LSx Swap headers
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 704
Likes: 2
From: Beloeil, Quebec
Car: IROC-Z
Engine: LSx
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Fabbed 9"
Re: LSx Swap headers
HI guys, I picked up my headers today, and they look great. But when I got home and took a closer look I noticed the tubes looked a little small. So I got out my dial calipers and guess what, 1 5/8''. I was a little disapointed. Hawks ad says 1 3/4'' primary, 3'' collector. It was too late to call back when I discovered this. I am going to call monday morning snd see whats up. Just wanted to give you guys a heads up, so you can check yours when they arrive. I think the 1 5/8'' would be ok for a stock engine, but I plan on mods. Oh by the way Hawk's dosen't even have a 1 5/8'' LS swap header listed. Later, Dean.
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Mt.Holly, NC USA
Car: 1988 Camaro, 1986 S10, 2000 Harley
Engine: LS6
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.75 9" ford trac loc
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Mt.Holly, NC USA
Car: 1988 Camaro, 1986 S10, 2000 Harley
Engine: LS6
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.75 9" ford trac loc
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Crestview, FL.
Car: 1989 IROC-Z, 1979 Malibu Classic
Engine: LSx 5.3
Transmission: MN12 6-speed, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: LSx Swap headers
man those look sweet! so these already have the O2 sensor bungs welded in!? that's awesome if they do!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Re: LSx Swap headers
those are awefully shiney...and don't have the stainless works tag on them...
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 704
Likes: 2
From: Beloeil, Quebec
Car: IROC-Z
Engine: LSx
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Fabbed 9"
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 20
From: Boston, MA
Car: 1983 Pontiac Trans Am Daytona 500
Engine: Crossfire 305ci V8
Transmission: Jasper 700R4 4 speed Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.23 limited slip/posi
Re: LSx Swap headers
awesome headers
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Mt.Holly, NC USA
Car: 1988 Camaro, 1986 S10, 2000 Harley
Engine: LS6
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.75 9" ford trac loc
Re: LSx Swap headers
Yes the deal was for polished stainless, and I really don't care who fabed them, but I needed the 1 3/4" 3" collector as stated in ad. I will see how Hawk's customer service is tomorrow. Dean.
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Mt.Holly, NC USA
Car: 1988 Camaro, 1986 S10, 2000 Harley
Engine: LS6
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.75 9" ford trac loc
Re: LSx Swap headers
I expect mine to be 1 3/4" as well. I don't see a set that is 1 5/8" on their website either. So the expectation is that they are 1 3/4" w/ 3" collector.
Last edited by Shinobi'sZ; Aug 16, 2009 at 11:27 PM.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Crestview, FL.
Car: 1989 IROC-Z, 1979 Malibu Classic
Engine: LSx 5.3
Transmission: MN12 6-speed, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: LSx Swap headers
How are these measured? inside diameter or outside diameter?
Thanks, Dan
Thanks, Dan
Re: LSx Swap headers
they guys who brought the ssw LT's from hawks before, how does your head flanges look after usage ? were they stainless or plated steel ?
Also what are the pros and cons of 1"5/8 vs 1" 3/4?
Also what are the pros and cons of 1"5/8 vs 1" 3/4?
Last edited by screeminchicken; Aug 17, 2009 at 10:20 AM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Mt.Holly, NC USA
Car: 1988 Camaro, 1986 S10, 2000 Harley
Engine: LS6
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.75 9" ford trac loc
Re: LSx Swap headers
Guys, I talked with Bruce at Hawk's this morning, and the situation has been resolved. If anyone has any issues I would call Bruce. Also, I wouldn't hesitate to do business with Hawk's again, they have GREAT customer service.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Crestview, FL.
Car: 1989 IROC-Z, 1979 Malibu Classic
Engine: LSx 5.3
Transmission: MN12 6-speed, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: LSx Swap headers
So what is Hawk's going to do? are they going to send us the right ones? And how much of a difference will 1/8th of an inch make?
Thanks, Dan
Thanks, Dan
Last edited by dynodanmanda79; Aug 17, 2009 at 07:34 PM.
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 704
Likes: 2
From: Beloeil, Quebec
Car: IROC-Z
Engine: LSx
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Fabbed 9"
Re: LSx Swap headers
What does that mean?? I live in Canada, and having them shipped @ a US adress about 1 hour from home. Im not really in a position where I can send them back? I mean... errr.. ugh
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Crestview, FL.
Car: 1989 IROC-Z, 1979 Malibu Classic
Engine: LSx 5.3
Transmission: MN12 6-speed, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: LSx Swap headers
My headers just came in tonight, unfortunately I didn't get to see them because they are at my parents' house and they live 25 miles away. I'll post some pics this coming weekend, my dad measured them and he said they were 1-3/4 primaries
Re: LSx Swap headers
looks like there were only a few that got messed up. Spike-Z, for ur case I hope u got the right one.
if not talk to bruce, I am sure he will work things out with you and make it right for you.
when u head to us border, dont forget the callipers.
if not talk to bruce, I am sure he will work things out with you and make it right for you.
when u head to us border, dont forget the callipers.
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 704
Likes: 2
From: Beloeil, Quebec
Car: IROC-Z
Engine: LSx
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Fabbed 9"
Re: LSx Swap headers
Ok, Ill try to go this week-end. Oh and what calipers?
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 42
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Re: LSx Swap headers
Thanks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Re: LSx Swap headers
yup, they work with the stock one, and any tubular one. i'm still running my stock k-member and have no issues. actually, since i'm not running much of anything for accessories (ac, power steering, etc) the headers slip right in from the top, they are a WAYS away from the k-member, and a-arm perches. NO clearance issues at all with these headers.
yes, they will change color, though i'm not sure how the polished ones will react. probably do the same mine did, turn blue-ish, then kind of a bronze color close to the collectors.
i do no know what the header flange is made from. when i get back home tonight or tomorrow i'll look to see what they're doing. last i knew, they still looked brand new after 5 months of street riding and 9 quarter mile blasts.
yes, they will change color, though i'm not sure how the polished ones will react. probably do the same mine did, turn blue-ish, then kind of a bronze color close to the collectors.
i do no know what the header flange is made from. when i get back home tonight or tomorrow i'll look to see what they're doing. last i knew, they still looked brand new after 5 months of street riding and 9 quarter mile blasts.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Crestview, FL.
Car: 1989 IROC-Z, 1979 Malibu Classic
Engine: LSx 5.3
Transmission: MN12 6-speed, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: LSx Swap headers
yeah I bet these are gonna turn blue, it would've been even sweeter if these were ceramic coated. Oh well, better than getting bare ones for $800 without the group purchase
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Mt.Holly, NC USA
Car: 1988 Camaro, 1986 S10, 2000 Harley
Engine: LS6
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.75 9" ford trac loc
Re: LSx Swap headers
[quote=screeminchicken;4256292]looks like there were only a few that got messed up. Spike-Z, for ur case I hope u got the right one.
if not talk to bruce, I am sure he will work things out with you and make it right for you.
Correct.
if not talk to bruce, I am sure he will work things out with you and make it right for you.
Correct.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Re: LSx Swap headers
are you going devulge what actually happened and how it's getting rectified?
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Mt.Holly, NC USA
Car: 1988 Camaro, 1986 S10, 2000 Harley
Engine: LS6
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.75 9" ford trac loc
Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TEXAS
Car: 2x1991 & 2000 Camaros
Engine: 350, 305 & LS1
Transmission: TH-700R4 and 4l60E
Re: LSx Swap headers
Delivery for me should be sometime tomorrow.
I'll try to be here for it and make the necessary measurements.
I'll try to be here for it and make the necessary measurements.
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 10
From: PA
Car: 86 Trans AM
Engine: LS1 (not stock...)
Transmission: Built T56
Axle/Gears: Strange 12-bolt w/ 3.73
Re: LSx Swap headers
Man those polished units sure are puuurrty. Ide hate to have to keep those clean though. Mine werent polished, and they are still nice looking. They just got dull. Im betting, like others, that these turn blue close to the head. But I kinda like that... I like when bikes have the blue up near the heads..even though I think that means its running rich/lean.
Is anyone buying the y-pipe these days? Or does everyone skip it in favor of a custom taylored piece?
J.
Is anyone buying the y-pipe these days? Or does everyone skip it in favor of a custom taylored piece?
J.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Re: LSx Swap headers
i think most skip it because they've read yours and others experience with it. most people who are doing this swap and decide to use longtubes are running duals as well (from what i can tell). my single 4" was awesome till i had to sump my tank, now the muffler can't be back there anymore, so i cut it up and put the muffler under the car with a dump....now i'm wanting to redo it with a dual setup because i hate the way it looks under the car.
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 10
From: PA
Car: 86 Trans AM
Engine: LS1 (not stock...)
Transmission: Built T56
Axle/Gears: Strange 12-bolt w/ 3.73
Re: LSx Swap headers
Haha...true. I guess my thread doesnt exactly advocate the use of the y-pipe. I would have thought that Spohn and Hawks would have conspired and come up with something that works...really making the swap a bolt in affair. Exhaust is the worst part IMO.
I would LOVE to do a dual set up with a crossover. I just wish there was more room under the car. With the torque arm, and no tunnel its just a royal pain. I know its doable...I just dont think its for me haha. Maybe if I had a mandrel bender and patience for exhaust.
Maybe someday someone will come up with a catback dual set up that bolts in... Something that you need to make your own connectors to the collectors for, but the rest is ready to go. **COUGH COUGH (vendors) COUGH COUGH**
J.
I would LOVE to do a dual set up with a crossover. I just wish there was more room under the car. With the torque arm, and no tunnel its just a royal pain. I know its doable...I just dont think its for me haha. Maybe if I had a mandrel bender and patience for exhaust.
Maybe someday someone will come up with a catback dual set up that bolts in... Something that you need to make your own connectors to the collectors for, but the rest is ready to go. **COUGH COUGH (vendors) COUGH COUGH**
J.
Re: LSx Swap headers
Haha...true. I guess my thread doesnt exactly advocate the use of the y-pipe. I would have thought that Spohn and Hawks would have conspired and come up with something that works...really making the swap a bolt in affair. Exhaust is the worst part IMO.
I would LOVE to do a dual set up with a crossover. I just wish there was more room under the car. With the torque arm, and no tunnel its just a royal pain. I know its doable...I just dont think its for me haha. Maybe if I had a mandrel bender and patience for exhaust.
Maybe someday someone will come up with a catback dual set up that bolts in... Something that you need to make your own connectors to the collectors for, but the rest is ready to go. **COUGH COUGH (vendors) COUGH COUGH**
J.
I would LOVE to do a dual set up with a crossover. I just wish there was more room under the car. With the torque arm, and no tunnel its just a royal pain. I know its doable...I just dont think its for me haha. Maybe if I had a mandrel bender and patience for exhaust.
Maybe someday someone will come up with a catback dual set up that bolts in... Something that you need to make your own connectors to the collectors for, but the rest is ready to go. **COUGH COUGH (vendors) COUGH COUGH**
J.
Thanks, Steven
Hawks Third Gen
Member




Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 255
Likes: 9
From: Humid Houston on the Texas coast
Car: '86 Z28
Engine: SDPC TPI 350
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi
Re: LSx Swap headers
We are in developement right now on a custom crossmember and Y-pipe for maximum clearence. Nothing for the dual setup right now though, I will put in a good word for you guys though and see what we can do on the dual setup. I have attached a teaser picture for you guys....
Thanks, Steven
Hawks Third Gen
Thanks, Steven
Hawks Third Gen
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 10
From: PA
Car: 86 Trans AM
Engine: LS1 (not stock...)
Transmission: Built T56
Axle/Gears: Strange 12-bolt w/ 3.73
Re: LSx Swap headers
NOW we're talking! That looks exactly like the y-pipe I ended up building haha. It stinks that our space is so limited under these cars. It certainly doesnt make things any easier.
Glad to hear talks of a dual set up...I know that'd be an engineering challenge, just hoping there's a solution. I know Ide be in assuming it was affordable at the time haha.
J.
Glad to hear talks of a dual set up...I know that'd be an engineering challenge, just hoping there's a solution. I know Ide be in assuming it was affordable at the time haha.
J.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 20
From: Boston, MA
Car: 1983 Pontiac Trans Am Daytona 500
Engine: Crossfire 305ci V8
Transmission: Jasper 700R4 4 speed Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.23 limited slip/posi
Re: LSx Swap headers
awesome i hope thta a read true duel exhuast set up for our cars
I never had pass emissions with KITT: The White Phantom
I never had pass emissions with KITT: The White Phantom
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 704
Likes: 2
From: Beloeil, Quebec
Car: IROC-Z
Engine: LSx
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Fabbed 9"
Re: LSx Swap headers
Its official, Im picking up my headers saturday morning. I hope its the right size... man what a pita it would be to travel 2 hours and come back empty handed.
Re: LSx Swap headers
We are in developement right now on a custom crossmember and Y-pipe for maximum clearence. Nothing for the dual setup right now though, I will put in a good word for you guys though and see what we can do on the dual setup. I have attached a teaser picture for you guys....
Thanks, Steven
Hawks Third Gen
Thanks, Steven
Hawks Third Gen
Re: LSx Swap headers
the BMR Extreme duty will work as well though. Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Mt.Holly, NC USA
Car: 1988 Camaro, 1986 S10, 2000 Harley
Engine: LS6
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.75 9" ford trac loc
Re: LSx Swap headers
Spike, if your engine is not over 400 HP or 400 CI or supercharged the 1 5/8'' headers will probably be better. Who knows, you may get a set of the 1 3/4" headers. Don't know your plans, but mine are 408 CI iron block. Dean.
Last edited by DeanJ; Aug 21, 2009 at 08:54 AM.
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 704
Likes: 2
From: Beloeil, Quebec
Car: IROC-Z
Engine: LSx
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Fabbed 9"
Re: LSx Swap headers
-----------------------------
Ok, I just got back from the border mail, and has feared, they arent the right size. I messaged Steven already so he could arrange a pick up there and send me the correct ones. I hate to come back empty handed after driving a while for something but hey, Im sure this is gonna be fixed quickly and correctly.
Last edited by Spike-Z; Aug 22, 2009 at 11:59 AM.
Re: LSx Swap headers
I just recieved my headers yesterday..they measure 1.75" so all is good. They have a really nice finish. One tube had some hard scratch/gouged...but no dents just surface like a grinding wheel or cutter grazed them. For the price I would expect them to be in perfect condition...but I will let the Corvette owner in me go on this...as they really do look nice and the small (3-4) 1/8" scratches will not effect performance and will not even be visible when installed. Just wanted to report factually on the conditions of the headers.
Overall they are very nice looking and I felt like I got a really good deal on them and can't wait to install them....thanks Hawks!.
Overall they are very nice looking and I felt like I got a really good deal on them and can't wait to install them....thanks Hawks!.
Re: LSx Swap headers
So full length non adjustable BMR torque arms will work? I suppose it will require the BMR torque arm relocation cross member to make it all work. That's another $460, when are we having another GP?
Re: LSx Swap headers
My daugter was born Tuesday evening at 10 pm. After a small spiff in the NICU, she and mom is back home yesterday night.
So I finally got a chance to open up the package of the headers. They look good and shiney. A few scratches here and there. The head flanges look like they are hand made.
. looks like they cut and plated and polished the cast iron flanges from stock LS1 manifolds. I wonder if they not being exactly flat will cause any leaks.
The only question/concern I have is looking inside the collector, where each of the 4 pipes merge into the collector, looks like the pipes are not cut flat and one of them is way longer than the other. and the welds look really bad.
I wonder if all those non-smooth transition into the collector will cause performance issues.
I remember long time ago someone on here got a similar issue with SSW and fixed it himself
I know most of this is SSW fault and not hawks but for the cost we spend a little bit more QC is in order
I am gona talk with Steven tomorrow and see what he says.
So I finally got a chance to open up the package of the headers. They look good and shiney. A few scratches here and there. The head flanges look like they are hand made.
. looks like they cut and plated and polished the cast iron flanges from stock LS1 manifolds. I wonder if they not being exactly flat will cause any leaks.The only question/concern I have is looking inside the collector, where each of the 4 pipes merge into the collector, looks like the pipes are not cut flat and one of them is way longer than the other. and the welds look really bad.
I wonder if all those non-smooth transition into the collector will cause performance issues.
I remember long time ago someone on here got a similar issue with SSW and fixed it himself

I know most of this is SSW fault and not hawks but for the cost we spend a little bit more QC is in order
I am gona talk with Steven tomorrow and see what he says.
Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TEXAS
Car: 2x1991 & 2000 Camaros
Engine: 350, 305 & LS1
Transmission: TH-700R4 and 4l60E
Re: LSx Swap headers
Mine are also the 1-5/8" tubes. I also didn't get some of the other stuff I ordered and a few things I did get were a bit rusted. Is it normal to get the fuel line kit with rusted lines?
http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/ca...ellinekit.aspx
http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/ca...ellinekit.aspx
Re: LSx Swap headers
Mine are also the 1-5/8" tubes. I also didn't get some of the other stuff I ordered and a few things I did get were a bit rusted. Is it normal to get the fuel line kit with rusted lines?
http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/ca...ellinekit.aspx
http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/ca...ellinekit.aspx
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: NE & KS
Car: 92 Camaro RS
Engine: LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: LSx Swap headers
just dont have any pictures of it. It was cake to put on too. all we had to do was make 2 pipes that went from my hawks lsx swap headers to the x-pipe, and everything else was direct bolt on.I used the bassani true dual system off a 4th gen. besides using the 2 rear hangers off the 4th gen car (direct bolt on) it was cake and clearance is actually pretty nice.
Re: LSx Swap headers
Did you get a chance to look at those head flanges on the unpolished SSW installed on your car ?









