Since my 97 Z28 is getting a new engine in a few weeks, I was thinking about having headers installed, what better time right! The main reason is I hear it's easier to replace the plugs. My car is stock and I plan on keeping it that way. The new motor will be around 300hp which is enough for me. So, are there any others positives to install headers on a stock z28? If so, what brand and size (short, med, long), should I look at? I would like ceramic if at all possible. Guess I could always buy them and put ceramic on my self. Thanks

 

It all comes down to what your budget is and how strict your state is on emissions. You can spend $200 on headers, or $1500 on headers, and anywhere in between.

Shorties
Pros:
Looks
Potential marginal increase in performance
Ease of maintenance
Usually emissions legal
No aftermarket Y-pipe needed
Easier to install

Cons:
Lowest power increase (if any)

Long tubes
Pros:
By far largest power/torque gain
Biggest improvement in sound
Looks
Ease of maintenance (spark plugs)

Cons:
Ground clearance
Needs aftermarket Y-pipe
More difficult to install
Not emissions legal in most cases

Mids kind of fall in between those two.

As far as material, if you plan on keeping the car a long time at a minimum get ceramic coated steel, if not fully stainless steel.

But if we all get a vote, mine is that any kind of header is better than the stock manifold junk. Personally I'm doing stainless longtubes with a catted y-pipe (pretty much the most expensive configuration).

 

full stainless longtubes is the way to go and a matching y pipe. while your at it get new mounts. save you a headache. there are several brands stainless works and kooks will cost you the most. pacesetters are good among others. just look through some threads to see what brands fit the best

 

I have had my ceramic coated Pacesetter headers on for almost 10 years; No problems with them yet and the car is healthy!

 

I bought a pair of pace setter long tubes, sandblasted off the black paint, and coated the babies in a ceramic coating. The ceramic put me back only 50$ a much better deal then buying armor coated if you ask me. The answer is yes, headers are worth it no matter what kind you get.

 

I installed a set of LT Pacesetter headers with a new y-pipe car sounds awesome, no problems with clearance and they are not rusting but with that being said my car is always garage stored when not driven. I would go with LT's by the way they can be a pain to install.

 

Long tubes or nothing.

What changes have been made on your new motor to get 300hp? What pistons, compression, etc, way too often people post on here how they just had their mechanic rebuild their motor with thick old school rings and 10:1 or less compression...

 

Want to follow along.

 

My 95 with full exhaut/CAI and tune made 311/346. Don't waste your time and effort on shorty headers.

Buy PS headers with a matching catless midpipe and have them blasted then coated. I can't see paying $1500 for SW or Kooks on a car that is worth maybe $5000.