Header specs

[chevy42083]

I know my application is motor swap related, but I kinda wanted the answers from the generally accepted F-body headers.

What size primary and collectors are needed for a bolt on motor?
What about ported heads/intake, mild cam?

Will 1.5in primaries with 2.5in collector be enough?
What are the specs for the headers that are generally accepted as being good F-body headers?

I am in desperate need of some new headers, so I'm wading through the mess of V8 swap headers and trying to thin the crowd.

[roadrocket]

If your Exhaust is too big it will be a dog around town. A stocker or mildly mod motor would be happy with the smaller tube. Heavily modded motors that see the Track would use the larger size.
Rule of thumb is 1 5/8" pri tube with 2 1/2" collector for a stock/ Mild mod
1 3/4" w/ 3" coll seems to be the size of choice for anything from 350 rwhp up.
Some Mid length headers come with 1 3/4" pri and 2 1/2" coll.

Basic power diff between Mids and LT's is about 20 rwhp depending on type and how the exh is finished, and power output.

Take into account what your future plans hold so you don't have to buy them twice.

[chevy42083]

So, 1.5in primaries would be choking it? :( That's what hedman suggested. They have a header designed for use on GM Fastburn heads, and said it would be perfect for the LT1 D-ports. It would still be a step up from what I have now (1.5 round port)

To go larger I have to buy headers, buy flanges, have someone cut flanges off of headers, reshape primaries, and weld on new flanges. Hence the want to avoid that.

[roadrocket]

Exhaust systems are only limited buy available clearance and imagination.
MAC and Pacesetter both make a decent Header for your application.
The 1 5/8" pri Mid with 2 1/2" collectors will support most power needs up to 350~375 rwhp.
Whatever you decide they should be Coated (Ceramic Metalic, Chemial, etc) so they'll last longer, and for better scavaging.

[chevy42083]

Any links? Mac's website shows nothing for an S-10, and Pacesetter shows nothing but 2.2l and 2.8l stuff.

I did find block hugger headers from Pacesetter... those won't work for an S-10. They would aim straight at my motor mounts/frame, and probably hit my steering shaft.

I guess I just need to type up a generic e-mail and send it to every header company and see what they say. There are just so many that "fit" s-10s that are sooooo much of a PIA. i.e. loosening motor mounts, to pull headers, to change the oil.

And yes, looking into local coating so I can test fit headers first, and then coat. I don't want to pay out for a nice pretty coating, only to ding them up, or have to modify them a little.

For now... just opinions on the 1.5in primary (or general header specs)... or I guess it could be moved to the swap section if it goes towards specific headers.

[bricez28]

^^^^ haha dont feel bad my pacesetter hit my sterring shaft and theyre made for the car!

[Colossus]

Bah, I'm running 1 3/4 with 3 inch collectors and she certainly is not a dog around town. I kill the tires in first and second, burn third, and scratch fourth. I'm just a bolt on car.

[ksmyss]

if you are planning on bolt ons and maybe a small cam, staying around 400 rwhp or lower 1 5/8" primarys with 2.5" collector will be more than enough for you. just make sure the rest of the exhaust will flow well enough for it.

[BLOWNDFIZ]

I'd suggest going with the Hedman's. We actually sell tons of them, and everyone seems very happy with them. We are always surprised at the amount of V8 swaps into the S series trucks.

[IronOutlaw]

Just turn the headers up and go through the hood, then you wont have to worry about clearence:laugh:.

[BLOWNDFIZ]

Just turn the headers up and go through the hood, then you wont have to worry about clearence:laugh:.

ZOOMIES FTW!!!:jest:

[chevy42083]

hmmm.... I'm not going for a sleeper look (just doesn't look the part with wheels, drop, and exhaust)... but I AM going for a bit "smoother" look than that.

Thanks for the replies, I didn't know if 1.5 would REALLY choke it up, if I could get away with 1 5/8, or if i really needed to mod a set of 1 3/4 to fit.

Looks like i'll go with the 1.5in Fastburn ones Hedman suggested. Those should work for me till I get some real money to put into the motor.