Frank_Blotto

I almost feel bad asking this, but what are the *cheapest* 50 state legal headers for an 87 LG4? I want to put some pep into this thing, but I don't want to spend alot of money cuz It's someday gonna get a stroked 383, or at least something that's not an LG4. Its already has a larger diameter catback with a Flowmaster 80 series (had it when I bought it), but it has the tiny exhaust manifolds. I'd love to put some Hooker 2055s on, but I'm really broke, and I just want anything at this point. Any suggestions? Can one get headers at a junkyard? :P

ME Leigh

I believe edelbrock.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

The only headers made that are completely technically legal are the Edelbrock TES (Summit p/n EDL-6871, $330). They are made to retain the EFE valve on the passenger side outlet and the weeney 2-1/4" cat, which are the restrictions in the system to start with (other than the manifolds themselves).

Any other system will have some "problem". The Dynomax WLK-85012 have the A.I.R. fittings but no y-pipe, and aren't "certified". 2055's are technically for TPI cars, so an **** Inspektor could look that up and fail you for not being the proper application for the CARB EO#. Hedman HED-68481 are 49-state only. Flowtech BIG-11102 and the BIG-11102Y y-pipe are only $90 each, but no indication they have A.I.R. tubes, and aren't called emissions-legal, anyway.

You could get lucky and find an L69 system at the junkyard (more likely to find it on the classifieds on this board). I suppose you could order replacement aftermarket parts for the system. But, the L69 wasn't offered in 1987, so this same Inspektor could fail you for that.

With an LG4 and an Inspektor that knows how to fail you on technicalities, you're basically hosed. Convert it to a TPI system, and you've got some reasonable options.

Here, they spent a little time looking under the hood the first time I took it in after the mods (the VIN says V6, they didn't flinch the first 2 times I took it in with the V8), but decided to pass the visual; and on the sniffer, it was cleaner than ever - even against the V6 standards. But, where you live, you might not be that lucky.

Frank_Blotto

Wow, thanks again for the detailed response five7. I'm not so much worried about the inspector failing me on "that wasn't stock with an 87 LG4" type deal, as I'm gonna be getting smogged at one of the plentiful "45 dollars, don't pass, don't pay" smog check places around my neighborhood. I'm more looking for something cheap that comes with AIR and provides decent flow. I browsed through the summit catalog, and came up with edelbrock as basically it. I'm liking the idea of putting an L69 exhaust on, as it would look more stock and would be cheapest! I'm not kidding at how broke I am at this point. I don't drive the car cuz I can't afford insurance. Anywho, how well does the L69 flow compared to LG4 exhaust, compared to some 1 and 5/8 headers? Will they fit right up to my heads ok? Thanks again for your help!

germ83

Sorry about asking this question, but what year camaro can you get a L69 exhaust from? Its just a 350 right?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

L69 was the "real" HO engine, and it was a 305. It was available from 1983 to 1986.

VIN code "G".

Air_Adam

L69 was the 305 HO motor, with a 4bbl. It was made from mid-83 untill '86.

It had 2.75" exhaust, a better Y-pipe and muffler, and a little better manifolds.

germ83

worth paying for or jsut save for real headders?

Air_Adam

If you can get legal headers, do that. L69 stuff is better than LG4 stuff, but doesn't hold a candle to the aftermarket.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

If it costs less than the headers, and you aren't going for the max in performance, it may be "worth it" if it is in good condition.

Of course, EPA regulations forbid the installation of used catalytic converters...

nolanr0413

headers are legal in california still, i didnt know you could open your hood without some court order. .i live in upstate ny and long island is starting to get as bad with emissions as cali. i hope it doesnt spread.

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

If you're that broke then headers for your car should be the least of your worries.

Save up your money when you are able to, and then get some good smog legal headers.

Frank_Blotto

Kevin91Z: While your suggestion makes the most sense, and is what I will eventually do, I'm going to disregard it for now, no offense. A set of cali-legal headers is at least 300 bucks, whereas I can get an L69 exhaust manifold for less than 50...I just want something better than what I've got as I just picked up a 94 Z28 rear end, and I want it to respond to those 3.42s a little better.
Anywho, if I were to go with an L69 exhaust setup, how do I tell if it is L69 as opposed to an LG4, casting numbers and visual cues would both be equally appreciated. Thanks in advance.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

The whole exhaust system is just bigger. Externally, the manifolds look similar, but the outlets are larger, the EFE valve is larger, the y-pipe is larger, the cat is larger (I believe all L69 were bolt-on vs. slip-fit inlet), the cat-back is larger.

If you measure the stuff on your car and get what it looks like burned on your brain, you'll know the difference immediately.

But, again, the likelihood of finding one in a JY is pretty slim. You're probably more likely to find some on the classifieds here.

As for getting manifolds now vs. waiting for headers when you can afford them: I know a couple of guys who aren't limited by class rules that go pretty fast on die grinder cleaned-up manifolds. Of course, they'd probably be faster with headers.

Air_Adam

Correct. They look like a small toaster lying on its side, with 4 bolts on either end.

Parrydise7

iTrader: (1)

IIRC the high flow exhaust manis on the now discontinued HO 350 (or 350 HO, whatever the designation it is the 355 hp ZZ4 engine) are the L69 high-flow exhaust manis, or, at least they are advertised as high flow.

I just checked at gmpartsdirect.com and the parts (14094063 and 14094064 are still available).

They go for about $100 a pop, not including shipping.

Air_Adam

"High flow" is a relative term

ksrammstein

You mean an L69 system like this...Heck I would have given it to you for free...Kinda wish I didn't throw them away.

ksrammstein

If you can read the casting #'s off the manifold then more power to ya. Just save it to your hard drive and zoom in.

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

Arent 350 TPI exhaust manifolds the same thing? Or are they different because of the EFE valve?

JeremyNYR

iTrader: (2)

if you're still looking for L69 exhaust manifolds, PM me. I have an entire l69 exhaust system in great shape for sale

Frank_Blotto

Continuing to scrape the bottom of the barrel here, is there any reason I couldn't put L98 exhaust manifolds and pipe on my heads, other than the lack of EFE valve? I'm thinking I could just wing it with the metal plate thing off mine so it looks like it has it.