ok im running open headers on my LS1. It's a '00 block with the custom Long Tube headers made from stainless works to fit in my 3rd gen. Is it safe to run open headers for roughly 1000 miles or at all? ive seen guys run open headers on lS1's in 4th gen's but never heard any negative feedback..... anyone know if it'll be alright? if the back pressure will be a problem or not good for the aluminum block? anything i need to worry about?
Charlie

 

The only problem I can see are the following:

1) cops
2) exhaust fumes in the cabin
3) possibly fouling out any emissions equipment you might have.

 

we just did it on a 98 ws6 with a stroker motor for the woodward dream cruise. (Only because we ran out of time to get the exhaust done) Drove about 40 miles round trip to and from woodward. Didnt notice any problems other then setting off car alarms and dirty looks from the people next to us at lights. Long term did we hurt anything on the block? i highly doubt it but im not 100% sure.

 

other then the possibility of igniting any leaked oil residue, or anything of that nature directly behind the header, no.

it wont damage your engine/valves/heads/whatever.

it CAN overheat the fuel lines (plastic LT1 lines are known for this..)


just imagine a 2ft flame coming out... if a flame kissing the stuff would ignite or damage it (think wires, plastic, etc) then you cant.
if its mostly open with just floorpan there... then yea.. go for it.

if you cant do it because it will go on the fuel line or something, you could always slip on some 45* bends to work as turndowns until you have a proper exhaust fitted... also, it will SEEM quiter to the driver with turndowns.... however, to the person outside the car, it will still be stupidly loud.

 

you will burn the valves. its ok to fire it up or just at the track. but 1k mile thats a no go. and you need a bit of pipe so the o2 reads correctly

 

Thanks, the LS1 is in my 86 Firebird, i havent turned it over yet just cranked it, with the open headers before i went ahead and started it... i have the computer 'tuned' for what its worth with all emissions removed from the harness and computer along with two o2 sensors removed (properly)...
My fuel lines have all been replaced with stainless steel, and i have welded sheet metal over the lines to the body beside the headers just to keep some temp away... so in other words i dont have the rubber/plastic 4th gen lines...
The valves burning up is the situation i was wondering about and was my main concern
thanks
Charlie
will have pics up soon

 

That's debateable. Just like I-beam vs. H-beam rods.

But, if I were you, I would put something on after the headers. At least for the noise factor.

 

better safe then sorry

 

exhaust fumes are dangerous and could be deadly be careful!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

its not even debatable. it doesnt happen.. but people like their urban legends....



but i agree with you.... i would put atleast two feet of tubing after the headers.... doing that alone will quiet it alot, but wont choke it or anything.

 

Agreed. I'm of the "it doesn't happen" camp. But short of making flat out statements that could start opinions aflyin', saying it's debateable somewhat deflates that possibility.

 

Becareful with the hawks 3" lsx stainless headers. You will need something if you have the factory fuel line routing as my car just started on fire today in my driveway while revving from under the car....either from a) excess fuel vapors or b) heat/flames hitting my fuel line.
Luckily nothing was damaged as I caught it right away with a water hose, but still is scary.

I had the car started no problem the past few days heated up and everything, but today it just said no and started on fire. Careful