So i was reading one of those threads at the top of the topic page there. so i was reading it and it says that the headers for a TBI engine are smaller then the ones for a TPI, does it really make that much of a difference? and also it says that it is possible to modify the TPI ones to fit the TBI engine, but is it worth the time or is the TBI ones good enough?

 

the headers for tbi have smaller primaries so they bolt up to the tbi's smaller exhaust 2.5" while tpi headers have bigger primaries for 3". theirs no mods really required to bolt up tpi headers to a tbi. with tpi headers you will lose the heater tube that runs from the drivers side exhaust manifold to the intake.

 

is the heater tube that runs from the drivers side exhaust manifold to the intake a neccesaty or can u do without it? and would i still pass inspection?

 

You can do without it unless you live in arctic climates. TBI and TPI headers have the same primary sizes. Typically they are 1 5/8. In most cases (except for SLP's) other kits that have 1 1/2" or 1 3/4" primaries are tailored as a universal header and do not have TPI or TBI specific connections. This means there will be some slight fab work onbehalf of the owner. The TBI specific headers come with a heat stove for the thermac as well as a smaller y-pipe to mate to the stock cat. If you have an open air element you have already bypassed the thermac and have no need for a heat stove. You want to buy TPI specific kits (some TPI kits) so that you get a 3" y-pipe. This ghowever requires you to run a 3" cat and then a 3" cat-back. That is why it is better to replace the whole exhaust at once and not have to worry about adapting any reducers.

 

well i live in New England, and by an open air element you mean for the air filter right? if thats what you mean i already have that. and sorry i just wana make sure im understanding everything right i dont mean to sound stupid or anything, and hey thanks for all the help so far.

 

You are correct. An open air element it a round air cleaner that is typically found on carburated cars. It is a large (14x3 or so) open paper filter. By using one of these you have already eliminated the use of the thermac.

 

ok im understanding now, so what do you recommend for headers back for my 305 TBI?

 

Take a look at the Mac's, Hooker 2055's or SLP's. They are all on par with each other and have the best overall design when compaired to the others.

 

i like my hedman Lts, except i can't keep the driver side bolts tight and keep burning up the cheap paper gaskets, even when i double up on them.

save yourself the hassle and get locking header bolts and copper/aluminum gaskets.

Or be like me, and learn to change a header gasket in 25 minutes every 3 weeks, lol.

Brandon