02 Silver Z

iTrader: (8)

I`m looking to do something a little different in the exhaust area and was wondering if anyone has tried it. I`m thinking, instead of buying headers, I could Extrude Hone (or Excrude Hone..however it`s spelled, you know the abrasive putty), Gasket port and Jet Hot coat the stock manifolds. I know I won`t have the overall hp gains this way as I would with LT or even mid length headers but it will (in my mind anyway) (a) not change or affect ground clearence as I do plan on lowering, (b) reduce under hood temps, (c) flow better than not, (d) allow me to use off road/cat bypass pipes with my stock y-pipe instead of buying an expensive and in my opinion non-cost effective aftermarket y-pipe (e) be cheaper overall and help me save $`s for my converter! I will also change to stainless Stage 8`s or equivalent bolts at this time. So what do you guys think? Anyone tried somthing like this?Thanks in advance for any comments, ideas or well deserved bashings. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

Damian

iTrader: (89)

You're basically talking about porting the manifolds, which has shown to help "somewhat". You probably won't notice a huge difference, but it definately can't hurt anything. I have seen the NASTY welds inside the primaries of the stock manifolds, and they could definately use some work.

As for anyone doing this before....All the Blackbirds come with ported stock manifolds.

Keep in mind that when you pull of your manifolds there is a GOOD chance that you're gonna break off the y-pipe studs. Happens to me everytime I pull of a set of stock manifolds, no matter the year of the car.....

It's a PITA for such a little gain, but if you're really that tight on a budget go for it.

Josh

Mike's 01WS6

iTrader: (4)

Uh I dont think the 00 up manifolds have welds. They are cast. 98-99 did though. The 00up manifolds actually flow pretty well.

01 SS Jay

Check the prices of all that work. You might find out you are right at the same cost as a set of hookers or macs. I dont think you would have clearance problems with the macs since they are a midlength. As far as the y-pipe dilemma, you will find gains replacing the stock one anyway.

DaveSchott

iTrader: (5)

Unless you are doing it for a specialized purpose it is not an efficient use of your cash. From past articles, I remember the gains were maybe 10-15%.

Gears & Crosses

02 Silver Z, I think your idea is really neat. But if your doing this to save money you probably aren't going to save anything. I believe Extrude honing is not cheap. I think it costs $300 to do an intake manifold. You might have to pay $200+ per exhaust manifold. Then you would coat the headers which I think would cost about $150. If you add this up and compare it to the gains you would have on say, Mac mid-lengths I don't think its worth it.
Please keep in mind that I am rough guessing the prices. Call them up and find out. Let us know how it goes. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">

Fletch

They are on my car as we speak. Mine arent coated, and they werent done by a shop.

[ February 28, 2002: Message edited by: Fletch ]</p>

DANS LS1

nope

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

I have a spare set of '00 cast manifolds that I thought I'd work on in my spare time one day. I have a friend who's a machinist that's going to open the ports a little. I might look into extrude honing one day too. Coating or polishing would be nice...

02 Silver Z

iTrader: (8)

Thanks for the input guys. I was not aware that Extrude honing would cost that much but now that I think about it you are probably right. I can get them coated buy a local guy for pretty cheap but not so much that it would not offset the other expenses. I also liked the idea that by keeping the stock manifolds it would not create spark plug access issues and etc. But anyway thanks for the response. Damn this board rocks! <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">