Buying headers 97 tahoe. Recommendations?

[tahoe nick]

Ok. Bad exhaust leak. Where Manifold couples to y-pipe,passenger side. I have decided that I can come out juntas cheap to buy a set of headers, hook them up and then get someone to tie into existing 2in 2out flowmaster that dumps in front of rear axle. I don't have cats,so just about have to get it done in the backyard aanyway.So, that being said, in getting headers for myself. For Christmas. I've heard shorty's didn't benefit enough to warrant putting them on,so question is, which ones? After that what's my next mod? 5.7 vortech all suggestions appreciated!

 

[MO Viet Vet]

You asked for suggestions. IMO, don't install headers. They always leak way before stock manifolds. IMO

 

[tahoe nick]

Thanks for input. Then,what?I know-how to fix it. Technically speaking tho, I don't have a welder and I don't have a lot of money so I dunno. Everyone I've talked to about it has given me a different answer. The previous owner put quick putty steel all around where it couples and that lasted a couple daysand when one muffler guy looked at it he literally got pissed and said no,he wouldn't touch it.i want to get the most performance too. Finally got me a Tahoe and I want it to be its best. Been dealing with this for 7 months and in frustrated, to say the least. And Lester,yes I have already asked about this two other times anD THANKS MAN. I see you on here helping everyone out and I think that's great. In just stuck on this and need someone withal little more experience to tell me something I can be confident in and wont have to change again after I do other mods later. Bc. On a tight budget. Youngens and the like. Sorry for the life story and thanks again for all the wisdom

 

[MO Viet Vet]

If you do stock you only have to do one side. The thing that may cause extra concern is the possibility of broken studs/bolts when remove and having to deal with that but would be the same with headers. You cannot weld the manifold. Not made of the same material as the pipe. You already have a performance exhaust system after the manifold. You will not "notice" and gain with headers, IMO. You can even get a used manifold somewhere or aftermarket that will bolt right up. If get used you may want to have a machine shop surface the face that attaches at the head but you should not have to do that with new.

 

[tahoe nick]

The problem is the flange on the y-pipe is rusted through. I found a brand new manifold for $60. No biggie but I may not need it

 

[MO Viet Vet]

Well then that's easy. Replace the y-pipe. You don't want to weld there and adding headers still wouldn't fix that anyways. The least money would be the y-pipe replacement and keep using the stock manifolds. By the way, your original post made it all sound like you had a manifold problem and the rest was all ok.

 

[tahoe nick]

Got it. Sorry for not being more clear. Y-pipe is welded to muffler on other end. Obviously custom built setup with no cats. Maybe if I buy a y-pipe for a decent price then I can find someone to hook it up

 

[lesterl]

Why not use some of that flexible pipe section and just clamp it in place? Should be able to buy a new Y pipe flange end......

 

[tahoe nick]

Studs are rusted. One just spins and the nut isn't even all the way to the bracket. Won't budge. This is my only vehicle, once I tear into it I need to be able to have it finished same day. With full time job, side work on weekends I'm obligated to, and 3 kids to chase after, time is definitely an issue. I just want to say "abracadabra"! Haha. I've checked out those flex kits. I've changed wheel bearings, alternators, ps pumps and the like. But never messed with exhaust. Guess I'm just overwhelmed is all

 

[MO Viet Vet]

Exhaust can be a PITA! You should buy some new studs and nuts, remove as needed, drill and tap new hole if needed and can use a sawzall to cut pipe where you want and use the flex pipe section if needed and good clamps. Use 3/8" clamps and not 5/16". Plan for the whole day when starting, have the kids bring the beer and food, find a heated dry place to do it and if you have them or can get them, drive the front up on ramps for room.

 

[lesterl]

New studs and nuts indeed. As far as removal, proper application of heat helps alot also......

 

[tahoe nick]

Im trying to visualize this. I can see the flex pipe on the y-pipe side, and clamp it. But then there is the flange and donut gasket,then manifold. Are you saying put flex pipe over the manifold? And the other end over wherever I cut the y-pipe off at, or actually buy new flange and hook it up to manifold then connect that to what remains of the y-pipe after I cut?

 

[lesterl]

new flange, flex & clamps from there to pipe if you dont want to weld it/ get it welded...

 

[MO Viet Vet]

The new y-pipe will have a new flange where the donut gasket sits. New bolts and nuts when attach there. The flex piece is at the back where you cut to fit with new clamps to attach. Maybe the new y-pipe slides inside existing old pipe or slides on the outside and just use clamps without the flex piece.