headers or keep the stck manifolds?

4788 Views 12 Replies 7 Participants Last post by mullet, Jan 12, 2007

mullet

Discussion Starter · Jan 11, 2007

ive been reading around about these lt1 manifolds and so far sources say they are high flow manifolds and headers really wouldnt add that much considering the price it cost for the "proper" headers on this car (94 caprice wagon)

and i really dont want the roar. you guys think ill be missing that much by keeping the manifolds stock if theyr backed with a good exhaust system

my exhaust plans are catback xpipe and some decent mufflers and getting rid of the resonators/ collectors ?

ya'll were so helpful with the last question i came here first with this one :thumbup:

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54truck

· #2 · Jan 11, 2007

dazed

Somehow wagon and LT1 are just not right. However, in 1966 I had a Caprice 2 door hardtop with a 396/auto that would really go. Bud

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mullet

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 11, 2007

54truck said:
Somehow wagon and LT1 are just not right. However, in 1966 I had a Caprice 2 door hardtop with a 396/auto that would really go. Bud

94 caprice wagon came stock 5.7 lt1 it moves for a wagon :evil:

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327NUT

· #4 · Jan 11, 2007

Coated headers are expensive and if you dont want the sound then just add the cat back system. In reality headers dont really do anything until the rpm's get up there and then you need long tube headers to really see a difference. I used to drive a 96 Caprice with the 260 hp LT1, it ran damn good.

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mullet

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 11, 2007

327NUT said:
Coated headers are expensive and if you dont want the sound then just add the cat back system. In reality headers dont really do anything until the rpm's get up there and then you need long tube headers to really see a difference. I used to drive a 96 Caprice with the 260 hp LT1, it ran damn good.

same motor

it runs real good cant wait for the money to come in so i can get this exhaust done and get the pcm sent to pcmforless for a retune and some other minor mods for now maybe a zex dry125 shot of n2o :evil:

thanks for the tips guys :thumbup:

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curtis73

· #6 · Jan 11, 2007

Stock LT1 manifolds are nothing to write home about. Even the wrong size headers will improve torque and HP. With a stock cam and exhaust, the headers won't make much difference in sound. The cats and stock exhaust are really quiet. The aftermarket has several very quiet alternatives to the stock system. Borla's are super quiet on B-bodies. ATR quads are very quiet (if you can find them). Many have made up their own quiet concoctions.

If you're keeping stock parts, the manifolds are OK, but if you want a nice bump in power without adding much noise, the headers are a fine alternative.

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mullet

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jan 11, 2007

curtis73 said:
Stock LT1 manifolds are nothing to write home about. Even the wrong size headers will improve torque and HP. With a stock cam and exhaust, the headers won't make much difference in sound. The cats and stock exhaust are really quiet. The aftermarket has several very quiet alternatives to the stock system. Borla's are super quiet on B-bodies. ATR quads are very quiet (if you can find them). Many have made up their own quiet concoctions.

If you're keeping stock parts, the manifolds are OK, but if you want a nice bump in power without adding much noise, the headers are a fine alternative.

i dont have the money to buy anything borla offers. i was looking at theyr catback systems and i can completly rebuild and 383 the motor for the price they want for that thing.

i realize headers will add hp but 900 dollars for the right headers my understanding is theyr not worth the price. i plan on keeping the exhaust pretty much stock just changing up with the x pipe and some undecided mufflers

maybe i should check around see if i can find a cheaper header.

thanks again

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327NUT

· #8 · Jan 11, 2007

Yes you can buy a set of headers for a lot less money. Patriot (Summit Racing) might make a set. If you're going to add nos then headers will be the way to go, you did'nt mention that before. One other thing, make sure you install an aftermarket trans cooler before you start hammerin' that wagon. I went through 3 transmissions in that 96 Caprice just driving around town and on the freeway. Mostly "spirited" driving but not abusing it.

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curtis73

· #9 · Jan 11, 2007

Hooker makes a set of Supercomps for LT1 B-bodies. I think they can be found for cheap.

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strummin67

· #10 · Jan 11, 2007 (Edited)

You'd be better off keeping your manifolds. Coatings to keep headers from rusting in a few years as you know are very expensive. Unless you're going to be racing and plan to get rid of the cat, I don't think headers (in your case) are worth the money.

Strummin

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richard stewart 3rd

· #11 · Jan 11, 2007

Hi.
Ya know Headers give you the biggest bang for the buck, They help keep the heat down & will release at least 17hp. while increasing the torque, There are very few factory exhaust manifolds worth keeping, Mopar made some
good ones, but the ones you have are throw aways.

Good luck,
rich

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xntrik

· #12 · Jan 11, 2007

IMO

First, ZEX is the best. A 125 hit is too much. Consider that is right at a 50 % power increase. I'd look to about 75-90 to have fun.

Second, the true purpose of your car is unclear but it seems that you are NOT building a race car but rather a fun driver.

The STL smog police are a consideration. If I were you, I think that I would forget the minimal average gains from headers (the true gain is above 4500 rpm at full throttle) and concentrate on the sound you prefer, with a Zex as a side note.

Also save any chip programming until after the exhaust is done. Don't forget that chip programming is "out the window" when you hit the NO2 button. An MSD automatic timing retard is almost a MUST, IMO. :thumbup: One good burp and you could have an expensive pile of parts.

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mullet

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jan 12, 2007

xntrik said:
IMO

First, ZEX is the best. A 125 hit is too much. Consider that is right at a 50 % power increase. I'd look to about 75-90 to have fun.

Second, the true purpose of your car is unclear but it seems that you are NOT building a race car but rather a fun driver.

The STL smog police are a consideration. If I were you, I think that I would forget the minimal average gains from headers (the true gain is above 4500 rpm at full throttle) and concentrate on the sound you prefer, with a Zex as a side note.

Also save any chip programming until after the exhaust is done. Don't forget that chip programming is "out the window" when you hit the NO2 button. An MSD automatic timing retard is almost a MUST, IMO. :thumbup: One good burp and you could have an expensive pile of parts.

thanks again everyone for the replys i really appreciate all outlooks on the subject.

building the car for a daily driven weekend warrior if i can make it last this year ill probably tear it down for some real power next year

my plan is to buy a yard computer if i can find one make a good list of my plans for this year and send the pcm off to get tuned so i dont have downtime.

as for the nitrous i was going with the zex kit which advertises the 125 shot because it has a seperate computer that monitors engine conditions and shuts off the bottle if it runs into trouble. from what i gathered from the description and the information i got from advice here.

im in illinois just east of STL and have an address where i can register smogfree if need be. i really dont know why i want to keep the cats to be honest with you. i know the exhaust will flow much better without them especially since mine are 13 years old now

thanks for the help keep it coming guys

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