I'm currently in the process of swapping an '85 L98 Corvette engine into my '87 Firebird and have some questions with regards to exhaust headers. What exhaust headers will give me the best sound and performance boost. As far as sound goes, I'm looking for something deep and thunderous. Something that gets attention. Additionally I'd prefer something that will simply bolt on without any custom fitting. Also would it be best to install the headers before or after putting the engine into the car? Thanks.

 

You need big exhaust pipe to get that noise. That's the key ingredient.

And a muffler that is either straight thru, or baffled with only one or two chambers. No 'S' tube mufflers that are good at quieting exhaust noise.

 

The sound that you're seeking is actually because of high compression and cam overlap. It's the sound of naturally aspirated horsepower and all the supporting mods to make it happen.

Bottom line is if you make choices for performance then the sound will happen by accident. And you'll have the spunk to back it up.

 

That makes sense, thanks for the information man. Do you know of any headers for an l98 in particular that will fit a third gen Firebird and support a true dual set-up?

 

Hooker BlackHeart has dual 2.5" kit and long tube headers. It goes down the tunnel so do your homework whether it will fit around your transmission, and you'll probably need their double-hump trans crossmember too in order to get the pipes tucked up high for ground clearance.