LT Headers, is it worth the gain

**karpetcm** · 02-22-2009, 03:09 PM

I dont know if its gonna be worth the headache of installing headers or not. Most of the shops i know near me haven't installed headers on LS1 cars or even LT1 cars that often. Im at 335 RWHP and about 349 RWTQ, what do you guys think i will be putting down after the install. Im gonna have Steve at LSx Tune do the re-tune for the headers. Is there anyone on here local to me that can help me out to install the headers, ofcourse i will help as well and pay for the labor. Or should i just leave as is and be happy with what i put down, not sure which way to go really.

**blackhawk01** · 02-22-2009, 03:12 PM

I would say with some LT's and a good tune you will net about 20 more rwhp..worth the money IMO

**fergyflyer** · 02-22-2009, 03:33 PM

I'd agree on the 20 hp and I'd disagree, not worth the money. When you really want to boost the power do a heads and cam headers combo and go from 335 to 400. 20 hp isn't even 10%, you'll barely notice the difference.

**Sarge** · 02-22-2009, 03:35 PM

Your motor is a air pump. Air in and air out. The more going in and out the faster you go due yes, more power, but you spool up quicker. So yes headers are worth it now and more importantly for future mods (if you choose).....tune it for the headers....it aint about the RWHP gains friends...your motor will spin up to its power band quicker with headers......so your quicker....don't get to distracted by 20HP or whatever....

**UTVols98** · 02-22-2009, 04:21 PM

Like sarge said. Do the headers first. You'll need them anyways when you decide on heads and cam.

**Rob Mellinger** · 02-22-2009, 04:48 PM

My headers made a diffrence I could feel, worth my time to install.Steve did my tune also, everything works great, very noticeable gain.

**side2000** · 02-22-2009, 06:28 PM

fuck yea LT's are worth the gain. . . .jack 'er up and start unboltin stuff. . . . you'll eventually get them on, and save yourself some loot.

**SS02** · 02-22-2009, 06:44 PM

My Long Tubes made a big change!

I could feel it at the peddle... a hepled out down the line!

**RedVertTA** · 02-22-2009, 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by fergyflyer

I'd agree on the 20 hp and I'd disagree, not worth the money. When you really want to boost the power do a heads and cam headers combo and go from 335 to 400. 20 hp isn't even 10%, you'll barely notice the difference.

Absolutely not, you'll practically choke the motor. Your motor needs to exhale just as much air as it inhales in to put out good power and work properly.

Also, headers will give you slightly better gas mileage so if your car is a daily driver, headers can help pay for themselves over time.

**RedVertTA** · 02-22-2009, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by SS02

My Long Tubes made a big change!

I could feel it at the peddle... a hepled out down the line!

2 tenths on the quarter I got is a worthwhile difference.

**cobrakiller99** · 02-22-2009, 09:01 PM

i got a quote for installing lt headers, 480 dollars

**c5z28** · 02-22-2009, 09:07 PM

After I did my bolt-ons my a4 went from 13.4 to 13.1 w/ my 60' going from 2.0-2.2 so I know it has 12's in it, headers are worth it even if they are a pain in the ass to install.

**totalkos** · 02-22-2009, 09:15 PM

im planning on getting the tsp 1 7/8" long tubes. i dont want to get the 1 3/4" because i might go big 408 one day. so it might be extra money now, but less later.

**supaxero** · 02-22-2009, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by totalkos

im planning on getting the tsp 1 7/8" long tubes. i dont want to get the 1 3/4" because i might go big 408 one day. so it might be extra money now, but less later.

will the 1 7/8 match up on stock?

**UTVols98** · 02-22-2009, 10:58 PM

Yep. Bolt right up.

**TransAm11973** · 02-23-2009, 06:48 AM

Originally Posted by fergyflyer

I'd agree on the 20 hp and I'd disagree, not worth the money. When you really want to boost the power do a heads and cam headers combo and go from 335 to 400. 20 hp isn't even 10%, you'll barely notice the difference.

no point in getting more air in , if you cant get it out.......with out a doubt get LT's it will support anything that you want to do in the future, for the most part......

**RedVertTA** · 02-23-2009, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by TransAm11973

no point in getting more air in , if you cant get it out.......with out a doubt get LT's it will support anything that you want to do in the future, for the most part......

That's what I said.

**side2000** · 02-23-2009, 11:26 AM

you can do a cam swap with factory "shorty" manifolds and see same if not more hp than LT's and factory cam. if you plan on doing both anyway LT's are first step without a doubt. if you only have money for one or the other, i'd do a cam. . . .my .02.

**Donnie Darko** · 02-23-2009, 03:24 PM

I would say they are definitely worth it ! I gained 31 hp and 25 ft lb. torque from a set of kooks lts (with emissions) and kooks catted y & a tune on an otherwise stock 2000 ss. The car was dynoed before and after the install. The gains were consistent across the entire curve. You can definitely feel a 31 hp gain!

**Hi-Po** · 02-23-2009, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by side2000

you can do a cam swap with factory "shorty" manifolds and see same if not more hp than LT's and factory cam. if you plan on doing both anyway LT's are first step without a doubt. if you only have money for one or the other, i'd do a cam. . . .my .02.

Im sorry... to me that is just stupid. A cam being a "first" mod? That just sounds ridiculous to me IMO. No exhaust what so ever? Your going to choke the crap out of any cam you put in there and make shit for power, compared to what it should be making.

Also, the OP is sounding like he doesnt want to install long tube headers for christ sake... I really doubt he is going to jump into a cam swap.