I have been looking for headers to upgrade my 2000 f-body 3.8 V6 but with Pace Setters out of business and all stock dried up I haven't been able to find any alternatives except for some no-name stuff on ebay. Does anybody have suggestions on some good headers that are still available, or does anyone have experience with the headers selling on ebay?

Side note: I came across an older post on here where someone mentioned CIA (Clear Image Automotive) headers (post here: https://camaroforums.com/forum/93-02...-3-8-v6-75063/). I was actually able to get a hold of Dan and asked him about the V6 f-body headers. Bad news is he no longer has the finishing templates to build the 3.8 V6 headers. He said he has the bend numbers and can make the individual pieces but can't assemble without the finishing templates. He said he would be willing to get these back into production if someone else were to get the pieces from him and do the fitment so he can build the template from a finished set (he doesn't have access to an f-body or a lift anymore). He could also get back into production if someone has a set of his V6 headers and is willing to send them in so he can rebuild the templates. If anyone has a set that they can send him, go for it and they'll be back in production! Unless there are any alternatives out there I think this is the best option for all us V6 f-body guys out there.

 

these is what I used https://www.ebay.com/itm/20457261763...3ABFBM7tj6rpJj

 

https://camaroforums.com/forum/93-02...47/#post716968

 

@craby those look nice, I've seen some similar to that on ebay, but I believe they were gearhead or unbranded, the welds didn't look great in the pictures. How is your set holding up, any quality issues?

 

5 or so years and no issue. gave car to son, has been driving it for a few years.

 

I installed mine in 2010 in my 96. The only issues I had was, like Craby, the bolts that hold on with the springs where WAY to short. I had to run the EGR setup from a 2000 and I had to make the CAT inlet round. Mine was a D shape I assume for ground clearance.

Sold it in 2017 after 100k miles. Last I heard from the new owner in 2018 and no mention about a header issues.

 

So I bought a set of cheap no name stainless headers from Ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/404386573319

They are pretty good for the price and here are my thoughts:

1. They are a bit thin, and the welds are ok, but not great.
2. For some reason they clocked the EGR outlet 180 degrees of what the stock manifolds are, not a big issue as the EGR pipe is flexible, but you know how old exhaust parts are, just take care when rebending.

3. They sent me the wrong header to head bolts and I had to buy the correct set to thread into my heads.

4. The adjustable down pipe for the drivers side( elbow below the collector for the LH header ) is too long. I had to cut 2" off and it worked just great.

5. The bolts for the collectors to the headers are cheap and should have some springs. Not a big deal just be prepared to buy good hardware for these headers.

Overall impressions: These cheap headers are really tuned out well, they flow way better than the stock manifolds and the engine runs way smoother from idle all the way up the RPM range. With 3" pipe back to an 80 series Flowmaster 3" inlet 2.5" dual outlet you get great sound and power without blowing you off the face of the earth with too much noise.

For the price I highly recommend these headers, you will find them to be better than you think they will be with minimal fitment issues.

Just don't expect them not to discolor from heat, but I don't really plan on looking at them, they sound great, the quality is good, and they are well tuned and free flowing with all the proper O2 bungs.

 

Sounds like its not changed much in the last 13 years, Mine did come with springs but bolts where no where near long enough to use the springs. I had to use the EGR system on the off a 2000 3.8. The pre-98 cars have an EGR that can not be bent into place. I also remember modifying the Cat side of the Y pipe to make it happy.