Pacesetters...are they worth it?

[Shodown]

Okay, I am confused on the issue of headers for my 3.8. I ran a search and it seems that everyone who has the pacesetters constantly complains about leaks. Is is really worth getting them if they just leak all the time?

I will have them professionally installed, if I get them should I tell the mechanic to do something special with the gaskets to prevent leaks?

[fast 3.4]

Stage 8 locking header bolts ~ no leaks. At least for me.

[Shodown]

Where can I get those bolts? Did you use the Pacesetter gaskets or another set?

[benavidez19]

yea I also want to know were to get those bolts???

[dmw319]

www.ftpp.net

[98Camaro3.8]

Not too many people have problems with it leaking around the gasket. The problem is usually with the EGR system. You can get the LT1 EGR gasket to try to help that, or do like others and just weld it closed for good.

[Shodown]

If I weld the EGR closed, will I lose gas mileage?

I was reading past posts and they recommended that if the car is your daily driver you should not weld it closed b/c it heats up the cylinders too much or something to tht effect. BTW, mine is my daily driver.

Did your pacesetters give you alot of leakage problems?

[98Camaro3.8]

I had no problems at all with the header gaskets. The paper ones it comes with are great and they'll work fine.

I did have problems with the EGR. I ended up welding it closed, but it would be a good idea to try to get it to seal first. Like you read, EGR is there for a reason so try to get it to work.

[blkbird_2001]

I was looking into them and talked with experienced bodyshops and they all pretty much said there more trouble then there worth.

Brian -

[kristen]

my headers are great. i have never had a problem with them. (knock on wood). and i deff felt the difference when i changed them.

[Shodown]

Kristen,
Did you do anything special to prevent leaks?

[Shodown]

Many people are saying that 2000-2002 year cars came with tubular manifolds which are just as good as aftermarket headers. Is this true?

And if so would it be better to buy a set of those instead of dealing with the pains of Pace Setters?

I'm not trying to bug anyone, but I dont want to beat my head against a wall becuase of leaking headers all the time. :(

[98Camaro3.8]

Yes, 00+ come with tubular manifolds that are almost as good as the headers. They're not as good, but close. Do a search and see what is involved in installing those in your car...you'll see it's more of a pain than the Pacesetters.

[grayman]

^^^^^^^^^

there are 3 or 4 things that need to be modified and apparently it is not easy. going to headers is supposed to be much easier.

There is info somewhere...like install univesity or something...or one of our own modifications pages that talks about the pacesetters, i believe. something like replacing the pacesetter flanges with stronger flanges. not sure. i know i have seen a write up and guide though.

I hate to just say 'do a search' but i don't save or track header info. (tubular manifolds here) but i have seen the topic posted and covered many times...what gaskets to use, what bolts, how to make or modify the flange, etc. good luck.

[grayman]

EGR:
I have seen the EGR sealing topic many times as well regarding aftermarket headers. I am not sure what the problem is other than perhaps poor quality/machining from pacesetter as concerns the EGR mounting plate/hole. Also not sure why High Temp Copper (800*?) silicone sealer wont work. I have taken the EGR system off my car several times (to perform work/modifications) and it always re installs no problem.

Thoughts about the EGR purpose:
LS1 dudes often remove the EGR and block it off. YOu can even buy block off kits. There is even a VERY effective EGR 'free mod' where you remove the egr to Throttle Body inlet and shave off the overhanging 1.5" of hose that normaly sticks down into the throttle body...theereby blocking the TB. Shaving off the end and reinstalling the hose id s proven effective 'free mod.'
Also, 2000+ LS1 cars don't even come with a EGR system from the factory. They also do not have an A.I.R. system (to preheat the cats on startup) They were able to pass the federal emissions requirements on the 2000+ cars without those devices primarily becuase of the milder cam that shipped with those year engines. (there are other subtle differences between different year LS1 engine but I to the best of my knowledge it is the 'smaller' cam on the latter year enginces that provides for a lack of EGR and A.I.R..
I plan on doing a test of with and without EGR on my car. I don't quite understand how removing 'emissions' systems will yield 'less' mpg. normaly emissions inhibit gas mileage but allow for cleaner running. (well, sometimes it doesn't...can you say 'the 70's' or Optispark?)

The EGR sysetem is monitoring the 'burn'. It does not reburn ALL the exhaust gases as it only connects to one primary on one of the exhaust manifolds.

Codes will be set off if EGR is removed. Underhood emissions inspection will fail as well.