Need header advice 2002 ws6

**Redrokit8** · 03-31-2012, 04:22 PM

I'm considering getting some headers to compliment the other external engine changes I have made. My way of thinking is to get as much HP out of the motor as possible without doing internal modifications. So basically I'm running a pretty stock unit with Magnaflow Quad Tip, Tune by Frost, just updated MSD Wires and Delco Platinum plugs. I do plan on adding a Lid in the near future. I'm running a stock auto trans and a factory 3:23 rear gear.
My question is will adding headers help give a little better performance without adding cam and head mods? I know it will make my exhaust system sound better and my guess is they would help the engine breath better which should add up to more performance.
I'm also wondering if I need to send my PCM back to Frost if I add the headers.
Would appreciate everyone's advice. Then I'll need a good exhaust shop in Northern NJ to do the right install. This is one modification I don't want to try and tackle.

**KMdef9** · 03-31-2012, 05:42 PM

Headers will free up the exhaust flow, def. worth doing. Match it with a new y pipe and you'll perfect for the mod you have.

IMO don't go cheap on the headers.

**Y2KArcticSS** · 03-31-2012, 06:22 PM

I have Pacesetter coated longtubes with off-road ypipe (no cats). Pretty loud but sounds much better. Been running them for 90k miles almost daily with no issues. Used Stage 8 header bolts, only had to tighten them twice (maybe a quarter turn) in that many miles. No matter what brand headers you go with, I highly recommend Stage 8 bolts to prevent exhaust leaks at the head.

Also my state inspections are nonexistent, hence no cats. Be aware of you're state laws. (Whether you follow them or not lol)

Sent from my Samsung "Look it's The Darkness!!!" Infuse 4G

**dav-02ws6-m6** · 03-31-2012, 08:07 PM

Imo
If you do header you will definitely feel the difference. as far as sending the pcm, you might want to do that just because he can remove the code from the rear o2 sensors and squeeze a few more ponies. Even if you put high flow cats the rear o2 sensors are going to throw codes.

**2002ssslp** · 03-31-2012, 08:24 PM

With a good set of LTH and a 3" Y pipe you should pick up 15 plus HP and sending the pcm back to Frost will only help keep your car tuned perfectly and eliminate codes. I have high flow cats ( SLP ) on my system and they even pass New Jersey inspection which is almost as hard as California. Good luck with the project.

**raynor139** · 03-31-2012, 09:48 PM

You can easily run the car without Frost retuning it. The cars do tend to run a little on the rich side untuned and you will see a decrease in gas mileage but the car will still run fine. Upside is having the rear 02s tuned out since they tend to have issues after header installs plus a proper tune will get a little more HP out of them. Well worth it imo.

**tatertot91** · 03-31-2012, 11:03 PM

Yup, definitely worth it. You can have a shop do it or do it yourself, it's really not that big of a pain if you have basic mechanical skills and some patience.
And i would look into Texas Speeds new released stainless headers and Y-pipe, looks like an awesome bang for your buck

**raynor139** · 04-01-2012, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by tatertot91

Yup, definitely worth it. You can have a shop do it or do it yourself, it's really not that big of a pain if you have basic mechanical skills and some patience.
And i would look into Texas Speeds new released stainless headers and Y-pipe, looks like an awesome bang for your buck

I ordered the 1 7/8 headers, y-pipe, new gaskets and 02 extensions for less than 700 shipped. Just waiting on it all to come in since the y-pipe is still on back order.

**tatertot91** · 04-01-2012, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by raynor139

I ordered the 1 7/8 headers, y-pipe, new gaskets and 02 extensions for less than 700 shipped. Just waiting on it all to come in since the y-pipe is still on back order.

What style gasket did you order?

**raynor139** · 04-01-2012, 08:04 PM

The GM Multi-Layer Steel Exhaust Gaskets.

**pajeff02** · 04-02-2012, 05:18 PM

Stock GM gasket is the way to go. I think the Kooks headers came with Percy's gaskets... never even opened them.

**Redrokit8** · 04-03-2012, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by raynor139

I ordered the 1 7/8 headers, y-pipe, new gaskets and 02 extensions for less than 700 shipped. Just waiting on it all to come in since the y-pipe is still on back order.

Chase: I went on their website but couldn't find them. Do you have a part number? Would be much appreciated. I'm a little green when it comes to headers, do you now have a pair of High Flow Cats?

**Redrokit8** · 04-03-2012, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by 2002ssslp

With a good set of LTH and a 3" Y pipe you should pick up 15 plus HP and sending the pcm back to Frost will only help keep your car tuned perfectly and eliminate codes. I have high flow cats ( SLP ) on my system and they even pass New Jersey inspection which is almost as hard as California. Good luck with the project.

Keith: You're not far from me in NJ. Who did you use?

**raynor139** · 04-03-2012, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by Redrokit8

Chase: I went on their website but couldn't find them. Do you have a part number? Would be much appreciated. I'm a little green when it comes to headers, do you now have a pair of High Flow Cats?

I have a pair of high flow magnaflow cats on the car now but they are for the stock location. Those will be going away with the new setup and Ill be going catless. Alot easier to do here then in NJ. TSP does have a catted y-pipe. $130 for offroad and 325 for catted.

The headers are part #25-1784G304 and then you can choose your y-pipe, gaskets and extensions in the drop down boxes right below the description.

**Redrokit8** · 04-03-2012, 06:59 PM

Thank you

**Redrokit8** · 04-06-2012, 07:01 PM

I went ahead and ordered Kooks LTH and X-Pipe with high flow cats. I wanted to go with a quality product that had a good rep for workmanship and performance.

**pajeff02** · 04-07-2012, 04:46 AM

You will not be disappointed. Good choice.

**Redrokit8** · 04-09-2012, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

You will not be disappointed. Good choice.

Hey Jeff:
Do you, or anyone reading this post, have the specific reorder # for the GM Multi Layer Steel Exhaust Gaskets ? I'd like to get them pronto as my headers and cat pipe are being shipped this week.

**pajeff02** · 04-09-2012, 06:19 PM

Looks like the GM P/N is 12617944.

**2002ssslp** · 04-09-2012, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by Redrokit8

Keith: You're not far from me in NJ. Who did you use?

Sorry about the delay. I have a guy in Newton, actually two shops in Newton, NJ but that is over 45 minutes from Roseland. I grew up in Caldwell. If you want the numbers for them I will post them for you but there are a couple of speed shops in Denville, one with a dyno who can also do the job for you. Let me know what you want to do. You can reach me at 973-271-4241.