best headers for GN

[ThebigbadWolF]

just wondering, I am sure this has been asked a bunch of times

please link me I am new here, or help a newb out.

pretty much stock motor, some bolt ons

 

[Paul Lohr]

The best would be a custom header system built based on calculated pipe length and diameter. This would require substantial dollars and time. You would probably be the first enthusiast to take on the task.

Most folks use the OEM headers. Weld up any cracks, have the flanges machined flat if necessary, maybe a new crossover pipe if it is badly corroded, some decent gaskets, and away you go.

There are stainless headers selling on eBay. If you do a bit of searching and reading, I think you will find that they require a lot of work to make them fit and seal. Lately all of the cheaper headers on eBay look to be for the earlier hot air engines even though the listings state they are for 1986 and 1987 model years. At least the photos show the earlier header systems. Someone please correct me if this is wrong.

Used eBay header systems have been showing up on eBay occasionally. Also new systems where the buyer gave up on repairs have been on eBay.

The Hooker header system (PN 1115) is decent. Maybe look for a used Hooker system?

Apparently at least one set of GN1 SE headers do not fit all that well:
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/threads/new-headers-install-becoming-a-pita.397486/#post-3232701

There are header systems starting at $800 that are supposed to fit nicely.
http://taperformance.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TA_V2009

Are these KB-3 headers ok?
http://www.fullthrottlespeed.com/itemdesc.asp+ic+270headers+eq++Tp+

 

[coach]

just wondering, I am sure this has been asked a bunch of times

please link me I am new here, or help a newb out.

pretty much stock motor, some bolt ons

Very simple. The TA Performance Stainless steel units. They are pricy, but fit is perfect and quality is superb. They clear any downpipe you will find. That becomes as big an issue as fit later on. Not all downpipes fit with all headers. I love my TA's.


Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[GetOwnedVette]

The Hye-Tech Performance headers I have are great, ceramic coated, and fit like a glove. Best bang for the buck imo. If you have the loot however and want the best get some TA performance as mentioned above

 

[Pittsburghkid]

I think I got lucky as I bought a set the the eBay TA style headers years back for $200. Had to ream out the last hole for the #6 cyl, ream out the turbo triangle flange to correct a cocked turbo and add a .5" triangle flange to clear the upper rad hose neck. I bought new hardware but for the money I saved there worth it so far. I'll let you know how they hold up after a few seasons. Too bad they're gone now. Way more workable than the ATR style. But if u have the money any set from TA performance is the best. Don't have money, then just get the stock ones fixed.

 

[Reggie West]

I would go with the TA stock replacement headers. I just put a set on after having the Chinese specials crack for the third time. They are very thin stainless and its certainly not 304 stainless either.

The TAs fit really well and I picked up some clearance between the new headers and the existing downpipe. You dont need a 36 inch extension to get to the top bolts holding the crossover on both sides either!!
The stainless is good quality and its much thicker( as it should be ) than the China specials. The TAs came with new bolts as well. So I would ask yourself this question. Do I go with the $400 specials and pull them off and reweld them 4 times or do I pay some more money and do it right and only once the first time?

 

[ttypewhite]

TA is the way to go, but keep in mind it only works with a mini starter.........

 

[ThebigbadWolF]

just found out the Hye-Tech Performance shop is a few blocks away from me

 

[Stage24u]

Stock headers are good till the 9s.

pretty much stock motor, some bolt ons

Since you are on a stock motor, put the $$$ elsewhere at this point.

 

[TurboTGuy]

Stock headers are good till the 9s.
Since you are on a stock motor, put the $$$ elsewhere at this point.

He's right.

If you insist on buying aftermartket, TA Perfomance s/s headers are the only way to fly.

 

[KEVINS]

Find some good used stock ones in the parts for sale section...

ks

 

[vacuum 6]

The Hye-Tech Performance headers I have are great, ceramic coated, and fit like a glove. Best bang for the buck imo. If you have the loot however and want the best get some TA performance as mentioned above

Pricing? Imported?


Walter

 

[QUIP'6']

Ta performance stock replacement. Better than stock and fit perfect. Thick straight flanges. More throaty sound. Slightly quicker spool

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[forcefed3.8's]

The best would be a custom header system built based on calculated pipe length and diameter. This would require substantial dollars and time. You would probably be the first enthusiast to take on the task.

Used eBay header systems have been showing up on eBay occasionally. Also new systems where the buyer gave up on repairs have been on eBay.

The Hooker header system (PN 1115) is decent. Maybe look for a used Hooker system?

This is the worst header advise.

 

[1fastcobra]

Stock headers are good till the 9s.



Since you are on a stock motor, put the $$$ elsewhere at this point.

This answer says it all.
Put your money else where. 80% of buick owners don't get close to that number
I run stock ported factory tta headers on my tta. And run low 10's.

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[pacecarta]

just wondering, I am sure this has been asked a bunch of times

please link me I am new here, or help a newb out.

pretty much stock motor, some bolt ons

depending on what "some bolt ons" is ...stock headers
ran mid 10s for years on stock headers on a stock motor "with bolt ons"... but they will also need more attention when pushed hard
at lower hp level or small turbo 3.8L i would avoid the hooker and atr style headers ...and stay far away from the ebay stuff even if you can weld



at low 10s and faster the TA race are a big improvement over stock
race a lot and everything cracks ,even the TA headers

 

[rag231]

Stockers!

 

[HouTX87]

TA is the way to go, but keep in mind it only works with a mini starter.........

My TA stock replacement headers work fine with a stock starter. One of the starter heat shields had to be removed but that's in the instructions. They fit and seal great. The only problem I had with the install is that because I have HR motor mounts it caused the #5 header tube to rub the steering shaft. I had to put a dimple in the tube for clearance. I've been told that a jeep steering shaft would also help my problem. Otherwise I highly recommend the TA stock replacements.

 

[GetOwnedVette]

Pricing? Imported?


Walter

I really don't know the full background on them as far as production location goes, not sure if Hye-tech makes them in house. They look like ebay ones but let me assure you they are not close. You can pick them up for 6 bills. http://www.gbodyparts.com/product_i...=1000&osCsid=80ac6d61d780baedb241158f55c2f6ba

 

[Roger]

Tired of repairing cracks
Got mine from http://buickgsca.com/ 229.244.0577
About $595