View Full Version : 5.3L V8 Headers
Clayton
03-29-2007, 12:33 AM
Looking at bolt-on performance mods for my Trailblazer...2006 SWB 5.3L V8
(And I searched and couldn't find what I was looking for)
My mod-list so far includes PCM Tune/Fan kit, K&N CAI and Magnaflow Exhaust...
What are the advantages of getting headers? (And what exactly are they/where do they go?)
Performance? Fuel economy? Sound?
Gearhead2012
03-29-2007, 02:50 AM
Headers are basically a replacement for your factory exaust manifold. if you look at a set of headers, particularly well made...you'll note that each tube, coming off each cylinder is close to the same lenth. This does several things, first of all, let's cover the gains...you'll pick up some mileage with them, and more than that, I've heard of typical gains of 7-12 percent. They will also be a little louder too, but a nice rumble, nothing obnoxious - and this is because of several reasons, mostly because the metal tubing they use is thinner (which helps to dissipate heat better) then the factory cast iron manifolds. Now, the reasononing behind each tube being equal lenth is kinda hard to explain, but basically, you want each cylider to have to push equal amounts of air out. If each cylinder has a tube, that is the same length as the rest of the cylinders, this will equalize the force it takes to push the air out accross all cylinders. There are "shorty" headers, and "long tubes". Typically, shorty headers are great for high rpm horsepower. Long tubes are better for trucks typically because they will give you more low end torque. both however are a huge improvement over stock. The reason the long tubes, which have simply a longer tube, compared to the shorty headers produce more torque (look up pictures online somewhere, like summitracing.com) is because of vaccuum. While air is being pushed out of one cylinder, it "pulls" air out of other tubes, and thus makes it easier for those cylinders to push their air out. The longer the tube, the more vaccuum. I hope at least some of this made sense, and feel free to ask questions, so maybe I can explain things better with questions. Get them...at least they're available for ya'll V8 guys, they are IMO woth the money.
Spong
03-29-2007, 12:44 PM
Looking at bolt-on performance mods for my Trailblazer...2006 SWB 5.3L V8
(And I searched and couldn't find what I was looking for)
My mod-list so far includes PCM Tune/Fan kit, K&N CAI and Magnaflow Exhaust...
What are the advantages of getting headers? (And what exactly are they/where do they go?)
Performance? Fuel economy? Sound?
Have you already done the e-fans? I'm doing them on mine soon. I've got the fans sitting in my garage and I just need to send my PCM back to pcmforless and purchase the harness. I'm just waiting to do it until my TB can be down for a week.
ScarabEpic22
03-29-2007, 01:04 PM
Dont bother with the intake, to the efans and a supercharger!!! The supercharger that the LS2 in the TB SS uses bolts to the 5.3L V8 as well (pretty sure, but contact Vector or another vendor to double check) and will by far be the best power adder.:yes: :woot:
Clayton
03-29-2007, 05:52 PM
Well, as much as I'd like that extra power I'd get from a supercharger, I can't afford $5300 for a long long time. Looking like my list will have to hold me over for now, but I'm sure it'll be great to get that extra power.
But I will definitely throw it onto my long-term shopping list.
Clayton
03-30-2007, 12:08 AM
And just another quick question. Only headers I've found around are for the SS. Cross-compatible to my 5.3?
Gearhead2012
03-30-2007, 01:00 AM
I know they make headers for the 5.3 liter Tahoe's and all, but I'm not sure that the tubes wouldn't interfere with the wheelwells and all. I believe that the headers from the 6 liter should fit, but I'm not positive. Maybe we'll get lucky and an SS guy might chime in. I wish they made headers for the I6...I'd order them right now.
ScarabEpic22
03-30-2007, 10:00 PM
And just another quick question. Only headers I've found around are for the SS. Cross-compatible to my 5.3?
Talk to Vector MS and Bill (EnvoyFan). They should be compatible as the LS2 and 5.3L V8 are almost identical from what Ive heard, but I cant tell you for sure. Drop a PM to them and see whats up.
I know they make headers for the 5.3 liter Tahoe's and all, but I'm not sure that the tubes wouldn't interfere with the wheelwells and all. I believe that the headers from the 6 liter should fit, but I'm not positive. Maybe we'll get lucky and an SS guy might chime in. I wish they made headers for the I6...I'd order them right now.
Good idea about the fullsize, but Im willing to bet 99% that the routing is different.
I dont know what gains the I6 will really get with a set of headers to tell the truth. Right now I want a 2/3 Bar OS for the LL8 so I can skip straight to a turbo or supercharger.
Gearhead2012
03-31-2007, 02:41 AM
I dont know what gains the I6 will really get with a set of headers to tell the truth. Right now I want a 2/3 Bar OS for the LL8 so I can skip straight to a turbo or supercharger.
Oh adding boost is definatly the best way to add power...and I might consider that one day. For now, it's just bolt on's. I wish I could get to 300 whp with bolt on's, but I'll take what I can get.
Clayton
04-05-2007, 05:28 PM
So SummitRacing said the K&N CAI, SW Headers, and Magnaflow Exhaust will not fit on the 5.3L V8...
Envoy Fan
04-05-2007, 05:44 PM
So SummitRacing said the K&N CAI, SW Headers, and Magnaflow Exhaust will not fit on the 5.3L V8...
They say that because these items haven't yet been tested by the mfgs on the 5.3L V8.
Vector has a CAI for the 5.3L also a tune. Excellent gains.
As for the headers, the exhaust manifolds on the 05 5.3L and 06 6.0L are the same part numbers (per a good parts guy source).
I believe it was SW that was looking for a 5.3L to test on. Don't know how they did on that search. :undecided