Which headers should I get

[KapsSS]

I have Solo High Flo cats, but they will probably go bye bye. I also have the SLP PowerFlo X-Pipe and Loud Mouth II exhaust. I was thinking of just getting SLP headers that bolt right on to their X-Pipe.

http://www.slponline.com/view_product_site.asp?P=30212

Any thoughts? Would there be a better option that fits my current setup? I had SLP headers and exhaust on the '02 Z28 I had and the torque curve was pretty good. Only bad part was the ground clearance. Although I haven't really noticed anyone complain about ground clearance with SLP headers on the LS3.

[Camarowguy]

Honestly man if your into spending $1000 to gain 8-10hp...I say go for it. From the info I have gathered, the biggest difference to be had is in the high flow cats which you already have. I'd spend my money elsewhere. The factory manifolds flow pretty well. I'm not sure what you have done to your car but here's some better ideas for your money:
-cam
-tune
-under drive pulley
-gears
-cnc ported throttle body
-tune
-buy lighter parts
I think you could do a tune, tb, and pulley for less money but get more gain. Just some things to think about.

[Camarowguy]

O and btw, 5th gen cars dont have header ground clearance problems.

[Camarowguy]

What are your mods right now?

[KapsSS]

All of the above plus I will be installing a Cold Air Inductions cold air intake once I receive it. I was planning on getting a tune, but I would hate to get a tune, mod some more and then spend another $500 on a tune. I guess I could always just get it dyno'd after the CAI is installed and decide after that what to buy.

Do you really get anything from adding a TB? I did that on my LS1 and didn't see any gains.

Doesn't the underdrive pulley usually affect the AC or power output?

What kind of labor is involved with installing a cam, and do you need to replace the springs, retainers, and locks?


This is what I used to have.

2002 Black Z28 M6
375 rear wheel horsepower
SLP parts-CAI, 85mm MAF, bellows, cam, springs, retainers and locks, double roller timing chain, headers, y-pipe, high flow cats, Loudmouth II


Unfortunately I stopped keeping up with the LS motors after the LS1. So I don't know the best mods anymore. The Z28 I had ran 12 flat in the 1/4 on street tires. I would love to do that or better in my new SS, but right now I don't wait to spend too much money.


A tune costs $500. So let's so I have $1,500 to play with, but it MUST include labor. As in, I am not doing engine work myself. Easy bolt on stuff, I will do, but that is about it. So from what I already have, what is the best $1,500 I can spend?

[Camarowguy]

Why is the tune $500? Mine was $200. The tb helps a little bit. About 5-8hp, the pulley about the same. Guys on herehave said it doesn't affect the a/c or anything really. That's my next mod. Do yourself favor, get a Vararam. It really works. I could not believe the difference mine made...it was noticeable big time. Maybe buy some drag radials? They will definitely help.

[Bonemaro]

Originally Posted by KapsSS

All of the above plus I will be installing a Cold Air Inductions cold air intake once I receive it. I was planning on getting a tune, but I would hate to get a tune, mod some more and then spend another $500 on a tune. I guess I could always just get it dyno'd after the CAI is installed and decide after that what to buy.

Do you really get anything from adding a TB? I did that on my LS1 and didn't see any gains.

Doesn't the underdrive pulley usually affect the AC or power output?

What kind of labor is involved with installing a cam, and do you need to replace the springs, retainers, and locks?

A tune costs $500. So let's so I have $1,500 to play with, but it MUST include labor. As in, I am not doing engine work myself. Easy bolt on stuff, I will do, but that is about it. So from what I already have, what is the best $1,500 I can spend?

Good news*
You won't need a tune with that cai, and you'll see roughly a 13hp increase at the tire. Porting the TB will give you an increase in throttle response, but no hp gains.

Not so good news*
Under drive pulley has negative affects on your power supply in your car and to me isn't worth the scratch.

1500 bones won't get you much, my choice would be headers to compliment that cai, get the TB ported and get a tune. You should be good with the tune with other bolt on's until you go cam/forced induction route.

Cam- retainers, springs, pushrods will all be replaced/upgraded, labor takes the better part of a day. 3 bolt cam is a good choice. Spec's of course are up to you. Ask around the site there are plenty o' good folk here to help with your build.

[Kilo-9]

Originally Posted by Camarowguy

Honestly man if your into spending $1000 to gain 8-10hp...I say go for it. From the info I have gathered, the biggest difference to be had is in the high flow cats which you already have. I'd spend my money elsewhere. The factory manifolds flow pretty well...

I disagree.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63640

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146068

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157314

[KapsSS]

Originally Posted by Kilo-9

I disagree.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63640

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146068

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157314

Wow! So it seems like the Kooks Stepped headers would be the best way to go. I also didn't know they made 2" headers. Would something that large be better for people with a supercharger?

[SSilver5gen]

Headers flOw wayyyyyyyy better than the stock manifolds are you kidding??? Your shot guy but everyone ha their opinion. That's why this is a free country! I have headers on my car and I gained more than 8 horses to the wheel. Where are you getting your info from?

[Apex Motorsports]

Here is a link to an article on our blog about selecting the right header for your application.

Choosing The Right Headers

It explains some of the technical aspects as well as what makes a quality header. If you have any questions feel free to send me a PM.

[KapsSS]

Based on what I am reading, it seems like the Kooks Stepped headers would be the best choice. My only concern is how it will connect to the rest of my system. They sell catback connection pipes, but it says for 2.5" exhausts.

I have this.

Solo High Flow Cats
SLP PowerFlow X-Pipe - http://www.slponline.com/view_product_site.asp?P=30220
SLP Loud Mouth II Axel Back

I am guessing the Solo High Flow Cats will end up being removed, right? But the SLP X-Pipe I have is 3". So, what do I use to connect to that?

[Camarowguy]

Originally Posted by SSilver5gen

Headers flOw wayyyyyyyy better than the stock manifolds are you kidding??? Your shot guy but everyone ha their opinion. That's why this is a free country! I have headers on my car and I gained more than 8 horses to the wheel. Where are you getting your info from?

Obviously there is a couplethings going on here. Maybe you didn't read my whole post or maybe you didn't understand it. I'm going to say it again. Most of the gain is made from deleting the cats or putting two high flow cats on. These comparisions are having the stock manifolds and stock cats on. Think about it. I haven't seen a test where high flow cats and manifolds were on then they put headers and high flow cats....you'd see around 10hp difference. You can think what you want..,but I wanted to clarify because you must have misunderstood what I said.

[cipriank]

Originally Posted by Camarowguy

Obviously there is a couplethings going on here. Maybe you didn't read my whole post or maybe you didn't understand it. I'm going to say it again. Most of the gain is made from deleting the cats or putting two high flow cats on. These comparisions are having the stock manifolds and stock cats on. Think about it. I haven't seen a test where high flow cats and manifolds were on then they put headers and high flow cats....you'd see around 10hp difference. You can think what you want..,but I wanted to clarify because you must have misunderstood what I said.

Yes exactly I have never seen this either