3.4 L Pacesetter headers...

[TheFly2000]

Hi everyone, this is my first post here so I thought I could put some info. all in one place... I'm interested in pacesetters for the 3.4 and have been researching the topic. I would like to know how people are satisfied with them? Did you find any gains in hp, throttle response, exhaust note? What is the diameter of the Y collector dump? I believe it's 2.25 inches? How difficult is the install (starter, steering arm removal needed)? What type of gasket and bolt is best (part numbers)? Any problems with burning plug wires and such? Also, is it possible to install them on AC equipped cars? Does anyone have pix and/or a how-to on the install? Sorry for the tirade of questions but I'd like to get as much info. as possible about them. Thanks!

[silicuda]

The stock Y-pipe is 2.25" in diameter.

If you want to upgrade your headers, its best to also upgrade your whole exhaust system at the same time.... else you will not get the proper gains...

Go for a full cat back upgrade, go either 2.5" or 3" Y-Pipe, Gut your cat, or get a high flow cat, and THEN add the headers.

[viper98885]

I would like to know how people are satisfied with them?
Yes, I was satisfied with the overall quality of these headers. Construction and coating was good and installation wasn't too tricky.

Did you find any gains in hp, throttle response, exhaust note?
Of course there will be gains in HP considering that the stock manifolds are so restrictive. With the setup that I was running, there was more of a tone change than volume.

What is the diameter of the Y collector dump?
Y-pipe is 2.5"

How difficult is the install (starter, steering arm removal needed)?
It will make it easier on you to remove the starter to do this install. Also, you can remove the whole power steering bracket with the coil packs and make the driver's side MUCH easier. You will not need to remove the steering arm. I will also make it much easier to do the passenger side if you remove the AC Compressor. It is NOT mandatory, but will make it easier. Now that we are getting to the beginning of the AC season, it might be a decent idea to discharge the system and recharge it when the header installation is finished.

What type of gasket and bolt is best (part numbers)?
I started out using FelPro exhaust manifold gaskets with the headers but was having problems so I switched to the Pacesetter gaskets and they seem to be doing fine. You should use the exhaust manifold bolts from the LS1's when you install you headers...it will save you a lot of headache.

Any problems with burning plug wires and such?
None whatsoever.

Also, is it possible to install them on AC equipped cars?
Yes, but removing the AC during installation will make things a lot easier on you.

Does anyone have pix and/or a how-to on the install?
Only installation notes that I have are from Chilton's manual and the Shop manual. My engine is out of the car right now while I finish rebuilding it, but I can take pics in about 2 weeks when it goes back in.

[TheFly2000]

Thanks viper... you addressed alot of my concerns. Hope to see pix of your install once you get back up and running! [img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]