LT1 Header Question (Does a 96 REALLY require dual cat's?)

[nailbunny2000]

So I'm going to start modding my Trans Am in the next month or so, and I'd like to pick up some headers. I'm kinda new at this so please bare with me if something I say doesnt make sense, I'm learning :p

Anyways, my question is as follows...

My car is a 96, and thus has dual cats. Unfortunately, all the dual cat headers I see out there are easily $100 to $250 more than single cat (94/95) versions. I was recently told that I don't actually NEED two cats, and that Aircare will be happy as long as there is one, so if I picked up a set of headers that claim to be for a 94 or 95, would they still fit/work/go through aircare just the same? Would an off road y-pipe work, and then a free flow cat after that and before the exhaust?

I'd like long tubes, for performance reasons, but I really dont want issues with them dragging or anything like that, I'd prefer to have this as reliable and as less of a hassle in day to day driving as possible.

So, does anyone have any suggestions on headers? Price is an issue unfortunately.

I'm pretty sure I'll be going with a Magnaflow exhaust, anyone have this system/where did you pick it up/how much is it going for up here (only really done internet research so far)?

[Mr. TroPiCal]

Not sure where the cats are on the lt1's, but if they are like my car they are bolted to the manifolds...but even if they aren't, a 93-95 ypipe should work fine, but you may need to have a little bit of pipe added to it, which isn't a big deal.

But removing the cats altogther will yield a bigger increase than changing the ypipe.

I'd recommend checking out ebay for a good header/ypipe package, then either buy a pair of high flo cats (which you can also get cheap on ebay), or removing the cats altogether and just put one back on when it comes to aircare time, then remove it after you pass.

But whatever you do, dont bother with headers unless they are equal length mids or long tubes.

If it were me, I'd bite the clearence bullet and get the long tubes with a matching ypipe and fuck the cats till aircare.

[NorhternSS]

I think you might need O2 extensions too. Since there is 2 O2 sensors after the cats on ODB2 cars, if you just put the cat in the 93-95 spot at the end of the y pipe, I dont think they will reach. Your going to need O2 bungs in the exhaust after the cat for both O2 sensors or O2 simulators(which ever you choose to run). I dont know how good of a reading each O2 will get being just one cat :dunno: And the fronts might need to be extended but Im not too sure of that either. Just a couple things to think of. If I were to do it again Id get some TPIS long tubes and get a custom y pipe with the O2 sensors done right. Do it once and do it right. More expensive but done once.

[Mr. TroPiCal]

I think you might need O2 extensions too.* Since there is 2 O2 sensors after the cats on ODB2 cars, if you just put the cat in the 93-95 spot at the end of the y pipe, I dont think they will reach.* Your going to need O2 bungs in the exhaust after the cat for both O2 sensors or O2 simulators(which ever you choose to run).* I dont know how good of a reading each O2 will get being just one cat :dunno:* And the fronts might need to be extended but Im not too sure of that either.* Just a couple things to think of.* If I were to do it again Id get some TPIS long tubes and get a custom y pipe with the O2 sensors done right.* Do it once and do it right.* More expensive but done once.


ya forgot about the sensors.....if you lose the cats you'll have to spend about 100US and get a pair of 02 simulators...just did it myself...actaully got a really big difference in sound and power in the HP

[89vert]

if you got dual cats, stick with dual cats, or remove them all together

[Underworld Defender]

I just recently got headers in my 96 z28. I bought the Edelbrock T.E.S. headers and got my car modified to single cat.(hi-flow)
I also got the Magnaflow wide-open catback...
It looks good and sounds great ;)

[NorhternSS]

I just recently got headers in my 96 z28. I bought the Edelbrock T.E.S. headers and got my car modified to single cat.(hi-flow)
I also got the Magnaflow wide-open catback...
It looks good and sounds great ;)


What did you do about your O2 sensors?? Are you running sims now??

[Underworld Defender]

What did you do about your O2 sensors??* Are you running sims now??
just had to get 2*
02 bungs :)