The emissions laws in NC are as follows: gut your cat and find a shade tree mechanic that does inspections...worked for me

 

I'm looking for a set now myself. Sounds like you got a great deal

 

The reason I recommend Jet-Hot headers is because they are a company that is known for their high temp. coatings. The headers are coating inside and outside. Why do you think some of the guys running stainless headers have them coated? To reduce engine temps.

Also the Jet-Hot warranty is excellent. Sure any type of coating may be hit-or-miss, but for $450 you can send the headers back within 3 years to be re-coated. I'm doing that this winter as I have had mine for 2.5 yrs. They don't need it, but why not? I paid for it

I'm not implying you are a newbie. I don't care how many posts people have. Hell, I'm only 19 yrs. old. I may be an engineering student at a $40k/yr. university, but you probably know more about cars/motorsports than I do just from experience. I've only been working on cars for about 4 years (since I was 15).

The "pay to play" comment was more directed at buying $800-$900 Kooks 1-7/8" primary Stainless Steel headers (or similar). That is too much for my budget (and most do-it-yourselfers). If I could find a deal on them used for around $500-$600, then that is more reasonable.

I would rather have a clean clean (than one that looked bad/always dirty/paint coming off/rusty/etc.) that was 0.10 slower (than the ugly car) in the quarter. That's just my opinion, though

Also who said you need a y-pipe? My x-pipe sounds better than any y-pipe set-up I've heard (and that isn't even out the back; that's dumped at the axle).

Sounds like your previous black hardtop manual Z28 had some serious work done to it. What was done if you don't mind posting? I'm shooting for high-11's with a mild/somewhat aggressive camshaft (and supporting upgrades) as well as rear suspension (May 2008). Of course the rear-end fund has already been starting and has $800 out of ~$2500 in it already. Hopefully I will have enough for it to be purchased and installed the season following the camshaft and supporting upgrades install (May 2009).

 

that's like saying if you can't afford a corvette, then you shouldn't buy a muscle/sports car...

 

You can't really be comparing the Pacesetter "coating" to the Jet Hot coating.

 

The only reason I didn't get Pacesetters this time was because I don't like how one of the primaries is shorter than all of the rest. ( I borrowed this pic from one of your posts Chae)

 

https://ls1tech.com/forums/sponsor-sales-specials/749888-polished-stainless-headers-y-pipe.html

surprised nobody has pointed these out yet...especially cause they are ON SALE!!!
$550 shipped for stainless LT headers and Y pipe. they get great reviews and the seller gives military discounts. if you want em, get them soon. the sale ends with the month.

 

I remember when I made that photoshop about a year ago.

Everyone was like of that thread (to me), if I remember correctly. If someone questions the almight budget Pacesetter, then the whole forum attacks that person.

Can't believe you found that

 

He is selling them for WAY above retail from another online retailer just for your information. PM me if you want the details. I have the site bookmarked somewhere. He is making an extra $100+ (if I remember correctly) on each set

Anyways I still question the quality of them. They look to be a nice piece, but until I hear real feedback from someone local, I'm not vounterring to be the guinea pig. Kooks, QTP, Stainless Works, American Racing, etc. are all REPUTABLE companies that produce a QUALITY header. If you want Stainless Steel just go with whichever of those is cheaper.

Also if you ever think you'll drop in a larger cubic inch motor, you might as well pay the small price increase for the 1-7/8" primaries. Even though they won't really benefit a bolt-on car, they will once you add more cubes.

 

I would get kooks if I was to buy a set right now. When I replace the ones I have with larger ones it will be with kooks. All ive seen is good with them every time ive messed with them.