Headers/Y-Pipe Installed No Power Increase?

[d2harris]

I had a set of 1 5/8 Shortie Hooker Headers and matching Y-Pipe installed & connected to my existing catback system. don't exactly know what kind of catback system is on my car it was already on the car when I bought it two years ago. I plan on replacing it with a magnaflow sysyem soon. I really don't feel any power difference with this install. Shoudn't there be some difference in power with this install? I really didn't expect a huge difference but I did expect some difference. Sidenote: My mechanic cutoff my catylic coverters & straight piped my exhaust, would that make a difference? I will add pics when I can get under the car as I don't have a lift or even a floor jack.

These are the parts that were installed.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker+Headers/520/2460/10002/-1

http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker+Headers/520/16767/10002/-1

[1BADAIR]

most changes require a new cal before you will see full benefits

[d2harris]

most changes require a new cal before you will see full benefits

Does cal mean tune? Or just driving it to get the changes adjusted to the computer?

[1BADAIR]

yes. cal=tune

[TORN]

I put my Magnaflow cat-back on first and 3 inch cat with the stock manifolds just made a sound difference. Then put Edelbrock headers and y pipe on and the biggest difference was much better throttle response and quicker take off otherwise it was tough to tell on the stock L98. Then I replaced my tired old @$$ injectors and that made the biggest change, but Im sure it was helped with the better exhaust.

[TORN]

I also then added a T56 and after that tuned it up with a new prom.

[WMCCjames]

TPI motors don't respond to headers as well as most engines...proabably due to the fact that they are choked on the intake side too much...lol. Way back when I had a TPI engine I had the same experience. I installed the SLP 1 3/4 shorties and saw very little power difference.....even after I tuned it.

[K-Slice]

It could be that without the cat you dont have enough backpressure. I know when I first got mine it had most of the exhaust taken out and it was a total dog. Replacing the muffler and cat must have gotten the back pressure back up to where it chould have been because it picked right up.

What kind of technician cut your cat off anyway? he must be a friend or is doing it under the table. I'd say putting a cat back on should help power-wise, and will make your exhaust not smell terrable!

[d2harris]

It could be that without the cat you dont have enough backpressure. I know when I first got mine it had most of the exhaust taken out and it was a total dog. Replacing the muffler and cat must have gotten the back pressure back up to where it chould have been because it picked right up.

What kind of technician cut your cat off anyway? he must be a friend or is doing it under the table. I'd say putting a cat back on should help power-wise, and will make your exhaust not smell terrable!

Thank everyone for the response. At least I don't have any exhaust leaks anymore, car used to backfire and bog real bad before the headers and y-pipe were installed. My mechanic has his own shop and not afraid to cut off the cats. No other shop would even consider cutting off the cats or even adding true duals because they said they were illegal and probably would have problems with ground clearance. It could just be like everyones has said I need to change the intake and runners at least to feel a difference in throttle response. I plan on putting a stall on as soon as I can get some extra cash any ideas on size?

[scholtmj]

Thank everyone for the response. At least I don't have any exhaust leaks anymore, car used to backfire and bog real bad before the headers and y-pipe were installed. My mechanic has his own shop and not afraid to cut off the cats. No other shop would even consider cutting off the cats or even adding true duals because they said they were illegal and probably would have problems with ground clearance. It could just be like everyones has said I need to change the intake and runners at least to feel a difference in throttle response. I plan on putting a stall on as soon as I can get some extra cash any ideas on size?

http://www.carcraft.com/featuredvehi...ula/index.html

Here's a good article on doing some minor TPI mods plus the stall you're looking for. Don't spend too much money on the TPI, you won't get your money back when you do an LS-swap.

[d2harris]

http://www.carcraft.com/featuredvehi...ula/index.html

Here's a good article on doing some minor TPI mods plus the stall you're looking for. Don't spend too much money on the TPI, you won't get your money back when you do an LS-swap.

Thanks for the artcle it really helps, I know I probably won't get my money back, but as of now I plan on doing a 383. By the way I saw your car at the meet & greet and it was one of my favorite at the event.

[shawnc16]

You wont notice say 20-30 HP increase. You gotta take it down the track to see the difference!

[d2harris]

You wont notice say 20-30 HP increase. You gotta take it down the track to see the difference!

You mean from the headers? Was driving the car yesterday & I don't know what happened but I could feel a distinct difference in throttle response maybe just needed to drive it a little more but it was burning rubber while going like 15 mph at WOT. I going to wait to take it to the track until i do all the upgrades, I am really focusing on restoring the body first it really needs some attention, I know I need new floor pans welded in and small rust spots.