I've read somewhere that the SLP headers won't fit alot of aftermarket heads. I have stock L98 cast heads on my 88 GTA. I'm strongly considering a head change but I'm very concerned with the SLP headers bolting up properly. What does everyone with SLP headers have for heads...any suggestions.

 

The problem isnt the heads, the problem is some SLP headers have bad or warped flanges, so they dont line up right. My were fine, and other people I know personally were fine, but some people on here have had problems. SLP should replace the header if its bad enough.

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1991 Camaro Z28
5.7L 5-Speed (originally 305)
13.25 @ 107.18 MPH
Southern California
Member: SoCal 3rd Gen F-Bodies
Webmaster: SoCal F-Bodies
-=ICON Motorsports=-

 

The main problem with SLP headers other than clearance and very close to your plugs and wires is that they even state that they will have clearance problems on some aftermarket angle plug heads. Opt for the staight plug heads if available, and this should fix that problem, but your best bet would be to call them and ask them personally what they recommend.



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Dan Young
1995 Z28/M6
Groton, CT

1985 Z28/A4
(Prospective purchase)

 

The SLP headers are OK. I have the 1 3/4" SLP headers and I've had them bolted up to Trick Flow heads and now the AFR heads.

Basically, I had the same problem with both heads and its the headers thats the main culprit. They are slightly warped like any headers are. The way I found the install the headers, is to put the rear two bolts first, leave em slightly loose, then with the ad of a crow bar pull the front tube forward so that the holes line up dead on. Install the front bolts. The middle two bolts should not be a problem now. Then tighten down all bolts.



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'87 L98 TPI IROCZ, AFR190 heads, 3.70 gears, ZZ9 cam, 2400 Art Carr TC, SLP 1 3/4" headers, SLP cat-back, no cat, no AC, no MAF screens, Accel manifold base & SuperRam, Edelbrock double roller timing chain, MSD ext coil & distributor, trans cooler, 52mm TB with airfoil, TB coolant bypass, AFPR(58psi), K&N filters, Hotchkis lowering springs, Car-Pro custom chip, Lay Ind. ram air kit, 265/45R16 Kumho V700 tires.
ET 13.39sec @ 107.21mph
'90 Eagle Talon AWD, no rust thru 9 winters
'99 Camaro SS, red, 6-spd, T-tops, Mcleod clutch, Pro 5.0 shifter, MAF processor, Direct Flow airlid, K&N filter.
313.7Hp & 320.6ft-lbf, ET 13.55sec @ 105.1mph
next mod: 4.10 rear gears

 

I bought my SLP headers used. So, the first thing I did was to take them to the machine shop and have them 'true up' the flanges. Probably one of the best things I have done. They basically ensure that the flanges are totally in-line with a machinist's straight edge. I bolted them up to both my stock iron heads and my aluminum AFR heads and have had ZERO problems. I have never had a header leak.

The guy who owned these headers before me (Kevin G.) got a couple of header leaks when he had them. I attribute that to the warped flanges. But, after I had them 'trued' they have never leaked or blown a header gasket.

Tim

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TRAXION's 1990 IROC-Z
Best Time = 12.244 @ 112.51mph (1.778 60' / 7.819@88.32mph in the 1/8)
All Natural. No Force. No Drugs. Stock Bottom End. Stock Body Panels.
Gunning for NA 11's with bigger cam, bigger stall, and bigger exhaust.
-=ICON Motorsports=-
Moderator: PROM board at thirdgen.org

 

My SLP 1 3/4" headers bolted up to my stock heads and now my Edelbrock heads fine. Just required a little persuading. Once on I've never had a header leak though, and I picked them up used for $100. I have no complaints.

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Black 88 GTA L98
New engine is in!
ZZ4 bottom end, Edelbrock 6085 heads, LT4 HOT cam, GMPP 1.6 RR's, ported stock TPI, SLP 1 3/4" headers, no cat, Dynomax cat-back
E.T.F.A Member #11