Rick, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the cheapie Ebay headers. I bought mine back in October, and at that time had not seen or heard any bad feedback about them at all. Since my truck is still, well, a TRUCK and not a hot rod, then I wasn't going to try and justify spending $500-$1200 on high dollar big name headers...especially since I didn't "need" them on my mid 11 second LS1 car...

Anyway, I'm the one who made the big review thread about them with plenty of info, tips, and even pictures. If you haven't seen it, there's tons of replies and opinions in there:
https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...d.php?t=450962

My truck actually lost some low end torque (initially) solely due to me having a louder catback BEFORE the headers. Once I added the headers, I got the crappy RASPY sound that LSx engines often make, and ended up adding an inline Hooker AeroChamber to the mix, which not only 100% eliminated the rasp, but also made a noticeable difference in low end power/torque, while not seeming to affect the top end power any. If I did it again, I'd swap on the headers and leave a stock catback on.

The Ebay headers are 1-5/8" primaries, which are absolutely fine with a CAI and tune on a daily driver type truck. If you plan on a cam, converter and all the go-fast stuff, than go ahead and choose a bigger, more expensive header right from the get-go IMHO.

BTW, The Ebay vendors you listed are all the same person, from what I have read.

 

^^^ good write up. "Please don't flame me for asking another question about headers" So rel3rd, if you could do it over again you would put the headers and y pipe on and just leave everything else stock?

 

Not to worry, the Dynatech's aren't the only headers that burn up wires. My PaceSetters helped the cause more than once, and that's when I found the fiberglass retardant sleeves for the wires for about $30 for the set of 8.

 

Exactly. I absolutely hate that loud, raspy, droning glasspack sound that most aftermarket mufflers make after you add headers...I spent $500 or so that I didn't have to, by doing the catback first. $400 for the catback, then another $100 to quiet it down...It's still plenty loud when I want it to be...yet plenty quiet at cruise rpm's...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sehaxoqbZaI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R2-OZCdgTM

 

Thanks everyone...for the tips...for the suggestions and for the feedback. I'm either going to go with a set of Pacesetters or a set of the Stainless headers on Ebay. I'm not trying to build a Hot Rod truck...just wanting to make my daily driver sound better and perform a little better...plus I get to spend time working on it. So it's good all around!

Rel3rd...thanks for your input...and for the install guide that you put together. I think I ended up putting a "bullet" muffler on both of my Camaros to eliminate the "raspy drone" which occurred at around 2100-2300 rpm's. I'll try to update everyone on how things go.

Rick

 

Keep us posted. That's how I feel. Mine is a DD, but I want a little something extra on the way to work.

Once you do your exhaust, I would seriously consider getting a custom tune. If you want to still use the tuner for routine maintenance then you could try and find someone around your area. If you don't mind dealing with the jack offs at Autozone (I used to work there so I can say it) then you can always use their scan tool and go with one of the mail order tunes like everyone else says. I have never had a handheld programmer for a gas truck, but between what everyone else says and the benefits of a tune . . . get ya a tune!