I'm thinking of buying these headers http://store.newlevelmotorsports.com...tml?dpi=427086 (thanks for the link Gorn), but I've heard that headers often crack and start to leak. Is this true? I've also heard that it sometimes turns on the SES light. Any truth to any of these?

 

You're not going to have issues with the headers leaking if you keep up on the header bolts, they like to loosen themselves due to temperature cycles and vibrations, but as long as you keep up on them you shouldn't have any issues. If you're headers aren't rubbing on anything you shouldn't have issues with them cracking (this is also providing they have good welds etc.). I didn't have any issues with my SES light with my headers, just make sure your aft-cat O2 sensors are happy (either O2 sims or actually run cats) and I doubt you'll have an issue, especially with a shorty, with a long tube the O2 sensors are farther away from the port and thus they don't get as hot, so with an older O2 sensor that's not heated you could throw a code if the sensor isn't getting hot enough, but you're not going to risk that.

 

Ah, thanks for the quick reply man. Looks like I'm finally getting headers.

 

No problem...although on a different note I would recommend getting the ceramic coated headers instead of the painted ones. The paint is going to burn off and then the headers are going to rust through in a couple of years, and then you'll have leaks. After you start to install your headers, trust me, you're not going to want to replace headers every couple of years.

 

To be honest I would if it wasn't such a huge difference in the price.. isn't it about $100?

 

You do need to re-torque the header bolts. I will do it one a month till they seem to settle down. Once the paint starts to burn off you can recoat them with high temp paint although that normally only lasts about6 months. I had the same set of header on my 74 camaro for 15 years, I painted them once or twice a year. If you pick on the finish in your link you will see the coated version is +$140
After saying that I have decided on Stainless steel headers this time

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-Truck-Parts-Accessories__OBX-SS304-EXHAUST-HEADER-MANIFOLD-95-99-CHEVY-CAMARO-V6_W0QQitemZ370105427196QQadiZ2865QQadnZCarQ20Q26Q 20TruckQ20PartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQcmdZViewItemQ QptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?_trksid=p45 06.m20.l1116