What I think about Pacesetter after the install

[blackfire93]

I just got done installing my Pacesetter mids a few weeks ago and I have a few complaints that I just want to let everybody know about.

First thing that I noticed was that they sent me paper gaskets. I had already heard about this before, so I wasn't too disappointed. I used fel-pro gaskets for the headers. After running open around with just a y-pipe on... my paper gaskets at the 2.5" collectors were already leaking so I replaced them with mr. gasket collector gaskets. Also, the collectors come with self locking nuts. I just used normal nuts with locking washers and lock tight to make things quite a bit easier. Shorter bolts also made things a little easier on the passengers side collector.

Next thing was all the little welding specks that were all over the inside of the tubes and some on the outside. They could have at least knocked them off before putting the coating on.

The AIR and EGR hookups needed a ton of muscle to get all the way seated. I would recommend screwing something with the same size of threads in each one all the way before actually hooking up the AIR and EGR. Do this with the headers outside of the car also because like I said it takes lots of muscle. I couldn't even get the EGR hookup all the way seated because there was one of those little welding tits that i was talking about on the threads.

The steering linkage rubbed a little bit, but that wasn't really a big deal. Just had to adjust it a little bit and use a file on the corners.

They only send you 11 header bolts because they want you to use the old bolt that goes on the front of the passengers side header. This way you can mount the alternator bracket on the old bolt. I was unable to get the bracket to mount correctly because the headers use different bolt holes in the heads so the angle was off. Also with the reused 9/16 bolt i wasn't able to get my socket all the way down on it after it was so far in so I had to put 2 other nuts on top of it to be able to tighten it. I should have went to the hardware store and just gotten another 3/8 bolt, but now I'm afraid of breaking the seal if i take the 9/16 bolt out so I'll just let it be.

Spark plug clearance isn't as bad as I thought it would be with all the complaints that I have read about it.

I also want to advise people to just remove the dipstick right away because the slightest little bend in it could lead to a little bit of frustration when trying to get it back in.

With the dipstick out, everything was easy to uninstall and install. The clearance below the car is awesome. I definately noticed a little bit of a power gain. I'm running right along with my friends 2004 vortec supercharged mach 1. Last time I was able to do that was before he put the supercharger on it. I also want to say that after the car is warmed up it sounds great with the exhaust running through an ORY and loudmouth... not too much louder at idle but when you step on the gas its definately loud. Not to much different that running around with the exhaust cut off at the y-pipe.

[Z Ya Later]

Glad to see I'm not the only one that had/has complaints about the smog fittings and steering linkage clearance with Pacesetter headers. I didn't even bother with the supplied gaskets or bolts, just picked up a set of ARP bolts and Percy's header and collector gaskets. I also had the problem with the dipstick being in the way of the pass. side header. How is the Y-pipe clearance with the K-member? That's been my other complaint. But they do sound great . Scares the heck outta those not suspecting the growl.

[RICEATER94Bird]

i personally have no complaints with my pacesetters. but that may be because i have longtubes. just like any other header install it was a PITA but they are good quality and gave a really good power gain. i also used the gaskets and bolts that came with the headers and have had no problems so far and i have had them on for 1 year now.

[scbird1]

Well now I have Pacesetter Ceramic Coated headers and had all the same problems. They have been on the car for a little over a year and the pipes underneath are so rusted that im glad I saved my stock manifolds. I cant keep a gaskets on this dam thing for nothing infact its leaking still as things have worped a bit. Next time I will buy anything but pacesetter.

[93/96 f-body]

I have a set of coated longtubes. And i was surprised how well they fit and cleared. My dip stick tube even cleared ok w/o bending. Even cleared the k-member and the steering. I only had to remove the plastic cover. They actually slid into place easier than the MAC shorties i had on my 96SS.
But the second time i knew what i was facing. I removed the paint off the section of the dip stick tube thats in the oil pan. Put some grease on it and slid in no problems. The last time it was a pita to get back in. I just installed a SLP LM. Hope to finish valve adjustment and plug wires and hear this thing rumble!

[blackfire93]

How is the Y-pipe clearance with the K-member? That's been my other complaint.

No problems there, but how did you fix that problem?

[DHolmes]

My first Q is how much did u pay for the pacesetter header's,Do you think it was worth the money / considering HP gains,how much hp to expect,Are they smog legal,and how can I figure out what fit's my borla y pipe,headers are the last thing I really dont have on my car,Im really interested in getting a pair,

[RICEATER94Bird]

i got mine for $500 with the y-pipe and everything. but those were longtubes so if you were to get shortys i'd expect them to be cheaper. they are ceramic coated too. i havnt had any problems with mine yet so i would reccomend them to you. would you be getting shorts or longtubes?

[DHolmes]

what ever gives me the most hp,and the least problem when I smog

[RICEATER94Bird]

well you'll defnitely get more hp out of the longtubes but the problem is the smog. it comes with all the emissions hook ups but the reason they wont pass smog is because with the longtube headers you would have to relocate the cat. and if they smog place is very tight they might not pass you on the inspection. do u have to get your car smogged anytime soon?

[Z Ya Later]

No problems there, but how did you fix that problem?

I had the Y-pipe welded together to help maintain the 1/4" clearance that's there at the moment. However, I'm tired of having to take it in because the bolts on the Y-pipe keep coming off (pretty sure its because the Y-pipe is a little too narrow), so I'm gonna have my exhaust shop fab up a new Y-pipe with better clearances and such when I get the chance, if they're up for it.

[DHolmes]

well you'll defnitely get more hp out of the longtubes but the problem is the smog. it comes with all the emissions hook ups but the reason they wont pass smog is because with the longtube headers you would have to relocate the cat. and if they smog place is very tight they might not pass you on the inspection. do u have to get your car smogged anytime soon?

No smog comin up,but I always have a hard time getting car's smoged

[dochidalgo]

Retaken the question from DHolmes about "what ever gives me the most hp" regarding shorties, mids or long tube headers, I've read these comments:

1) Shorties and mids delivers more HPs in the lower RPMs range...that means they are worth to get a fast launch?
2) Long tubes perform better at the higher RPMs range or.."..primary lengths play a large role in horsepower and torque curves. The longer the runner the better scavenging effect it will have with the collector..." There is not a single mid length header on the planet that will make the same power as long tube headers.....Shorty and mid length headers are not worth spending your money(Tony Sheperd from fastz93.com)
3) Mids 3/4 perform almost the same long tubes

Well, it must exist a solid facts to make the shorties and mids worth some HPs, i guess....or in other words, each kind of header will deliver specific benefits in terms of HPs/RPMs...

I hope and I would appreciate some light about this issue new for me...( I already make a very good deal with new BBK ceramic shorty headers)

Thanks a lot in advance
Dochidalgo

[Joe 1320]

I see a few misconceptions.

long tubes make more torque at lower rpms giving some the false impression that long tubes make more total horsepower. It is common practice to add a collector extension in automatic equipped drag cars to amplify the torque below the torque peak. The reason this is done is because the car spends more time below the torque peak. this should tell you right away that the longer the header tube and collector (up to a point), the more it aids low end torque. That point is where the exhaust gasses begin to cool, typically about 5-8 inches past the collector to primary union in a long tube header.

Shorties make the most power at upper rpm ranges with a sacrifice of a little low end torque. I've seen quite a few examples of shortie equipped cars running the same times as long tube cars. It's all in the combination. Those that say shorties are a waste don't take into account the powertrain combination, the intended useage as well as the proper rear end gear. I find the statement that "shorties are a waste" hogwash, I don't care who makes the statement. Like I said, there are lots of examples.... mine included..... a stock head and cam shortie header Lt-1 automatic that consistantly went 107mph in the quarter......and consistantly in line with what long tube header cars ran.

The bottom line is that for a stick shift car, shorties will give you plenty of low, mid and upper end punch when combined with a good flowing Y pipe and catback. In an automatic, make sure you have a good flowing Y pipe and cat back to compliment those headers..... you'll run just fine, provided you have traction.

The big bonus of the shorties is good ground clearance, most are smog legal and are a little easier in regards to the install. I've had enough cars with both long tubes and shorties to make the statement that not all headers are created equal, crappy long tubes will not perform as well as good shorties, and race decals are not worth 15HP.

[dochidalgo]

Thanks Joe...
I hope my BBK shorties+Random Tech high flow dual cats Y pipe+SLP two on the left will give me a few HPs extra and better sound at least, or in other words, a better performance than my stock headers with the same non stockY pipe and cat back...
My very best regards
dochidalgo