I think I'm sure what the headers are. they are the pipes for the exhaust gas, right. Why do aftermarket header "work better" whats the difference? The stock ones look pretty big, and rusty.
I called a shop about installing new headers and the guy told me I shouldnt get headers on my IROC cause I wouldnt pass smog, I'm in California. also
Could I install some on my car myself without lifting the engine and other crap. What would I need to remove to make the job easy.
Lastly any recommendations on headers, inexpensive but not a POS
Thanks

 

Hey there, I am also from the BA.

Only time My car was in Oakland however, Someone else was behind the wheel. Without My permission.

That aside, there is no reason Your car Will not pass smog with a set of EO legal Headers. SLP and Edlebrock Both make shorties wich fit this criteria.

Headers Work Better Because they "organize" the pulses of exhuast gas in a way In wich they do not interfere with each other. In addition, well tuned headers Can have a even greater effect by using the exhuast gas pulse from once cylinder to createe a slight low pressure area in the primary of another cylinder, aiding the evacuation process.

Basically, They flow MUCH better.

 

Exactly.

Can you believe even exhaust shops have told people on here headers are a waste, and can even hurt you by having too little backpressure.

 

Too big of headers for the application can hurt you. what do exhaust shop guys know anyway.

 

In my experiance very little.

Even a 1-3/4 primary Shortie like SLP's on a Stock Lb9 would be a world better than the Stock manifolds.

Sure, Running a 2" primary longtube May Not be as good as a 1-1/2" Longtube on a stock Lg4, but Either one is going to waste the stock manifolds in terms of power output.

My personal choice in thirdgen headers is the SLP 1-3/4 Regardless of application.