Header Size

**Z28_Driver** · 10-13-2009, 04:47 PM

I am going to put headers and a y-pipe on my Z28 this winter. I plan on building it to 450hp, maybe 500hp as funding becomes available. I have seen headers in both 1 3/4 and 1 7/8 sizes. Which size would be best for a street driven car?
Not sure on the brand. I had Hookers on an old Z28, but they cost a lot and rusted out after about 6 years. Suggestions on a brand that will put up with a little road salt would be good too.

**SactownHuskers** · 10-14-2009, 10:16 AM

If you're goin that big hp wise, go with the 1-7/8.

Also go with stainless steel. They are alot more resistant to rust and oxidation. Ceramics are known to rust out after 5-6 years and sometimes faster. As far as brand, shouldn't matter as long as they're stainless. For middle of the road headers, I'd suggest pacesetters (heard lots of good things from everyone that's had them, but don't have them yet myself), top of the line headers I would suggest Kooks(same reason). Some guys have gotten cheap Ebay headers for 250-300 dollars and been pretty happy. But if you do this make sure they are stainless or you may run into the rust issue.

**WeeWolf7** · 10-14-2009, 10:21 AM

If you plan on big cubes or forced induction go with the 1 7/8.

**Z28_Driver** · 10-14-2009, 04:03 PM

Good to know. I will definately go with stainless headers and ORY. I got tired of that machine gun sound real quick on the old Z28.

Probably not going forced induction due to the cost and need to put on a higher hood to fit it.
I have done some basic mods to get air in so far. A modified SSRA, SLP lid, home depot smooth bellows.
Ported & Polished TB in the next couple weeks. A catch can soon after that. In the spring I plan on getting the 5.3 stage 2.5 heads from TexasSpeed and a matching cam to help make more power. And a tune when its all together.
I think this should get me over 400hp, maybe 450hp+?
Does a set-up like this need the 1 7/8s headers?

**c5z28** · 10-14-2009, 04:20 PM

You don't need 1 7/8ths but they help on the top end.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 10-14-2009, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by Z28_Driver

Good to know. I will definately go with stainless headers and ORY. I got tired of that machine gun sound real quick on the old Z28.

Probably not going forced induction due to the cost and need to put on a higher hood to fit it.
I have done some basic mods to get air in so far. A modified SSRA, SLP lid, home depot smooth bellows.
Ported & Polished TB in the next couple weeks. A catch can soon after that. In the spring I plan on getting the 5.3 stage 2.5 heads from TexasSpeed and a matching cam to help make more power. And a tune when its all together.
I think this should get me over 400hp, maybe 450hp+?
Does a set-up like this need the 1 7/8s headers?

To hit 450whp with just a H/C/I set-up you would need a pretty radical cam I would think.

**TransAm11973** · 10-14-2009, 05:12 PM

i would go with the 1-7/8

**35th-ANV-SS** · 10-14-2009, 05:17 PM

I got the 1-7/8 Kooks. They look and sound AMAZING.

**SactownHuskers** · 10-15-2009, 06:51 AM

Around 400 hp you wouldn't need 1-7/8, I have a buddy who had a camaro with around 395 hp and ran 1-3/4... Buuuuut if you're going to the trouble you might as well. It doesn't hurt you at all and then if in the future you decide to go bigger with a super charger or forced induction, etc then you have the ability to do so and don't have to upgrade your headers.

Just my .02...

**Z28_Driver** · 10-15-2009, 07:12 AM

I got a few answers from a tech guy at TexasSpeed. Looks like 400-450 is a realistic goal with the heads and a 224R cam. With long-tubes and ORY of course. He said the 1 3/4 would be okay for the package, 1 7/8 would make about 10-15 more hp.
Thanks for the info so far guys.