CLKCLK

Hi all,

So I currently have 180mm, 550cc injectors (installed soon), some intake mods and second CATs removed with x pipe. If I only have money for either shorties headers or 82mm throttle, which one should I go first? And why? Some thoughts, logic, math, experiences are much appreciated!

Thanks,

rlh23

IC pump? Heat exchanger? I'd go for shorties over TB personally because you'll feel and hear the difference.

AKnight55

If you dont have an upgraded heat exchanger Id do that first.

Exotic-metal55

You have to do the headers and they will help with cooling some and also do some cooling mods.

SterlingE55

This.

komp55

I think that the first and most "bang-for-the-buck" mod is a good set of LT headers (I'm dividing the header universe into shorties that bolt to the factory exhaust and then everything else). Everything else you'll do after the headers builds off the engine's ability to breathe better following a header upgrade.

And speaking from personal experience, don't waste your time or money with shorties - their gains are relatively minimal compared to LTs (despite a few specious claims around here to the contrary) because they still end up connecting to the restrictive factory catalysts.

grantwoodtx

Headers like they said!

I think Shardul has a spare set laying around.

chawkins2001

Sharduls headers, worth every penny and will make big powa...

kompressede

+1, Go for LT over shorties. More HP gains, and they help with the heat escape .

AKnight55

Doesnt e55amgrocket have Kleemanns??? These are basically shorties and there have been a few guys in the tens with them too..

BenzoDoc

Tune?!?

Cooling?

CLKCLK

Thanks guys!

I live in CA, so big NO to long tube headers , also no for high flow CATs. I love those, but can't pass smog here And not to mentioned, I don't like a loud exhaust.

I have separated coolant but no HE as I don't feel I need it at least for now since I don't track the car nor do multiple WOT. Love doing that too, but you have no room doing it in the bay and cops are everywhere. The city really needs some $$$ from traffic tickets to cover the state budget lol. But don't get me wrong, I love power and need power

Thank you all for your input!


Edit: Yes, EC Tune

Jakpro1

My opinion...go shorties than.

82mm will show SOME improvement but the stock airbox is restrictive in my experience. You'll be opening up the hole with still have the restriction before it.

If you go 82mm, go with a higher flow airbox as well like the VRP/Carbino with some K&Ns or your choice of filter.

Still my vote is for Kleemann style header if you wont go long tubers but shorties certainly aren't horrible.

AKnight55

Agree.. Guys are running tens with the Kleemanns, so they are more than capable.

grantwoodtx

With Kleemans he will loose his primary cats which may be an issue in Cali with SMOG testing.

CharlyE500

Kleemann will reprogram the ECU for free. Its the best solution for California driver. And if you send ECU to Cory for reprogramming, he will give you a great deal on ECU tune in the same time.

grantwoodtx

Excellent!

komp55

Nobody thinks of Kleemans as shorties; shorties are those that actually bolt up to the existing stock system. As others have said, they're mid-length headers that eliminate the primary cats. They're a very good compromise if you want most of the performance of LTs, don't mind doing or having welding done to install them, and don't want stainless steel.

Denroll

I'm in Cali and I'm running long tubes?


How'd I do it? Registered out of state!

AKnight55

Yea, I guess your right.

CLKCLK

EC can also do this, but still you won't pass smog with visual check. It's CA

GregMB

I saw some online chatter that CA was going to skip the visual inspections and tailpipe tests for anything newer than 2000... And just check OBD for codes.

Not sure where I saw that, but there were claims that the administration of all the checks for relatively new cars was becoming prohibitively expensive.

Might be worth researching a bit before buying any new parts.

-G

lowprofile

Headers like everyone stated. However, Kleemann are stainless. Not the same quality as say MBH though.

CharlyE500

I actually asked Adam from EC and told me the only one who can reprogram is Kleemann for Primary cat delete and erasing the check engine light.

CharlyE500

Yes, true but Kleemann runs $1K and MBH $3K