Hey just like to say that im new to this forum and seen alot of info.My question is Iam looking to replace my headers on my 01 ram 1500 5.2. Just wondered if anyone has tried the summit brand shorty headers and if so how they liked them. At the same time going to replace the cat as well to a high flow.Already had the exaust done in the rear.Flow 40 with dual pipes.So looking to get a little louder. BYW has anyone tried putting in a dump after the y pipe?Been thinking of doing this but O2 sensors may be a problem.

 

I have never tried the Summit brand headers, but they used to be made by Pacesetter. I have not heard a lot of good stuff about Pacesetter headers on the forums. Lots of reports of leaks, cracks, warped flanges, and poor welds, etc... I would be cautious.

Some of the better headers are Gibson, JBA, and Edlebrock.

 

they use really thin flanges witch are prone to warpage... you want atleast a 3/8" thick flang on hearders to combat this

 

well thanks for the info..was also thinking about the gibsons myself but was trying to save a little cash.I guess ill go that route instead. Ill let you all know how it turns out

 

Welcome to DF!

saving cash is not always a good thing if it brings you nothing but headaches... get some good quality ones. I have the Gibsons and like them very much.

 

On my 99 5.2 I installed the Summit headers (yes made by Pacesetter) and had no problems. They have redesigned them with 3/8 flanges. I guess they were losing money because of the bad rep.

Anyhow I think they were a great buy but I should have got them powdercoated. Check around, I found that I could have had them powdercoated cheaper than buying a pair that came that way.

 

I use Pacesetter LT headers on my Camaro and am very happy with them. They are actually made better than the Hooker's for cars like mine. If you are looking for information on Pacesetter's go to www.camaroz28.com and click on the message board. Then do a search or just scroll through. Almost all the LT1 guys use Pacesetter (unless they have very high end like Kooks). You won't find a negative word about Pacesetter there...and while it's not a truck, most of us drive our F-body's pretty hard.

That being said...does anyone make LTs for 2nd gen V8 Dodges?

 

well its good to see that they are better built now..i had them on my 73 chevy when i was in highschool and i couldnt keep gaskets for nothing... kept blowing them ... prolly had about the same amount in the gaskets then what the headers cost.. in the end

 

I'm also not sure if maybe the F-body headers may be made different because they are a performance application. I just know the dang things have a cult following among F-body's. It could also be because they are only $280/pr and Hooker is $430. I would say this, though...if somebody does make an LT headers for the Magnum I would get it...if you're gonna spend the money for headers, you should at least get all the power you can!

Also, for that cutout...again Camaro/Firebird owners use them very very often. There are some companies making electric plates for the cutout so you can choose between open and dumped exhaust from the comfort of the drivers seat. If you have restrictive exhaust it's a noticeable gain. You do, of course, have to put it after your O2 sensor.

 

First thing, don't buy the Edelbrock brand. They are ......garbage. My cerama-coated ones cracked after 1.5 years of use. Edelbrock stated" only one year warranty on em". They also said they don't do repairs or replacements...So, no more Edelbrock products for me.. Go with a stainless set. If you are using a 5.9 L v-8, also order the Percy soft-aluminum header gaskets and stainless header bolts from ARP. The bolts have a 12 point 5/16 head on em to make tightening easier...