I want to buy headers that will bolt on to my existing Y pipe. Can it be done or is there other mods that would need to be made. I also want to keep it smog legal, can it be done.

 

No headers will fit the stock y pipe. and once you see the stock y pipe, you'll be glad.

 

What do you do you think I should do? I might buy some Dynomax headers and a 2 chamber flowmaster from a member of this site. What would need to be done to make that work????

 

I wouldn't get dynomax headers. I know the Edelbrocks have AIR , but not sure about Hooker.

 

Let's go over the requirements, then discuss the options (these are Federal requirements that are enforced by the states per EPA guidelines):

- O2 sensor (typically located in the driver's side collector).

- A.I.R. injection at the exhaust ports during open-loop operation, to the cat (downstream of the O2 sensor) during closed loop operation (the switch is made by the ECM via the diverter valve).

- Cat in factory location.

As stated, nobody makes headers that hook to the stock y-pipe (for 3rd gens, at least - some are made for light trucks). In fact, those that make headers have unique connection joints and locations, so one guy's headers won't fit another guy's y-pipe. Therefore, you need a y-pipe made by the same manufacturer that makes the headers - and sometimes no y-pipe is available for a particular set of headers by anyone (Hooker Comp 2460 is one example).

Edelbrock, Hooker, Hedman, Pacesetter and SLP all make emissions-legal headers (shorty style) that include a y-pipe to the cat in the stock location, A.I.R. tubes, and O2 fitting. Personally, I'm most familiar with the Hooker set (p/n 2055) because that's what I've got. To the best of my knowledge, nobody makes long-tube headers in emissions-legal form, because the y-pipe is a mess to get routed over to the factory-location cat (although Mufflex apparently makes a y-pipe for long-tubes to cat - but, nobody puts A.I.R. tubes on long-tube headers for 3rd gen chassis).

From what I can gather from the Summit website, you most likely are looking at A.I.R./O2-equiped shorties, with 1-1/2" primaries. No y-pipe is available. You'll either have to have the stock piece modified, or a complete new y-pipe fabricated (a real crap shoot, price- and performance-wise). These headers are fine for a low-RPM, mild engine. But, if performance enhancements are in your plans, the primary tube size will be a restriction.

I'll second Mark's advise - by-pass these Dynomax pieces (ever wonder why he's trying to get rid of them?), and go for an emissions-legal set like Hooker, Hedman, or TES. For more bucks, the SLP's are hard to beat. Best performance/$'s seems to be the Hooker 2055's.

 

Thanks for the advice. I guess I better save up for the SLPs!