...title pretty much says it. Heres my situation. 305 tbi 117,000 nothing special. Its my first car and i'm using it to pretty much learn everything myself. I've done a decent amount to fix up the car but i'm looking to clear out the engine bay and maybe go for a few more ponies=Manifolds suck.

I'm looking at headers but not sure what to get/what'll fit. I AM NOT LOOKING TO GET $500 headers so please don't suggest them. This is the thread for headers on a budget
I'm looking to spend as little as possible, to clean out the engine bay, and maybe add some more horsepower(notice horsepower was second)
Searching through summit...

#1 Flowtech 11116FLT - $119.95
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

#2 Hooker 2460HKR - $159.95
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=HOK-2460HKR&N=700+4294839039+4294924927+4294908216+4294908198+4294840138+400390+115&autoview=sku

#3 Hedman 68470 - $155.95
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=HED-68470&N=700+4294839039+4294924927+4294908216+4294908198+4294840138+115&autoview=sku

#4 You suggest - < $160.00

I think it's obvious i would like to get the Flowtech's(dispite the bad reviews because they'll obvisouly cheap) but will they fit with the stock Y pipe? What's the cheapest route to go? Again, i've searched and I realize small modification required.

Any input is appreciated except telling me I should spend more $$

 

none of those will work if you want to pass emissions

as the saying goes you get what you pay for check the classifieds

 

Headers are enough of a PITA to install that it's worth waiting and saving the money to do it once, with good quality headers. They're not really going to clean up the engine bay, other than getting rid of the AIR system, which you could do with the stock manifolds too.

 

-not worried about emissions

-idk...its a dd, i love working on it but again...budget. i know i can get rid of the air with manifolds but that leaves even more space to look at the ugly things! ha idk if someone can tell me that a set of $120 will fit, clean up the engine bay/get rid of air/add minimal horsepower, I'll gladly "make" them fit

 

I agree with mesterZ2889, check the classifieds/ebay. Find a used set of "quality" headers and y-pipe. I'm sure you'll find some deals out there.

 

the real pain would be with the y-pipe. I have the Hooker 2460s and have been working great, but the y-pipe sucks...

 

I have a pair of edelbrock shorties that are painted silver without the air tubes for 85 dollars. PM me if interested

 

Either buy a set from somebody else, or save the money to get a good set.
I know it's not what you want to hear and you said it, but.
If you get cheap one's you will find yourself changing header gaskets, or living with exhaust leaks. You also said the power was second.
Why not take the manifolds off, clean them up, put a ceramic coating on them to make them cleaner, and save the money so you will have a car that is fun, and reliable.

 

The flowtech headers work ok. I had them and the optional y pipe for quite a while without problems. I think the flowtech y pipe was $100 or so. The 1.5" primaries are not bad for a 305 and way better than manifolds.

 

I agree with you, I bought a pair of cheapy summit racing shortie headers, and their basically the same as flowtech's headers. I like them, and they work great, and a good pair of y pipe is also good too.

and I still use them on my 350, and I dont regret getting them. (but my car wont ever pass an emissions. hahaha

 

If you do a search on ebay you will find a company making headers with matching y-pipe all in stainless for around $160 and free shipping. They even have the air tubes in them for emission hookup. I'll try to find it and send the exact info. I am redoing an 89 camaro for my son that was butchered under the hood. I will be using this setup in the spring when the new motor goes in. However I am ordering mine without the emission add ons since nothing is left of the original wiring or fuel injection.

 

[quote=brianstracy;3955656]If you do a search on ebay you will find a company making headers with matching y-pipe all in stainless for around $160 and free shipping.

ok they are $168 and no longer have free shipping. It is $44. They are made by ZOMK Speed shop.

 

I bought the cheap Jeg's brand headers. $90 and they came with bolts, gaskets, and collectors. I have a few hundred miles on them with the new motor and im reasonably happy with them. Only reason I went so cheap is because eventually I want to go with a Dual setup and Hedman long tubes. They will not hook up to the stock y pipe, but Hedman sells a y-pipe that is compatible with the jegs headers according to a jegs rep.

 

This isn't on topic but I just wanted to check that these are THE headers everyone talks about?
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

I had no idea that the Hooker Headers were so expensive. Also would those need to be Jet Coated too? I eventually want to swap out my LO3 (would love to see a Pontiac block in there), but as that is many years away I am considering a few upgrades (exhaust...intake, maybe heads later). Still $800 is steep. Thoughts?

 

MAC Performance offers a nearly identical setup, in stainless, for a couple hundred less.

 

I'll check out MAC then. I supposed I'll also look around for a used set. Does anyone know the difference between the 2055 and 2640 sets?

 

Also, anyone know how much horsepower the Hooker 2055s w/ y-pipe will support? I know I won't be pushing the limits with the L03 but still want to know.

 

The 2055's are emissions-legal and come with a better y-pipe. The 2460's are for off-road use only and have a not-as-good y-pipe.

 

2460s also have a not-included-in-the-price Y pipe.

 

Wrong question.

Right question: "What is the best trade-off between cost and performance? I have __________________ and it's used for ______________." (Fill in the blanks with your engine, induction, modifications, and intended use.)

You never get any of those bargain-basement headers when you ask the right question.

Hint: If it doesn't bolt in, it is going to be more expensive, regardless of what the "price" of the headers themselves is.

 

Well the guy I just talked to at Jegs said their header doesn't bolt up to any hedman y-pipe without modification.