headers question

[eagle eye]

I have a 97 firebird all stock. I am looking to do a few mods but nothing great: cai, new hood, new catback system. I read on this board that headers not only enhance the performance but make it easier to get to the spark plugs. My question is: is it true that headers give you more clearance to get to the sparkplugs and what kind of gain can I expect if any? I also want ask about exhaust leaks, I had headers on my last car which was a v8, it was a complete nightmare, don't the headers leak alot?

[xsvtank]

Re: headers question

i have OBX headers(from ebay) and i would reccomend them to you. here is some info about them.
once they are on about 3 of the sparkplugs are a PITA to get to
When you put them on you will have a leak, but its because they slide onto eachother a little weld or clamp fixed my problem with the leak.
They also dont hang low they are very tight with the car

performance gains im not sure about i didnt drive it before i had the headers (bought it and rebuilt the motor) im sure it helps because you can see how very restrictive they are

[BallerMaro13]

Re: headers question

I have a 97 firebird all stock. I am looking to do a few mods but nothing great: cai, new hood, new catback system. I read on this board that headers not only enhance the performance but make it easier to get to the spark plugs. My question is: is it true that headers give you more clearance to get to the sparkplugs and what kind of gain can I expect if any? I also want ask about exhaust leaks, I had headers on my last car which was a v8, it was a complete nightmare, don't the headers leak alot?

i'd be lying if i said headers weren't a piece of work---but yes they are worth it. they will indeed grant you easier access to your plugs, but a few are still always a pita to deal with of course. completing your exhaust is always a great way to unlock some potential power so i'd highly recommend going for it and upgrading the rest of that restrictive exhaust after the headers. don't expect any ridiculous gains, but you'll definitely feel a difference along with supporting mods (i'd highly recommend upgrading the rest of your piping, a hi flow cat, and a cutout).

but do your research and plan for headaches is the best advice i can give you. you'll need new header gaskets (i went with the abbott racing gaskets), and definitely invest in some locking header bolts to keep from having to tighten every week.

to be honest---expect leaks to happen. you find me a set of headers that wont leak at some point or another and i'll gladly fork out for them. i went as far as getting the best locking bolts and gaskets i could find and i still have leaks i have to go in and fix. just a downside worth taking on IMO. roll up your sleeves and get that exhaust under way man.

[eagle eye]

Re: headers question

what about getting 2000- 2001 exhaust manifolds?

[BallerMaro13]

Re: headers question

if you're going to go through the trouble of getting rid of your stock log manifolds then why not go all the way to headers? Sure, the 2000+ mani's might be a bit more efficient than your 97, but keep in mind even with that it would still be restrictive.

notice there's no change in stock hp or tq for the 3.8's between the log manifolds and the tubular style...

mine is a 2002 and i still changed them out for actual headers --- so my advice, if you're going to upgrade your exhaust, do it right the first time.