58mark

iTrader: (3)

I've been looking into headers, but other than the cost, it seems like I would have to remove things are the car I would really rather not (like the air pump, we have strict emissions testing here)

Is it possible to open up the inside of my manifolds so they allow more flow, and then combine that with a custom y pipe to basically make a header like solution?

I've got an extra set of manifolds I can play around with if somebody says it's worth my time

drdave88

iTrader: (3)

Normally I would say not its not worth it, but since you cant put headers on, that seems to be ur only option. So why not try it? Youll probably benefit more from a catback, and a mandrel bent Y-pipe though than messing with the stock manifolds. but it cant hurt to try.

Guest

I've been thinking about this, also. I'm swapping up to a 3.4L. In my case, I can't afford the headers right away. I looked on a couple of S-10 forums, and I got the impression that those guys don't type much about this, but some Google searching indicates that the Fiero guys are sold on the value of porting their exhaust manifolds.
Since I'll have time today, I was planning on a couple of restful hours of reading up on their results.
If you can afford it, there's always Extrude-Hone. That gets the entire manifolds, not just what your carbide bit can get to.

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure that the pacesetter headers from Jeg's or Summit are emissions legal in Texas. I think they are 49 state spec, but I can't remember.

If not, yes, by all means, hog out those manifolds!! You can get a lot out of there with a dremel and the extension flex end that goes on the end. I know also that if you mirror polish the inside it really helps the flow. Also, make sure that the flange openings are the same or bigger than the ports on the head to get it all in there and keep reversion down.

Your y-pipe is terrible, as terrible as the TBI 305 cars got. If you're on a budget, start with a V8 y-pipe from the wrecking yard (its a little bigger) and then cut it up. Put in a Flowmaster Y-transition piece and then fit the manifolds to it. You will not believe what a difference this makes! Our stock Y-pipes suck!!

Then use a V8 cat, and a cat-back system designed for a TPI V8. You really won't believe how much your car peps up with these mods.

Of course, if you aren't strapped for cash, you can just buy all the parts new and enjoy the difference!!

Good luck!

58mark

iTrader: (3)

the headers may be legal, but if I have to remove the air pump I would fail a visual inspection, and even if the chances of that are low, i'm not going there

58mark

iTrader: (3)

didn't think about checking the fiero forums. I bet that they have to do things like this because of space limitations.

i know a couple fiero guys... I'll contact them and post what I find out

Guest

I just found pics, and it's bad news. Not relevant, because theirs are tubular, they just grind the welding flaws. It does get them around 8 HP.
I'm back to the s10 forums.

58mark

iTrader: (3)

i wonder if I can use fiero manifolds? if I could find them

edit:

from looking at the angle they exit at, it looks like they would be more trouble than it's worth to get them to work right

http://www.westcoastfiero.com/header...arge_page.html

might be possible, but it would take a ton of fabrication

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

You will flunk the visual inspect with tubular manifolds; to the inspector they look just like headers and they don't have the 49 state legal sticker that the headers have.

I don't see why you should have to remove your air pump; if you can't get the headers with the air pump tube pipe bungs welded on, you can do it yourself. The tubing thread used on the air pump tubes is the same as a bolt thread. You can weld on the threaded thick nuts or pipe bungs and you're good to go! As long as you have the 49 state legal papers you should be okay.

Good luck!

58mark

iTrader: (3)

good point about the tubular headers. I think since I have time to mess with it, I'm going to hog out the extra manifolds I have, and them maybe have them powercoated.

firebird904

I know that with the fiero manifolds a lot of the guys on the fiero forum have ported the stock manifolds and claim to have gotten a little gain from it.

Guest

It will be a few more days before I can get mine cleaned up for evaluation, but I expect to do some grinding on them, this week. I won't be able to compare the before / after driving feel, but I'll do before / after pics. I can post those here if you want, but I'll put them in my thread for sure.
I'm not having much luck with the S-10 forum I just spent the last 2 hours on, time to try another.

Guest

As to the headers, Pacesetter's website shows that the 2.8 Camaro headers have: "Hook-ups for smog & engine management sensors where required" and "50 States legal"
On the Fiero forum, there's a company called Truleo, that does the only good intake manifold for 2.8s. Their headers, they claim, were worth 30 HP, versus 20 for the other 2.8 Fiero headers. They don't do our cars, but maybe headers are worth enough power to justify the cost? $10 per HP is a good deal these days!

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

Now, see? If they are 50 state legal AND have all the hookups, there is no reason to keep your manifolds anymore...

58mark

iTrader: (3)

Interesting. Why does everybody say you have to
Remove the air pump?

Guest

I agree. I don't think you can claim a stealth factor, unless you're doing a rear-turbo.
I just looked at Summit, their pic shows the smog tubes already fitted.

58mark

iTrader: (3)

Guess I have a little more research to do

project89

iTrader: (1)

pssst grab some 3n1 oil and goto the junkyard ind a 2.8 car and soak down the underhood emmisions stickers with the 3n1 oil give it 10 mins to soak in and carefuly remove the sticker with a razor blade..

clean it off and get some gel super glue and glue it over the 3.1 sticker and car will pass without the air pump



back before our state inspection stickers had the car make/model and vin numbers on them we used to goto the late model jy and get ourselves new inspection stickers or cars that wouldnt otherwise pass emmisions

not that i would encourage you to do this but if u replace the emmisions sticker with one from a 2.8 car it is highly unlikley the inspector would notice that the car should have an air pump

Guest

I'd guess that removing the smog pump is just to ease installation. Since the headers seem to have the provisions, I'd guess the idea is to re-install the smog pump after the headers are in.

FueledSoul

iTrader: (18)

edit

Maverick H1L

iTrader: (8)

The simple fact of the matter about the headers is that they DO NOT have an AIR fitting. They have an EGR fitting/flange, and that's all. Which is why the AIR system has to be removed. Which is why California said "Uhuh, not legal here!" .

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PSM-72C1206/?rtype=10 The pass side header is the one on the right. You can clearly see the EGR flange but no AIR fitting/nut in the enlarged pic. The EGR flange is attached to the #1 primary, but there isn't any AIR nut next to it.

Guest

In that case, scroll back up to post #9. It doesn't mean you have to remove the pump. If the front primary tube was in the way of the pump, then the pump might need a custom bracket to re-locate it a bit.
But Pacesetter specifying 50-state legal is for '85-'90.