I hope to be making some changes to my truck in about a month. I want to get some headers and I need some input. I know that the long tube headers are preferable, but I need to know if there are any smog issues with the long tube headers. I know that I can get the shorties and not have any smog issues. I am also wondering about the different types of coating on the headers. I see that most manufacturer's have several types of coatings and I want to know what the difference is. Also, I want the truck to be loud. I don't know how to describe how loud other than; "I don't care if the person next to me can hear me when I talk." Would the long tube or the shorties give the loudest sound. In conjunction with this I want to get a new muffler. Right now I have a flowmaster muffler and by itself it is not loud enough. I am reluctant to get a CAT Back kit because I just want the muffler. I am not concerned with the chrome pipes and I already have a tip, but if buying the whole kit will give me better performance, then I will consider it.

I realize that these are redundant topics, but any info relating to types of headers and mufflers, or manufacturer's there of, would be greatly appreciated.

 

Smog issues depend on where you live. Some places have visual inspection and others don't. If your header doesn't have a C.A.R.B. number you can have problems. Just a fact of life.

Material? Simply get stainless and forgetaboutit. One can always ceramic coat stainless if one wants less radiant heat. Whatever you buy, be sure they have 3/8" thick flanges, and not 1/4". Check the welds before installing. Even today quality of welds still varies.

As for sound given what you want, I cannot believe you haven't simply removed the muffler and/or resonator completely. The cat will still over some muffling and if you want loud, this may be where to start. Headers will not add a lot of sound, but most do a little because of the far thinner-walled material than cast iron.

All the best.