I think I'm finally gonna pick myself up some headers now that I have some cash laying around so I have a few questions. Should I get rid of my stock exhaust manifolds? About how long should I set aside to install shorty headers onto my 305 with smog and a/c accessories on there? Finally, would I be better of trying to get them in from above, below, or a combination of both?

 

I had to install mine from the bottom. The drivers side was the hardest. I'm not running any smog either. Chucked my manifolds, never going back. Took about 3 hours, but I'm slow. Try and have someone around to get the bolts started.

 

Okay so I'm on summits website trying to choose my headers and none of them say anything about a y pipe. I was under the impression they made y pipes for dual cats but I can't find any mention of them

 

You just took your exhaust manifolds off the engine and just chucked them?! I'm kinda new to these cars, but dont you need an exhaust manifold on your car? It serves some perpose does't it? And what does getting rid of that part do?

 

Headers are aftermarket exhaust manifolds basically. Much more efficient and produce MUCH more power. A buddy of mine likes to say they'll allow you to get 10% more power out of your car, however much it has. I don't know if that's exactly right, but I know headers do make a huge difference even though I don't have any just yet. They are a HUGE improvement though. The stock manifolds suck. Headers bolt up to the exact same location and help the motor breathe a lot easier.

 

thanks!!! I wont keep mine either when I get new headers (probably 2055s). Is it even possible to keep the exhaust manifolds when you install new headers?

 

No.

Headers replace exhaust manifolds. You can't have both because they are the same thing.

 

I do want to get some new headers eventually, but for now I really need to get that L69 dual snorkel air cleaner thing, and a new muffler. The muffler I have now has a huge hole in the bottom from when it blew up (my car backfired). But I was thinking...

If I'm gonna replace the muffler I might as well just get an entirely new cat-back exhaust. But if I replace the exhaust shouldn't I just replace the headers at the same time or does order not matter. Basically should the headers be done before the exhaust or does it even make a difference???

 

Hey if you cant find a dual snorker cleaner you should pick up a 14x3 open element. They help out alot too and are better than the stock air cleaner.

It would be best to do the headers & catback at the sametime. Should probably get a new cat too unless you are getting rid of it. That way you can do everything in one shot. But if you lack money like me I did my cat and catback first. I finally got some headers, now I just need to install them I need to finish my body work first though.

 

You can do them separately, but you are going to have to reduce the size of the pipe from 3" where the collector on the y-pipe comes down to 2" or 2.5" where your exhaust starts.

I have been planning out my exhaust for the last 6 months and I honestly think that taking your time and doing it right is the best way to go. It will end up saving you time and money in the end. Here is the process I went through...

1) Identify what you're trying to accomplish (In our case, it's to get the most flow possible out of our exhaust)

2) Research! Find the product(s) that best suit your needs.

In my case it was:

ACS Ceramic Coated Hooker 2055's (comes with y-pipe)
Hooker 3" HO Aerochamber Cat-Back
Catco CTO-9118 3" High Flow Catalytic Converter
Stage 8 Locking Header Bolts

I would never have figured out some very important things without reading a lot about what I wanted to accomplish. Like the fact that you need the AIR tubes reversed on a TBI car, or that you need to buy the exhaust made for a TPI car for the most flow, or that a Direct Fit catalytic will go in without modification where as a universal will not, or that locking header bolts will save me mundo time down the road.

3) Find the best place to buy the products (again, more research will save you from being ripped off)

4) Get all the info you can about the install

5) GO!

But back to your question... don't rush into anything, identify what you want to accomplish and then prepare yourself before jumping right into it. If I were you I would do the exhaust and the headers at the same time. It will save you many headaches down the road.

P.S. - Instead of the snorkel aircleaner, you will probably get more flow by spending $40 and buying an open element assembly.

 

I did the dual snorkel thing a few years back and gained nothing!... On the Trans Am, I think the air ducts are nearly covered once the hood is closed.. I have thought about getting another and trying to route the air from near the air dam... Would even like to try the factory cold air set-up on the 83-84 models, but I'd have to locate several parts including the hood...Anyways, I went to the local Advance Auto and picked up a Mr Gasket low profile open air cleaner. Once installed, noticed my revs come up a little faster... induction noise is cool too Hood closes fine too ...No drop bases needed!