I thinking of installing a set of headers on my 2000 ss what kind of problems will have if i install them because I've read on another post that you have to tune the car because the transmission will start acting up and all that headers leak a lot is this true and what else can go wrong with headers? any help will be appreciated thanks. oh and also whats better painted or coated headers and whats the difference between mid tube and long tube headers other than there lengths.

 

I'm not sure about tuning, but leaking depends on how good your gaskets and flanges are. What else can go wrong? They could rust through and then you'd have a horrible exhaust leak...other than that I really don't have much experience. The difference in mid length and long tube is what you say, the length, but things go along with haveing a longer header. The more "tuned" the header is to your car, the more exhaust it can scavange. If you have a longer tube, the headers can scavenge more exhaust at a lower rpm(it's actually a matter of resonance, the lower the rpm, the lower the exhaust note, therefore a longer tube will be tuned to that lower rpm). Coated headers will be better because they lower engine compartment temp, and they won't rust.

 

Wow you basically answered all of my questions but I have one more question I want my car to be street legal and I read at www.ls1sound.com under the faq's section that shortie headers are the only headers that are 100% street legal is that true because I want the long tube's because of the deeper sound but if its going to affect my emissions then I don't want them what would you do and also will any kind of header increase or decrease my MPG'S thanks.

 

The emissions thing is a sketchy area. Technically you are perfectly able to pass emissions with long tube headers, providing you get an emission compatable headers(it will include all A.I.R. and EGR hookups as well as O2 bungs), and you get a Y pipe that has cats on it, that will be enough to get you to pass the emissions test. In doing this, you will have to relocate your stock cat, which is technically illegal. I just purchased a set of LT headers and dual cat Y-pipe for my car from Kooks, they have all the emissions hookups and will pass emissions, but they are a bit more pricy than other brands(unfortunately the haven't gotten here yet...the apprehension is killing me!). As far as MPG, headers really won't do much for you, but the longer the tube, the better it will move exhaust, and therefore, it will theoretically better miledge.

 

well thanks for all the help you've been very helpful and I very much appreciate it and as far as you waiting for your headers and y-pipe to arrive I FEEL YOUR PAIN I KNOW THE FEELING your[:@] now but you will be later.

 

ya, when they get here, they'll get here, I still can't install them for a few weeks anyway because I'm busy on the weekends, so not like it matters, but it's the thought of having them that's getting me. As far as the help goes, that's what I'm here for, it took me forever to research headers and all that, I figgure I can at least make it easier for someone else to make a decision.