet to have a problem with them, no leaks either.
-dan
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions You know what's one thing that *REALLY* pisses me off about these headers?
The fact that I have to use a damn prybar to change my oil.
This has pissed me off belief, and to think that you have to use a prybar on a $1300 set of headers is unreal. Couldn't they move the tubes over just a LITTLE bit? What sucks even more is that not EVERYONE has this problem, it's just some people....so obviously something isn't being QA'd correctly. <img src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" border="0">
The worst part is, that FLP says, "Oh yeah....we know that happens. Why can't you just grind the drain plug down." MAYBE BECAUSE I PAID $1300 FOR A SET OF HEADERS AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO!??! <img src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" border="0">
Ethan
[ January 03, 2002: Message edited by: MastaAce98 ]</p>
The fact that I have to use a damn prybar to change my oil.
This has pissed me off belief, and to think that you have to use a prybar on a $1300 set of headers is unreal. Couldn't they move the tubes over just a LITTLE bit? What sucks even more is that not EVERYONE has this problem, it's just some people....so obviously something isn't being QA'd correctly. <img src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" border="0">
The worst part is, that FLP says, "Oh yeah....we know that happens. Why can't you just grind the drain plug down." MAYBE BECAUSE I PAID $1300 FOR A SET OF HEADERS AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO!??! <img src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" border="0">
Ethan
[ January 03, 2002: Message edited by: MastaAce98 ]</p>
Thread Starter
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From: Los Angeles
Re: Initial FLP longtube impressions Glad to see somebody is on the same page <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> The moral of this post was that if you charge for an item like its made of solid gold, it damn well better be made of solid gold. Its gotta be perfect.
I do understand that GM builds cars with pretty wide tolerances tho, so its not exactly an easy task for FLP.
If they didnt make so much more power than my macs I'd ditch em...but I loooooove the torque too much. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
I do understand that GM builds cars with pretty wide tolerances tho, so its not exactly an easy task for FLP.
If they didnt make so much more power than my macs I'd ditch em...but I loooooove the torque too much. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">