Decent headers for 350 TBI, basically stock

[bcraig350]

I am running on information overload trying to do research on exhaust.

I have a K1500 and I was thinking about throwing some headers on it while I'm already in there to replace the cat which is welded onto the ratty old Y-pipe. The truck has some basic mods: pretty much the entire ultimate TBI, and the TBI performer intake. There is already a catback system with twin pipes behind the cat and Flowmaster mufflers.

Anyway, on to my mixed search results: I have read that you "definitely always want to go long tube" but also that "shortys are fine unless you are heavily modded." And also mixed opinions about collector diameter. Seems like many say to stay at 2.5" unless you are making big HP, but others say it doesn't matter. And Summit only appears to sell 3" collectors for my truck (and only for Flowtech headers at that). I'd like to keep the price down as much as possible as I am coming off a long string of repairs.

I'm also considering adding a resonator or something after the cat because while I love the sound of the exhaust, there is a volume jump right at interstate cruising RPM that is making me deaf. Is this the right approach?

[skylark]

Get some hookers!!!
Hooker 2462. Small primary tubes and 2.5 collectors. Good for torque even if you build big later. Pipe length makes a big difference in volume and drone, so does the direction the pipe is exiting (pointed at the ground or outward). About $225-250.

[iDriveGM]

ive got those hooker long tubes on my 95. i love em, i run 2.5 inch tubing all the dumped after the axle to keep cab noise low. I use a summit racing "x" pipe and flowmaster super 10s. Sounds great and it pretty loud.

[Bowtie4ever]

The best headers for a "basically" stock engine are Mesa Headers. Now I know they're hard to come by since the company has gone under, but if you see a pair on E-bay/CL by all means get them!

These headers are built specifically just for the '88-'98 TBI motors, the primaries a "tuned" to each cylinder, for instance the rear cylinders (sorry can't think of the firing order) on these engines ran lean, so the tubes on these cylinders are slightly smaller for better evacuation. These headers came with a 2 3/4" Y-pipe, but most people ran them with true duals.
Also these headers are extremely well built, I had a set put on in 1998, yes, 13 yrs. and I've never had a leak and they still look new.

My 2¢

[bcraig350]

The Hookers are looking pretty good, $250 is definitely within my price range. Right now after the cat the pipe follows the stock location for a few feet, then splits into two tubes which exit horizontal out the rear corners at a moderate angle. I'll keep an eye out for a set of Mesas, I will take all the help I can get with this engine. :D

[skylark]

The Hookers are looking pretty good, $250 is definitely within my price range. :D
Those are spendy hookers! Oh wait, you meant, umm nevermind.

[FordeatinZ71]

'88-'98 TBI motors


if you find a 96-98 TBI motor, my hat's off to ya...

[Bowtie4ever]

if you find a 96-98 TBI motor, my hat's off to ya...

haha...my bad. Was waaay too tired to be posting, and was thinking about '98, the year I had mine installed.

[bcraig350]

those are spendy hookers! Oh wait, you meant, umm nevermind.
:cool: Sometimes it's worth it!

Just so I am clear(er), it would appear the only difference between the following is the coating vs. paint?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HOK-2462-1HKR/
http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker/520/2462/10002/-1

And should I just get an exhaust shop to fab a y-pipe?

[CKTA]

Gibson! :read:

[FordeatinZ71]

haha...my bad. Was waaay too tired to be posting, and was thinking about '98, the year I had mine installed.

:lol: i figured it was an honest mistake...i was just giving ya crap...

[SolMan98]

Gibson! :read:

:iamwithst

[Quyonmob]

if you find a 96-98 TBI motor, my hat's off to ya...

Have to go to South America or Australia IIRC. :D

[1988 GMC 355]

I agree with buying hookers, I had them and really liked them alot, very durable and performed well being moderately priced.

[Quyonmob]

I agree with buying hookers, I had them and really liked them alot, very durable and performed well being moderately priced.

:looking:

[Macedawg]

:looking:

indeed :lol:

[1988 GMC 355]

:boobies:

[Quyonmob]

:boobies:

It made me laugh twice, especially the durability and perfomance for the moderate price... If only I had room to sig it. :D

[Macedawg]

It made me laugh twice, especially the durability and perfomance for the moderate price... If only I had room to sig it. :D

you know that he probably did that on accident..i've met Devin quite a few times, he aint that witty :lol:

[Quyonmob]

you know that he probably did that on accident..i've met Devin quite a few times, he aint that witty :lol:

The unintentional demeanor is the root of the humour. :D

[1988 GMC 355]

It made me laugh twice, especially the durability and perfomance for the moderate price... If only I had room to sig it. :D

put it in the quote thread.


you know that he probably did that on accident..i've met Devin quite a few times, he aint that witty :lol:

:teddy: :middle: I am, sometimes, this is one of those times, it was a helpful post and funny :lol:

[FordeatinZ71]

i agree with buying hookers, i had them and really liked them alot, very durable and performed well being moderately priced.

rotflmao!! oh, and it just so happens i DID have room in my sig for the quote...:lol:

[1988 GMC 355]

I feel so honored :lol:

[FordeatinZ71]

:lol: