I am currently in the process of shopping for headers. But I was wondering about the weird tubes that come out of the stock manifolds? What do I do about these? If I get non emission compatible headers do I just leave those tubes there? Or do I weld them shut? Also will I run into any problems putting non emission headers? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

They are emissions lines, its the smog pump air inlets. The smog pump pumps the fresh air into the exhaust at those locations. MOST headers offered do NOT have those air inlet hose fittings. If you are worried about emissions, Summit offers a couple sets of headers with the inlet bungs, but if you are not worried about emissions, rip em off and cap the black check valve with a heater hose cap and a hose clamp like I did. If you keep the manifolds on you have to plug the holes in the manifolds, the fittings you need are NPT (National Pipe Thread) Brass cap fitting for 1/4" pipe. You can find them for $1.25 a piece at True Value. Also get some pipe dope that is fuel resistant, also at True Value, comes in like a toothpaste tube for something like $4.50.

Also, ANY header you buy, shorty or long tube will need a different Y-pipe or have an exhaust shop modify your existing Y-pipe. The Y-pipe needs to be shortened, and if you get a bigger collector than stock, need to be expanded.