Knock-Off Headers (Pace Setter, Autochrome, Chinese, eBay, etc.)

AA wrote:

And that's a respectable position. Headers are overkill for most who buy them, imo. Not a total waste, but they really don't help that much until you are heavily modded. I could've waited on mine.

I think the plog flows enough for my mods. There's a guy on regalgs.org who runs 13.5s with a plog , on a 3.5 pulley , with no rockers.

I mean i'm not getting high enough boost numbers to feel like my exhaust is plugged anywhere really. Maybe after rockers i'll feel the need for headers.

I've seen a Riv run 12.87 with stock manifolds + 3" DP!

The 3" DP is a NECESSARY mod for any L67 powered car, IMO, even if you want to keep everything else bone stock! The increase in topend power allows you to enjoy your car in the 70-90 MPH range much more, and I'm sure it helps combat the "stock pulley KR" that every L67 has. Too bad they didn't come from the factory like this.

As far as headers go, yeah, they can be overkill pretty easily. I was going to just go with a P-log, but Dave came around with his rear PEM that nobody was biting on, and then he decided to take his P-log off at the same time - so I jumped.

If I was ever going to do headers, the SLPs would be the only ones that would be worth the effort. For some reason I don't think it would be smart to go cheap on an exhaust part. The Pacesetters, for instance, had quality control issues that made me question that product as a whole. The exhaust is a very important component that I wouldn't want to be switching out too often. Anyway, so that's my 2 cents. For those who have the ability to clean up the knock offs so they have a perfect fit, more power to them.

Buapo wrote:

If I was ever going to do headers, the SLPs would be the only ones that would be worth the effort. For some reason I don't think it would be smart to go cheap on an exhaust part.

Very true. If a powerlog breaks, you can put your mani back on in 10 minutes and drive. Headers aren't quite so simple - especially for riv owners who indefinitely have to weld the DP in for em. I was really holding out to get SLP's or TOG's but I've had recomendations for the XS headers so I think I am going to give em a try when the cash comes. I'd rather spend $800 on headers, plus fuel injectors and have change than $800 on headers... know what I mean?

I'm still very happy with the SSAutoChrome headers. They've been in my car for well over a year.

deekster_caddy wrote:

I'm still very happy with the SSAutoChrome headers. They've been in my car for well over a year.

From what I can tell the front O2 sensor needs an extension harness to install the XS headers. Is this correct?
If so, where do I get one from.
The one listed on ZZP's site is confusing me, I'm not sure if it will work. Can anyone confirm or lead me to the correct harness extension.
I'll be doing the install in a couple of weeks and need to buy what works very soon.
Thanks to anyone that can help.!!!!!!

Also, what about the o-ring for the new trans. dipstick tube. Anyone have a P/N ?

i have made a couple of the harness extensions

It's very easy to extend your O2 harness, buy a short trailer light wire harness and some easy splicing later it's done if you want 4 wires stuck together, but even without the trailer wire it's not that hard to do. If you really aren't comfortable with wiring just buy it.

IIRC the dipstick doesn't need an O-ring, it fits into a rubber sleeve.

Did you guys use the stock riviera dipstick?

I'm not.

no, I'm using a GTP dipstick.

98riviera98 wrote:

Did you guys use the stock riviera dipstick?

I have a piece of heater hose cut to length with the Riv's cut off bottom and top ends hose-clamped on. It lays down off to the side well clear of the pipes. I hold it up when I check my tranny fluid. (how often do you _really_ check your trans fluid? Tell the truth... only when there's something funny going on, right?)

deekster_caddy wrote:

98riviera98 wrote:

Did you guys use the stock riviera dipstick?

I have a piece of heater hose cut to length with the Riv's cut off bottom and top ends hose-clamped on. It lays down off to the side well clear of the pipes. I hold it up when I check my tranny fluid. (how often do you _really_ check your trans fluid? Tell the truth... only when there's something funny going on, right?)

if you could... could you take a pic sometime of this??? And your right i NEVER check my fluid... i will NEVER change it again.. better to be left alone IMO

XS autochrome headers... Any problem with wrapping them? in clearance or durability

I've just finished wrapping mine and am going to paint them with the DEI Hi-Temp Silicone Coating made for it today.
Don't know about clearance issues yet but will let you know once I install them in a couple of weeks.
The trick to getting a good wrap is to soak the roll in a bucket of water and wrap tightly and clamp while wet. When it all dries it tightens up nicely. Give it 2-3 days to dry then paint with above stuff. Will last much longer that way.
Have done other headers this way with good results. Take your time and all will come out good. I just hope I don't have to cut any of this off due to clearance issues.!!!!

Derek, considering the GTP dipstick is 10$, it doesn't seem worth the hassle.

hey for the XS headers.... i need 2 2.5 inch of those band clamps and one 3 inch clamp right?

hey i thought you already had the headers installed ? or am i just reading your sig wrong

98riviera98 wrote:

hey for the XS headers.... i need 2 2.5 inch of those band clamps and one 3 inch clamp right?

That's what i bought and they fit, but I think I'll be welding the 3" end of the header to the 3" inlet of the Magnaflow Cat I bought, so I may not need the 3" band clamp after all.
I'll know better after all is said and done. I might weld 2 bolt gasketed flanges on those ends also, if I want to remove the Cat later and install a pipe.

CORRECTION : I got qty 2 - 2.25" and qty 1 - 3" and they fit.

97rivsc wrote:

hey i thought you already had the headers installed ? or am i just reading your sig wrong

I have the headers.. they are in the box about 3 feet from me right now... JUST waiting for install

Travis,
I made a correction to the size clamps I bought (LooK UP)

Rickw wrote:

Travis,
I made a correction to the size clamps I bought (LooK UP)

cool cool thanks bro!

Jason wrote:

Derek, considering the GTP dipstick is 10$, it doesn't seem worth the hassle.

Yes well... I didn't have a GTP dipstick, and I was ready to drive it except for the dipstick, and I had some heater hose, so 10 minutes and some hose = FREE...

So as usual, I'm demonstrating that care and preparation is never enough to do what should be a simple modification...

I installed a set of headers yesterday and welded the DP to the exhaust system today so the headers are basically done. Oh oops one little problem, my car pretty much isn't drivable anymore. It starts up and idles halfway ok save the popping of the exhaust. Driving it is interesting. It pretty much has no power to speak of and likes to die when accelerating from a stop. Once, you get going, it limps along almost normally except for the random popping of the exhaust again, until you try to give it any throttle at which point it tries to find itsself again and goes, barely. It kind of feels like a bad misfire or something. The popping... it's persistant, it happens under any and every speed or load condition. That's really starting to scare me...

The first thing I suspected was the O2, since it's about the only thing I really messed with and I replaced it with no improvement. Unplugging it altogether and starting the car didn't seem to make any notable change either. Second thought was wires since I removed those during the install and a fresh set also had no affect. I also have a new set of 104's in it. I've done a couple quick scans and I'm really not finding anything too out of the ordinary. At initial startup, the MIL will be off but then come on and flash. The only time the flashing goes away is if the car is sitting and idling for a little bit. It comes right back with any amount of throttle, be it driving or just parked. I had no MIL before.

Any fresh ideas? please?