Headers Question

[jeffs94ss]

So I'm itching for some mods but the cost of paying for my newly aquired SS has left my pockets a little shallow.
With that being said are there any headers worth buying that dont cost an arm and a leg? I would love some Gen II tri-y's but thats not happening right now. Are there any out there worth buying for around $500 or less?
Any advice especially personal experiences will be very appreciated.

[Hilpala SS]

Bought my Tri-Y II for $500 shipped...gently used of course but they still look pretty. I've had Hooker headers $350 (DO NOT BUY), Afterburners $200 (decent but modifying exhaust is needed) and now my last header option the Tri-Ys $500 used.

I prefer this last header option over them all and wouldn't change them unless I found a steal on some Quads. DO NOT get uncoated headers if you can avoid it. The Hookers were uncoated and made a believer out of me. The AB's were coated and I loved that but they, like most exhaust parts, get pretty warm. The tri's are coated as well and the craftsmanship is on point.

Hil

[i995impalass]

Originally Posted by Hilpala SS

Bought my Tri-Y II for $500 shipped...gently used of course but they still look pretty. I've had Hooker headers $350 (DO NOT BUY), Afterburners $200 (decent but modifying exhaust is needed) and now my last header option the Tri-Ys $500 used.

I prefer this last header option over them all and wouldn't change them unless I found a steal on some Quads. DO NOT get uncoated headers if you can avoid it. The Hookers were uncoated and made a believer out of me. The AB's were coated and I loved that but they, like most exhaust parts, get pretty warm. The tri's are coated as well and the craftsmanship is on point.

Hil

Just wondering why not the hookers? What I have on the 96/ full Hooker cat back and exports, and I just love the way it sounds. They put off some heat, is that the main reason?

[jeffs94ss]

If I could some used Tri-y II for $500 I would jump all ovr those

[Hilpala SS]

Hooker headers???

They burned up everything within a few inches. They held heat under the hood and were a b!tch to install/remove. They were in no way worth the headache. Sure you can get them to work and all but it proved to be way more of a headache doing tune ups and swapping burned wires/A/C lines and such every 2 months. I would NEVER wish Hooker headers on my friends. I even felt a better response when I took them off...I'd stick with manifolds before going back to them. Just my experience.

[Hilpala SS]

Do what I learned the hard way...go to meets, shows and track days and see what the big boys are running. Then ask a few questions.

I started going to events in 03 and once I hooked up with older cats that KNEW these cars I was hooked on modding. From there I started half a$$ modding and penny pinching, only to end up re-doing a lot of what was done. It pays to save up and do it right once; but if you can't then don't settle for the easiest obtainable option...I'd do the Afterburners again before hookers or manifolds. Go with the coated or get them coated with some decent gaskets...bend those AC lines out of the way, weld in bung holes, and fab those cats in between them and the intermediate pipes.

I sold my hookers as soon as I could.