cheap good headers?

[StuntManMike]

hi guys! i was wanted to get some opinions on some cheap headers for my 87 v10, i want to put some on but dont want to put a hole in my wallet. I went on summit racing and seen summit makes there own headers they also have some hedman and flowtec headers at a good price. I also found some hooker headers for decently cheap as well. anyone know if these opions are any good or have any suggestions? Im not looking at paying anymore than $120 for the set.
thanks guys,
Mike Felker

[VileZambonie]

Personally I never use cheap non coated headers anymore because they rust in no time and they constantly leak. I've had good luck with some of the overseas cheapies. Is your 87 V10 a truck or blazer? 5.7 tbi? Do you have a.i.r. ? Are you looking for full length headers? Since your goal is to save $ Why do you want to run headers anyway? Do you have stock manifolds? Keep in mind you'll need an O2 sensor bung also.

[4x4orbust]

i have a set of hedman headers that i like.   i would not cal them cheap, but they arent too pricey.   no leaks,  and they are rusted, but not so bad as to replace them.   my $.02

[Chevalade]

No such thing as a cheap good header. If you plan on keeping the truck for any length of time, get a good set. It will be worth it in the long run.

[dunedigger]

Here in michigan it seems no mater what header I buy it will rust out if I drive in the salty winters.  But I've only tried headman and dynomax so far and I hated the headmans I bought.  I've been sticking with dynomax and had good luck except one pair had the tube bent too far in front of a bolt hole and I had to grind down a end wrench to tighten that header bolt.  I'll never buy another set that isn't coated.  It seems to be worth the extra money to save replacing them so often.  I did see somewhere a piece you can put between the header and collector with an o2 bung so you don't have to weld one in.  I've never put headers on a fi motor yet.

[StuntManMike]

sorry it been awhile and didnt reply but iv been moving. thanks for all your input guys! VileZambonie it is a truck and is a 5.7 and i am looking for full headers and i do have stock manifolds. i have heard alot about rusting...and in about 10 months im going back to pittsburgh so salt will be an issue...is there anything i can coat the headers in to reduce rust if i would go with headers?

[Chevalade]

You can buy headers already ceramic coated. I have a set on my 81, long tubes. Cost me about $450 or $500 for them. They last well.

[VileZambonie]

you can get coated ones for under $300 bucks

[dunedigger]

Yeah, not sure on price but I know my dynomax ceramic coat were less than 300

[jimbo]

How about these?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G9006/

[lbrowne]

How about these?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G9006/

I was wondering the same thing. I've heard of people use the summit brand equipment with no issues which is usually just a re-branded product they carry. For example, those headers might actually be made by Pacesetter or Hedman.

[joesgarage71]

I always check the summit stuff first when making a buy. There parts are good quality and inexpensive. If there is any problem with them summitracing will back them up! Headers only last me about two-three years anyway so I buy them inexpensive.

BTW I Never use the words "cheap and good" together.

[VileZambonie]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts.aspx?sku=BIG-31500FLT
or
http://www.summitracing.com/parts.aspx?sku=BIG-31506FLT

[frogman68]

How about these?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G9006/

Used them on a 84 k10 manual trans and no big issues.
Hard part was getting the pipe to the rear past the cross member but the 20 ton press fixed the pipe no leaks as of yet.

For the headers , pipping and mufflers was a little less than 200 dont expect it to last but its doing the job lol

[1badazz84]

I BOUGHT A SET FLOWTECH FOR $120.00 AT AUTO ZONE. I HAVE THEM FOR 5 MONTHS SOUNDS GOOD THEY HAVE NOT RUST BUT IM GOING TO USED HEADER WRAP FOR HEAT BUT THE DIFFENCE BETWEEN THE GOOD ONES & CHEAP ONES ARE THE DIFFERNCE GAUGE OF THE STEEL THEY USE.