im looking for some headers [Archive] - SmokinVette.com Forums

Tom400CFI

07-21-2009, 02:45 PM

I want to up my power and torque for as little cash as possible.
Although exhaust is almost always a great place to spend money -mostly b/c it will help support future power upgrades- in this case, it will not meet your stated objective, the most.

If you want to up your power and tq as much as you can, for a little money as possible, and you can turn your own wrench, then a CAM is the place to go. Buy a nice used roller cam off ebay or a forum and you can pick up 20-30 hp, for about $100.00 plus gaskets. Much less than headers will cost you.

Z06dreams

07-21-2009, 02:57 PM

Although exhaust is almost always a great place to spend money -mostly b/c it will help support future power upgrades- in this case, it will not meet your stated objective, the most.

If you want to up your power and tq as much as you can, for a little money as possible, and you can turn your own wrench, then a CAM is the place to go. Buy a nice used roller cam off ebay or a forum and you can pick up 20-30 hp, for about $100.00 plus gaskets. Much less than headers will cost you.

dont forget that nice idle exhaust note

CFI-EFI

07-21-2009, 04:29 PM

i am looking for some headers for my 1985 c4 corvette but dont know what type would be the best for my car. i need lots of power and sound.
What types are you considering?

RACE ON!!!

85L98-84L83

07-21-2009, 06:14 PM

According to VETTE magazine June 1995, Lingenfelter performance headers(log tube headers) were installed on a 1984 vette with auto went from 14.64 in the 1/4 mile down to 14.14 in the 1/4 mile. They estimated a 50 hp gain.

The 84 vette also had previous mods of:

15.3 1/4 mile down to 14.64 1/4 mile.
hypertch chip & 160 stat
underdrive pulleys
roller rockers
K&N
walker rear y-pipe with crossover & ultra flow mufflers
:burnout:

Tom400CFI

07-21-2009, 07:29 PM

I put a $69.00 Summit brand cam and lifter kit in a bone stock LG4 Trans Am and went from 16.2 to 15.3.. Hard to beat that bang for the buck, and that was w/the worst stock exhaust manifolds ever put on a GM V8.

Nothingbeatsavette

07-21-2009, 08:26 PM

85L98-84L83

07-21-2009, 10:29 PM

Yeah I figured that out after taking a quick glance at prices lol. It's amazing how much they charge for nothing more than metal tubing. I mean I know there's the technology behind it along with everything else, but still. Metal tubing (some with ceramic coating). Anyway I don't do much work on my car especially mechanically so I'd have to get a cam put in for me, but that was another thing I was considering. I also know nothing about the lift and duration stuff, so what's the biggest or best performing cam I could get for my stock LT1? And is there anything else you'd recommend at the same time? Different pushrods or rockers, anything like that?

Asking a question like that sure silents the self proclaimed experts. Don't look at me for the answer, I have been asking the same question on here and everybody is afraid to answer the tuff ones. Your best bet is to contact a quality engine building shop in your area they would have a better idea than these lonely guys cruising these forums. Good luck.

CFI-EFI

07-22-2009, 06:45 AM

Asking a question like that sure silents the self proclaimed experts.
I only know of one self proclaimed expert. And just because he, or other help for the OP, don't cruise or lurk on here 24-7 like your self described, "lonely guys cruising these forums" doesn't mean that assistance is silenced.

Don't look at me for the answer, I have been asking the same question on here and everybody is afraid to answer the tuff ones.
No one that has read any of your posts, would "look at me for the answer". Yet you reply anyway.

Afraid? Many people have wasted a lot of time trying to answer your questions, only to have you dispute, deny and argue against good, well thought out common sense answers. Afraid? How about, "once bit twice shy"? You don't get answers any more because of your reaction to the answers.

So long, MR. "lonely guys cruising these forums" :seeya:

I also know nothing about the lift and duration stuff, so what's the biggest or best performing cam I could get for my stock LT1? And is there anything else you'd recommend at the same time? Different pushrods or rockers, anything like that?
Better advice is available if you state your usage, performance expectations, and budget. Anything that helps it breathe will help make more power. Any changes make will have side effects. The more you know and/or the more you can tell a knowledgeable consultant, the happier you are likely be with the results.

RACE ON!!!

85L98-84L83

07-22-2009, 07:19 AM

I only know of one self proclaimed expert. And just because he, or other help for the OP, don't cruise or lurk on here 24-7 like your self described, "lonely guys cruising these forums" doesn't mean that assistance is silenced.

No one that has read any of your posts, would "look at me for the answer". Yet you reply anyway.

Afraid? Many people have wasted a lot of time trying to answer your questions, only to have you dispute, deny and argue against good, well thought out common sense answers. Afraid? How about, "once bit twice shy"? You don't get answers any more because of your reaction to the answers.

So long, MR. "lonely guys cruising these forums" :seeya:

Better advice is available if you state your usage, performance expectations, and budget. Anything that helps it breathe will help make more power. Any changes make will have side effects. The more you know and/or the more you can tell a knowledgeable consultant, the happier you are likely be with the results.

RACE ON!!!

Wow what a bunch of crap, and then you have the nerve to not even answer his simple question:ownedbutton:

Good job.

As I stated in my previous post this is exactly what you get from this guy nothing but attacks and harassment. Do everyone a favor "DON"T POST IF YOU CAN"T CONTRIBUTE TO THE GUYS QUESTION"!!!!!

Shame on you sir!!!

Nothingbeatsavette

07-22-2009, 08:27 AM

Well I'm not looking to start an argument, and not necessarily even a professional answer, just something based on what others have done or would recommend. Anyway, I knew that the more air the better, and have considered upgrading the air filter and intake tubing etc., what about fuel? Do I need a performance fuel pump, bigger injectors or something to make more fuel to mix with the air? Or would that take something else like adjusting the timing with a cam or something? I know somebody out there knows however long I have to wait for an answer. As far as my budget, right now I'm not looking to spend too much, maybe $500 or a little more total for whatever I do. It's not gonna get me far but it's a start. I'm also not really interested in the whole NOS stuff either, I want 'all the time' power, not just a boost now and then. Thanks for your help though.

Tom400CFI

07-22-2009, 08:27 AM

^Good, helpful post, 84-85. Nice work! :thumbsup: I also know nothing about the lift and duration stuff, so what's the biggest or best performing cam I could get for my stock LT1? And is there anything else you'd recommend at the same time? Different pushrods or rockers, anything like that?

I'd get something in the 215-220* duration at .050 lift, with as much lift as possible for the duration that you choose. I'd probably favor the exhaust side heavily since you're not changing that (right now) and use a 112ish lobe separation. I wouldn't change push rods b/c I'm cheap and there's no real need to, and I wouldn't change rockers either...b/c the bang for the buck there is terrible.

I wouldn't change springs until after the cam was running and proven to need better springs and then I'd be prepaired to change them if the prove it to be necessary.

Nothingbeatsavette

07-22-2009, 08:30 AM

Ok thanks a lot. I'll look into that and see what I find. As for exhaust, do I need new everything from headers back, or would simply removing the mufflers be enough?

Tom400CFI

07-22-2009, 08:31 AM

I knew that the more air the better, and have considered upgrading the air filter and intake tubing etc., what about fuel? Do I need a performance fuel pump, bigger injectors or something to make more fuel to mix with the air? Or would that take something else like adjusting the timing with a cam or something?

Don't waste you money on "intake tubing". Poor bang for teh buck there too.

You won't need to upgrade your fuel system (pump, injectors, plubing etc) for a stockish, cam only LT1.

Simply fiddling with fuel pressure will PROBABLY be sufficient for your goals, as I understand them so far (most power for least money).

-Tom

Tom400CFI

07-22-2009, 08:33 AM

Ok thanks a lot. I'll look into that and see what I find. As for exhaust, do I need new everything from headers back, or would simply removing the mufflers be enough?

It depends on yoru fianl goals. For the cam-only, you don't NEED to do anything w/your exhaust -even the mufflers. The stock exhaust flows fine (enough) for that upgrade.

85L98-84L83

07-22-2009, 08:36 AM

Ok thanks a lot. I'll look into that and see what I find. As for exhaust, do I need new everything from headers back, or would simply removing the mufflers be enough?

Get atleast a cat back setup and remove the cat and put a straight pipe in or remove the cat and gut it and put it back on. You will notice a major difference with the cat removed:burnout:

On the cam selection, I'm no expert but I have read good things about the GM hot cam. I don't know why these guys give you such a general answer for everything, a particular cam or a part number would help you, not some general duration and lift. You could spend weeks looking up cams that way and still be lost.

Nothingbeatsavette

07-22-2009, 07:14 PM

Well I'm not picky about the replies, long as people are trying to help I appreciate it. I want to redo my exhaust so it's louder as much as anything. Stock sounds ok, but it just doesn't do it for me when I step on it lol. I've thought about removing the cats, but have to find someone willing to do it for me since it's not exactly legal. I think I know a couple people though. I also don't have a welder or cutting torch to do it myself.

vetteoz

07-22-2009, 09:52 PM

I don't know why these guys give you such a general answer for everything, a particular cam or a part number would help you, not some general duration and lift.

Because one size does not fit all :loser:

He has not stated what trans / rearend he has or his driving style other than "want to up my power and torque" for little outlay.

As Tom 400CFI states ,he wants as much lift as he can get for the duration
The stock cam is only .460 ish lift so he is up for new springs for starters.

$40 gets a set of drop in GMPP LT4/ZZ4 springs good for .525 lift.
Here is a part # for him GMPP # 12495494 set of 16.

Hot cam needs 1.6 rockers so better to get lift on cam and use stock rocker= less $$$

Comp cams 305 cam is popular with stockish LT1's ;
CC 08-305-8 LT1 good street drivability and decent vacuum. Good midrange power.

TPiS # 700-142 (expensive)

Take your pick here
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog/?action=vshop&vid=11&pcid=51

Nothingbeatsavette

07-22-2009, 10:05 PM

Thanks! As far as overall goal, I don't know that I have a real specific one, I just want more power when I put my foot into it, as well as off the line. Right now I've got a stock '95 LT1 except I used Hypertech's Power Programmer. Automatic transmission, don't know what the rear end is for sure, whatever it came with stock though although I know there were a couple options. What got me thinking about doing stuff to it (again) is that I'd like to take it up to the local drag strip here sometime just to see what it could do, but don't really wanna just take a stock Vette. I know it'd still be fun, but I just wanna see what I can do to it and how fast I can get down the strip. Blowing others away on the street is always fun too! One thing about it, I've already got 315s on the rear so I have the rubber to put the power to the road anyway. Could upgrade to drag radials but that'll come way after everything else.

vetteoz

07-23-2009, 12:13 AM

I just want more power when I put my foot into it, as well as off the line. Right now I've got a stock '95 LT1 except I used Hypertech's Power Programmer. Automatic transmission, don't know what the rear end is for sure, .

Want SOTP improvement;
change out your 2.59 gears for some 3.07 or lower gears.Best bang for buck improvement on stock auto.
The LT1 responds well to mods but you have a basically good engine held back by gearing set for economy and emissions, not performance.
A higher stall convertor will also give a good SOTP improvement

Nothingbeatsavette

07-23-2009, 11:00 AM

I do like the gear idea, after looking mine up for sure it's a 2.59. My parent's '86 has a 3.07 and is a lot more fun to drive. I'm thinking maybe the next one lower than that, 3.29 or something like that? Two questions about that though, will it affect my gas mileage much on the highway since I have overdrive, and where's a good place (site) to get gears like that?

Tom400CFI

07-23-2009, 12:54 PM

remove the cat and gut it and put it back on. You will notice a major difference with the cat removed:burnout: Now, are you speaking from experience here, or from your ***? Have you actually guttet or removed the cat(S) on a '95 to expereince the difference? Same goes for the cat back exhaust. You just recommended to a guy to spend at LEAST $300.00 for a mod that won't do squat on his stock car other than change the sound. Do you realize the differences in stock exhaust systems over the years, on C4's?

I don't know why these guys give you such a general answer for everything, a particular cam or a part number would help you, not some general duration and lift. Because there is no "ONE" right answer. Several different people w/experience building engines would pick several different cams. And probably, they'd all be "right". Certainly, they'd all make a good improvement. So rather than pretending like there is one "Holy Grail" cam for his application, I gave him the general specs that would work well. He can take those specs, and pick a brand and then a specific part number, that suits his fancy.

On the cam selection, I'm no expert Boy...you're not kidding there. First accurate post I've seen from you.

Tom400CFI

07-23-2009, 12:58 PM

Two questions about that though, will it affect my gas mileage much on the highway since I have overdrive, and where's a good place (site) to get gears like that?
1. Barely at all, if anything. I went from a 3.23 to a 3.45 and noticed zero fuel economy difference. I hand calulate every tank, and I always have.
2. Summit Racing. Jegs. Corvette Recyclers (a forum vendor here)

Gear will give you a GREAT SOTP improvement. Actual objective performance increases vary, depending on the car/combo, however.

Nothingbeatsavette

07-23-2009, 07:52 PM

So calculating every tank by hand, is it ever very far off from the car's own calculations? I have always just let the car figure it up for me and figured even if it was a little off it was close enough for me. As far as the cam, I think I'll wait on that and look into a different gear ratio first. Especially since the cam involves so much more labor anyway. I wish there was one 'holy grail' for every part so it was lots easier lol. At least we all have the holy grail of American cars though!

Tom400CFI

07-24-2009, 07:50 AM

Comparing my hand calculations to the cars claims, I have noticed that the car can be accuarate and the car can be off in either direction...all on the same car. I'm not sure why this is, but I'm guessing it has to do w/driving conditions for that particular tank. One thing I've settled on is that you can't trust the cars mileage display, and that it's more of a fairly close estimate, than a calculated result. When you divide the miles driven by the number of gallons pumped (used)...you really can't get much more accurate than that.

-Tom

Nothingbeatsavette

07-24-2009, 08:52 PM

I see. Well I don't care a whole lot unless it starts being obviously way off. I may try calculating myself just to see how close it is sometime. I've done it on my other vehicles most of the time.

85L98-84L83

07-24-2009, 10:01 PM

My 85 came with 2.73 gears and now I'm running 3.54 gears, couldn't be happier unless I had 3.75 gears:burnout:

y2kfrc

07-24-2009, 11:01 PM

Call Comp Cams and tell them what you are looking to achieve with a cam change. They will ask you several questions about your car and when you provide them with that they can give you a recommendation for a camshaft. They are a great bunch to work with. You could spend a lifetime studying all of the variables of camshafts. Comp Cams website can provide you with a wealth of knowledge. Other camshaft manufacturers can provide the same info. I used Comp Cams as an reference because I have used their service and have been completely satisfied.

vetteoz

07-24-2009, 11:52 PM

, couldn't be happier unless I had 3.75 gears

How do you know if you havent run the 3.75's in your car?

Nothingbeatsavette

07-31-2009, 02:26 PM

Well I've begun my ring and pinion gear search, started with Summtiracing.com. Anyone recommend a particular brand? There's Summit Racing, Richmond Gear, Motive Gear, Strange and Motive lol. There's also Mopar and Ford but being for a Vette I didn't figure they'd have much. Any recommendations, as well as why you recommend that brand? Thanks!

Theo

08-01-2009, 01:28 AM

I have done mine and got the ring/pinion from Richmond Gears
3.75:1
Unfortunately I am at work now and have not really driven it yet.
As per the info from vetteoz I will do a running-in procedure as well.
When I get home I will send on any feed back.

snowmanmdp

08-01-2009, 05:21 AM

I have Hooker super comp ceramics on my 85 and I love them.:thumbsup:
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll244/snowmanmdp/DSCN283510.jpg

8t8vette

08-02-2009, 10:36 AM

I agree! Comp Cams is more than happy to assist you in the right combination for your car and your desires!

8t8vette

08-02-2009, 10:42 AM

:burnout: As far as headers, I installed ceramic coated long tubes from TPIS. They were easy to install, look great. At the same time I installed true dual exhaust with an X pipe. The difference was noticeable, both sound and performance. One caution, the TPIS header is about 1/2" LOWER than the stock pipes were. COST? a little over $800 for the headers! Pricey!

rrobbo43

11-18-2009, 01:24 PM

I have a set of new Headman headersI want to sell. Part # 500-68440 but only painted black. You can see them on Jegs site. It say 283-400ci for a corbette 1984-91. They have 1-5/8 tubes and a 3" collector and have all the gaskets, header bolts and the collectorthat bolts on and goes to the exhaust.
Rob Bakersfield, Ca
phone # 661-663-7857