So I've got a set of the Hawk's budget LS headers. With so much out there about the SW/Hawk's headers, there's just not much directly addressing the budget headers. I'm wondering if while they're still new, I should go a different direction. I've been looking at the Holley/Hooker system, and it does look appealing. BUT...more money. I'm new the LS swap side of things, but just kinda looking for a general feel on the budget headers. Any opinions?

 

I know you're particular about the looks of your cars. Those headers will rust. Not all stainless is equal.

Unfortunately the choices of headers was just greatly diminished this winter when the EPA scared Stainless Works and they quit making the long tube headers for Hawks. Although I see headers for sale again at Hawks site so maybe they got back in the game.

What kind of LS engine?

 

It's a cammed LS1/T56. Nothing crazy.

I'm considering having them coated, but if they don't fit, it's just wasted money. DEFINITELY gonna test fit first. Just seems like everyone who gets the Hooker headers raves about fitment. ...and then when I started looking up Hawk's headers....well, just didn't find much. I've been a die hard supporter of Hawk's over the years, but I know darn well they cut corners when they can. I don't wanna fight fitment issues.

 

The Speed Engineering headers fit great, they have 1-7/8 primaries, and are less than $300. And the Hooker exhaust system bolts right up to them. That's what I'm running, although I have a 4L60, not a T56.

 

I know a Stainless Works Dealer, he said all headers have to be shipped with cats welded on now. He was going to buy some for his Tahoe, but the cats almost doubled the price so he stuck with manifolds

 

Where did you buy 'em? I don't see 'em on the website. Maybe they're not making them anymore either.

EDIT* ....OK I found 'em. Couldn't find 'em when I searched the website, but I directly googled Speed engineering 82-92 headers and they came up! lol

 

That's the second account of the SE headers fitting the Hooker system. Nice tidy savings there and both are in (cautiously stated) 304 stainless steel.

 

Fitting the hooker is certainly a bonus. $300 for a set of headers that's known to be pretty well made with no fitment issues is almost a no brainer.

 

I was waitlisted for the 2" and Hawks told me Stainless Works had one more run of headers to do for them to fulfill their contract. Thankfully mine came in a few weeks later.

 

There are no other 2" primary headers for our cars. You could probably name your price on those things and get it.

 

For what it's worth, upon researching the Speed Engineering headers, and seeing that they fit the Blackheart kit, I decided that was the way to go. I'll report my findings when I get that far. Still gotta break in the 8.8 while still running on the TPI, sooooo it'll be a little while before we do LS exhaust work.

 

I got the Hawks kit for LS1 swap with long headers and engine, tranny mounts. I like those headers! Fit well, haven't rusted, and the LS1 roars.

 

Well I've got both, the Hawk's and the Speed Engineering. The SE has the benefit of fitting the blackheart exhaust which I plan on using, but I'll certainly report on both headers and how they fit.