- Materials (ceramic, stainless, standard)
- Design of headers (long tube, shorty, SLP)
- Diameter of tubes (larger is not always better)
Although I am far from an expert on this topic, there are things I can express as truth. Here is a picture of a stock manifold. Notice the small tube design. Also take note to the bend of the tubes. This is a very restrictive design. The exhaust cannot flow freely through the manifold.
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| Pretty much you only have one choice for headers for a 3rd gen Camaro as far as design is concerned -- shorty headers. Here is a couple of designs that will work: |
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| If emissions are a concern you
will need headers with the air tubes welded on, like the SLP
headers.
Note: The black headers will not stay black for too long. The paint may come off due to the high temp. This brings us to our next topic -- materials. Due to the high temp of the headers it may be a good idea to consider the materials used for headers. If you are installing on a show vehicle standard headers will not do. They eventually look like crap. Ceramic coatings will protect the headers but a higher price tag will be associated. |
| I am not going to say too much
about installation. It is pretty much a bolt on project.
One thing if you are replacing a stock manifold with headers you will need to make sure you obtain a Y-Pipe for your headers. When you install the headers you will have to tilt the engine in order to fit the headers into position. This can be done by unbolting one engine mount and jacking the engine from below. Be sure when jacking you use a board in between the jack and the oil pan. |
| One final thing to consider is
bolts. You will need new bolts anyway as the stock bolts are too
long.
Save yourself some headaches and buy a set of Allen head header bolts. Or at least hex header bolts. Standard bolts have too big of a diameter head for use with headers. |