From all my reading and research I figure that SLP headers are the best ones to get for a 3rd Gen.From what people write:
1.They're the easiest instaled/fitting.
2.easiest access to plugs.
3.easiest connection to dual cats.
4.best performance.
5.priciest$$$(bad thing)
Some headers could be had cheaper but I hear all these horror stories about instalation.
Who makes a good set(no shorties) for a 90/dual cat? I wanna spend $500-600 w/instalation.My guy will install for $150,if he doesn't come accross above mentioned instalation problems in the engine bay.
Thanks in advance
Mike

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90 Formula-WS6-TPI-305/5 speed. Slightly worked.

 

SLP can basically sell you everything you need in a nutshell. They recently had their headers on sale....if you can still get the sale price then the total cost including install would be about $600.
But there has been many arguments about whether the cost is worth it...there are definitely cheaper headers out there. However, SLP are the only ones made from stainless steel which resists corrosion well.
I recently had mine installed and the only problem I had was the infamous steering rod contact....other than that installation was easy and I have easy access to all plugs and sensors.
By the way, there are 2 things you will have to consider when adding headers:
1-coating (has some plusses but not necessary if you go with SLP...can cost an extra $200)
2-90 degree spark plug wires (a must if you don't already have them installed..figure at least $50 for a good set)

Hopes this gives you better thought

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92 Camaro RS LO3, 5-spd, T-tops
Performance:
SLP 1 3/4" Headers (Coated by Paul Barry Motorsports), Flowmaster Catback Exhaust, Fastchip Performance PROM, Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, Xact 8mm wires, Open Air Element w/K&N Filter, Z28 Grille w/aftmkt fog lamps
Electronics:
Alpine 8030 Alarm System, Valentine One Radar Detector (How did I ever drive without one?), Pioneer DEH 7450 Head Unit w/6-pack CD changer, Pioneer DEQ 7600 Sound Processor, 2 Kenwood KAC-846 Amps powering 2 12" Pro Red subs, 2 Pioneer 6x9 and 2 MTX 4x6 speakers.
NEXT UP: TBI mods, Edelbrock performer intake

 

I second the slps,for the one and only reason is they dont rust,my previous Edelbrocks started to rust in less than a year and they were coated.I will never buy or recommend Edelbrocks again,and they dont for well under the car as the SLPs do,Plus with the yway the prices have been dropping its more of a reason to buy em.

 

Check the GP board, are the SLP headers still on sale?

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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=-

 

I got the edelbrocks, but i had them coated. They fit PERFECT and very easy to install. I would recommend coating both edelbrocks and SLP's in the future. It looks nice and its guarenteed forever.

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89 FORMULA 350 Edelbrock Cat-Back ,March Pulleys,Super Coil,MSD 6AL ,Edelbrock TES's, AFPR ,Shiftkit, Edelbrock Base ,AS&M Runners, Edelbrock Waterpump, ,Crane Gold 1.6 RR's, BBK 52mm TB , MSD 22# Injectors ,Hoping for 13.5

 

I just installed SLP 1 5/8" headers on my ZZ4. The passenger side was easiest to drop in place, especially after I dropped my mini starter to ease installation. Getting the bolts in was a little difficult because of the limited room.
The driver side was not too bad, after I moved the steering shaft. This side was easy to bolt, plenty room. Several of my plugs must be undone with a 5/8" wrench, since a socket will not clear the header tubes adjacent to the plug. Both muffler shops I took the car to have the new catalytic converter welded up commented on what a quality piece the the SLP headers where. I have no experience with other headers to compare them too.
I had my headers coated and am very happy with the installation and added power. I took three days to do mine to allow for problems, frustration, etc. I used Copper Seal gaskets on recommendation of several race engine builders/drivers, and against recommendations of several people on these boards. I do have a slight problem with number 6 header tube, I think the 4/6 flange is slightly warped but it is under control now. Don't waste your money on Stage 8 bolts, they don't work on SLP headers, or most others I hear! LOL. I used "Just for You" wire looms to route my plug wires and they do an excellent job.
Hope this helps.


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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI
92Z28convt5spd
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!

 

SLP Sells a good product...
But if you want the best, i'd go with the HOOKER 1 3/4 Long tubes...
They are cheaper... for the headers and that's about it they dont come with a y pipe, nor are they coated you'll end up at around 800-900 with install... But they are Unbeatable nothing compairs.

 

Say goodbye to your low end torque unless you have a heavily modified 350.
First off there are a lot of clearance problems when running long tubes. They're cheaper because of the material they're made out of. SLP is all stainless steel, has a lifetime warranty, and performance warranty that no header the same size outflows it. Anything but stainless steel will rust. Maybe in 6 months, maybe in 1 year, maybe in 10 years. It will still RUST if its not stainless. Why would you go through all that work to install headers just to do it all over again?

Long tubes are only good for cars with ALOT of mods. Superram,good flowing heads, cam. Even then you lose a lot of low end torque.
For our cars SLP is the best. There are 3rd gen owners in the 11s with SLPs




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91 Formula
305 TPI 5speed
1LE/G92/WS6
Custom K&N cold air intake, SLP airfoil, ported & hi-polished plenum, March pulleys, TB coolant bypass,Crane AFPR (47psi),94 octane,Crane Gold 1.6rrs,10*BTDC,MSD coil,MSD6AL, Holley 9mm wires,Bosch O2sensor, SLP 1 5/8 headers,SLP catback,3:73s,180* t-stat,JET 195* fan switch, Macewen white face gauges, Autometer gauges, Zoom hi-performance clutch.
Street legal with stock throttle body, runners,intake manifold,cam, and heads.

 

That's right, Hookers are not stainless... They are aluminium (long tubes) But if you look at my price estimate it ends up at 900 that's due to the JETHOT coating. When you send JETHOT your slp coated headers, they sand blast them down anyways. In the long run Hookers arent Cheaper.... they're more expensive... and yes you will loose hardcore amounts of torque if you arent putting out some serious numbers

 

SLP makes a nice header. I have the 1-3/4 headers with the 3 inch cat back.I had to dimple the drivers side next to the steering shaft,and rework my hotchkis subframe connector on the passenger side. It was a pain,but I'm happy with the results! 92 TRANSAM 350 TPI ALL SLP OPTIONS .

 

Thanks a lot for the info, guys. I guess, bottom line, SLP whould be would more cost effective even thuogh the price tag(parts only) is in the high spectrum.
So my question is: If I put 1 5/8 headers on my stock TPI 305 5/speed motor, will I get bottom end torque loss?
Keeping in mind that the 5/speed 305s got treated to better cams than the 350+305 autos.

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90 Formula-WS6-TPI-305/5 speed. Slightly worked.

 

350+305 autos? No, your 305 5-speed G92 dual-cat car has the same cam as a 350 car of the same year. You wont have any torque loss with the 1 5/8" headers. I bet you'll gain both torque and HP. I did. I gained almost 3 tenths when I installed SLP 1 5/8" headers on my 350 5-speed.

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West Coast GM Shootout 2001!
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=-

 

I read somewhere that 305/350 autos got "peanut cams" and the 5/speed got a somewhat of hi-perf cam.Do to this the 350 had only a 10 horses more than the 305/5sp.I guess a "peanut" cam from a 350 was considered an upgrade for a 305.
So you mated the 350 to the 5/speed. Beautiful!They should have made that an option, originally.Auto w/a manual valve body might have some questionable advantages in a straight line but nothing beats a nice V8 with a stick for an all around good time.
just my non-negotiable opinion

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90 Formula-WS6-TPI-305/5 speed. Slightly worked.

 

Not quite. The 350 TPIs never had the peanut cam. They have their own cam, the 'L98' cam. Speed Density LB9s have this cam as well. MAF 305 TPI autos have the peanut cam, and MAF 305 TPI 5 speed cars have the L98 cam.

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91 Trans Am WS6
Bright White
5.0 TPI auto
Flowmaster 3" 2 chamber catback
Trans Go shiftkit
2000 stall converter

Built on Wednesday

 

I'm running SLP 1 3/4 headers right now but am switching to Hooker super comp's because the SLP ones WILL NOT CLEAR my angle plug heads! I had to pound and pound my tubes to clear them. Hookers will clear, also i'm sure i won't lose any HP or TQ in my 388 from installing them. Also i had to pound my new SLP ones just to clear the steering shaft.

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White 92 RS,388 cu.in.N/A
3.73 gears,auburn posi
Best 60 ft : 1.97
Best 1/4 : 12.679
all runs made on BFG Radials (NOT DRAG)
Complete Steve Spohn Rear Suspension
Full Custom Dash full of Autometer guages
Extremely Loud Stereo !
Driven Daily

[This message has been edited by Slush92RS (edited January 11, 2001).]

 

Yeah, but from your signature you don't have stock heads on your stock 305 motor, like I do, right?
I'm really interested in anyone's account on installing SLP headers on a 90 or so Formula,dual-cat, TPI305 w/stick car.
Thanks to all for your input, guys.

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90 Formula-WS6-TPI-305/5 speed. Slightly worked.