Pacesetter mid tube headers

[SeanC]

Hey guys,

My cylinder heads are off my 96 LT1 and I figured it might be a good time to put a pair of headers on (funny how we all look for excuses to add mods haha). Anyway, I can't get long tubes because of the fact that they relocate the cats, but I have been looking at the pacesetter mid tubes. These can bolt up to STOCK factory exhaust, correct? I'm just slightly unsure because of the second cat on my car. From what I have read, they basically just drop into place of your manifolds. I have also read about the cheap bolts and gaskets that come with these; does anyone have any first hand experience? Sorry to bring up yet another header discussion, but I really can't seem to find answers to my questions. Thank you!

[ConElite]

If im not mistaken, anything but shorties will relocate the cat/s thus making the illegal in states like California.

[Z Ya Later]

I'm running them on my 93. They're decent, but not the best. The clearance isn't that great on for the steering joint, the Y-pipe gets close to the K-member and the fitting for the driver's side A.I.R. connector wasn't threaded properly.

Now, I'm assuming you're referring to these headers, correct? If so, they look like they should hook up to the second cat without a problem.

As for the gaskets and bolts, I didn't use the ones that came with mine. The gaskets look and feel cheap and I went with 12-point bolts instead of the standard 6-point ones. I went with these header gaskets and these bolts when I installed mine. I believe they should work on yours as well, but you might want to double-check to be sure. As for the collector gaskets, I'm not sure which would work for you. Hope this helps.

If im not mistaken, anything but shorties will relocate the cat/s thus making the illegal in states like California.

No, I'm running the Pacesetter mid's on my Z and they're perfectly legal, as they do not relocate the cat. Do some research.

[SeanC]

Is there another company who makes a better mid-tube header? The more and more I read about these, the worse they sound. I'm almost debating just putting the manifolds back on and ordering a loudmouth (considering that my exhaust is completely stock). That was my original plan, but this just seemed like a good opportunity. I've had enough headaches taking this car apart, the last thing I want is my brand new set of headers not fitting right when I put it back together! What do you guys think?

[Injuneer]

I believe SLP and JBA make emissions legal headers for the dual-cat 96/97 cars. To be legal, they have to have the CARB-EO tag welded to the headers. The big problem with the emissions legal dual-cat headers is the way the driver's side wraps up over the valve cover, so the flange for the stock driver's side cat will be in the stock location. That puts a lot of heat up high in the engine compartment, and with some dual-cat headers, they melt things in the engine compartment. AS&M had an emissions legal dual-cat header, bur they had so many problems with melting things, they stopped making them.

There's a CARB website where you can go and look up the emissions legal aftermarket parts, but its so poorly organized (at least last time I looked) that its very difficult to find anything.

[Z Ya Later]

Yeah, the CARB database is very poorly organized. Also, SLP stopped selling their headers for LT1 cars as well. Edelbrock sells a set made of stainless steel instead of mild steel and they're coated, but a couple hundred more. Here's the link...

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

As for getting a cat-back over headers, well, that's kind of a toss-up. People usually go for the cat-back first since its easier, less to worry about and the gains are still good. The Loudmouth might not be a bad way to go. I've got the LM 1 on my Z, sounds mean.

[SeanC]

I guess i'm kind of forcing the issue since now is the optimal time to do it. I think i've decided to hold off so I don't end up with something that i'm not going to want in the future. I think i'm just going to save the money for the LM. I'm torn between the LMI and II. I understand that the LMII is a bit quieter. I want as loud as possible, but not so loud where you can barely even hear yourself think in the car. Its hard to figure out which one, since there are so many different opinions out there! I guess either way I could change the resonator.

[Z Ya Later]

I'm running a modified LM I on my Z. The guy I bought the kit off of swapped the resonator with a Sweet Thunder muffler. Here's mine with the Pacesetters...

http://home.comcast.net/~budlopez/sounds/idling.aif

http://home.comcast.net/~budlopez/sounds/revving.aif

[ConElite]

No, I'm running the Pacesetter mid's on my Z and they're perfectly legal, as they do not relocate the cat. Do some research.

As I said If im not mistaken, Which I was. Sorry. chill

Just Messin

From what I can remember the 93's have one single cat which makes it a little more easy to install MIds. BUt im MORE than likely wrong.