Please help me out, I have been told a lot of bad stuff about this headers.
If someone has ever installed some on their v6...

I was just wondering...are they a good fit?
I read somewhere in the internet that they really dont fit and look like they werent even made for the 2.8 engine...please help me out

Also...did you notice anything different than with the stock headers?

 

Something tells you that you may get whacked for posting in multiple threads. However, be that as it may, many people on this site have installed these headers with no problems. The following thread contains much information about fitting these headers - especially for those with AIR pumps and manual transmissions.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/v6/4...r-headers.html

I've had them on for about two months now and no problems any different that with any other manufacturer's headers. Keep in mind that, in my opinion, there seems to be a slight difference in factory specs versus aftermarket specs. So, you may end up using two gaskets versus one for example to get good sealing. Let's see what others say.

 

Only problem i had was blowing out header gaskets every couple months but i fixed that with the old VW bug header gaskets. (do a search and you will find what im talking about) Oh and my EGR bolt holes did not line up but 5 min with a drill fixed that

 

did you notice any performance...mpg increase at all??

 

I got the very first set ever made. I posted pics and the issues I had.


But considering they are the only production headers made for these cars, what are your other choices?

 

Do you have a link to your post or is there a way you could post the pics here and describe the issues? did you notice any performance increase or anything...well my other option would be to just keep the stock ones

 

Ive had mine for over 3 years and once i replaced the gaskets that it came with (they blew out in a few weeks) with felpro ones and got locking header bolts, everything has been fine.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/v6/2...tml?highlight=

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/v6/2...tml?highlight=

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/v6/2...tml?highlight=

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/v6/2...tml?highlight=

 

Not really the car runs a little richer but thats to be expected, i probably gained 5-10 horses if that lol, but it does sound a little better

 

Can't really say that I got a great increase in performance as I did a pretty radical build on the engine (went stroker, cam, port and polish, CAI, etc and also opening up the exhaust). So, it's in there somewhere with the other mods.

On the other hand, it sounds great. I went with the ceramic coating and it seems to have held up pretty good so far. Installation was pretty straightforward - although the instructions are poor.

They do run a little rich, as mentioned above. I set my timing to 12 degrees and also put in a heated oxygen sensor and I now idle about 700 rpm as I did prior.

Gary.

 

How did you manage to set/change the timing?
also..what gaskets do you recommend?

 

I went with the Fel-pro gaskets.

To set timing, there is a connector by the firewall on the passenger side with two brown wires going into it if I recall correctly.

To set the timing (of course have the engine at operating temperature):

Paint the notch on the crank pulley with some white paint or use white chalk.
Connect your timing light to #1 plug wire (front of engine, passenger side), disconnect the two brown wires, loosen the distributor retaining bolt and adjust timing by rotating the distributor as for any other car. Look for the white mark to line up with the timing marks to set what you want for timing (stock is 10 degrees). When done, tighten the distributor bolt and connect the brown wires.

Typing kind of quick here, but I think that covers it.

Hope that helps.

 

Use 1971 vw beetle gaskets
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/v6/4...kets+vw+header
http://www.fullthrottlev6.com/forums...2&postcount=15

 

If you care to do a little bending s-10 headers from hedmann will fit. That's what I did on mine. You'll need a custom y-pipe though, obviously won't line up with the stock exhaust.

 

The crossover section under the engine was about 2" too long. Had it shortened, problem solved.

You'll probably also need a heated o2. I did, and some others did too.

I can't tell about any performance gains. I installed them with a new 3.4, and I'm still having issues with the computer, and keep procrastinating on ordering the stuff for the 165 swap. That and I hit an elk so now I have a bunch of body damage to fix.

it's louder too. I already had a 2.5 I-pipe with a 2.5 dynomax muffler. When I added the headers it became a bit too loud for my tastes.

 

I installed these headers because my manifolds and y-pipe were bad. Installation wasnt bad, its just that I had alot of rusted hardware. Didnt notice any more performance since its an otherwise stock motor. Also had the problem of running rich, never put a heated o2 in since its now off the road the motor is getting swapped anyway.

 

My rich running problem after the headers was turning the o2 sensor black, and setting off code 32, 33, 34 or whichever one it is that relates to it.

 

If you buy them, buy coated or else you'll probably run into the same problem I have -> https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/v6/5...-question.html

 

Got a link to those locking header bolts?

I'm looking on Summit but have no idea what options to choose (Thread Size, Underhead length, Head style)

 

whats a fair pice for this pacessetters ...the black painted ones?
if some1 is trying to get rid of them and they ask you to shoot them an offer?

 

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku

These are the ones i believe i ordered. Its been a few years now, and if i remember right, you have to reuse one or two of your old bolts b/c of the head size.

As far as how much to ask for them, are they used or new? They run $270 new on summits site (up $50 from what i paid). If theyre used, do they come with all the gaskets, clamps, bolts, etc? need more info.

 

Yea he said he paid almost $300 for them and they are in brand new condition...never been mounted...he did mention a couple of scratches from laying around though...they come with the gaskets and stuff (but i heard the ones that come with it suck big time)
this is a stock pic of them: they are black just like the ones in the pic

 

Too much too spend!! I got my ceramic coated headers through the local speed shop and with all the shipping, etc. came in at about $360. The price for the "painted" was about $250. Check with Pacesetter and Summit to see what their price is and bargain from there.

With all due respect, why were they never installed but yet ordered?

Be an agressive consumer!!! It is currently in your favor.

 

He said he decided to sell the car before they got installed...I didmt say i offered $300 thats how much he paid...whats a good/fair deal to offer?

 

Well, I've seen prices for the painted headers in the $270 range. The ceramic coated are about $75-100 more. So, idk, offer somewhere around $200 and see what happens.

If it doesn't work out and you are looking to buy a new set, I would definitely think ceramic coated over painted - if that works in your budget. There are advantages to the ceramic coating over the painted headers - longevity for one.

Hth.