Just wondering if headers are worth it on these cars? I'm looking into getting a set but i've had bad luck in the past with them leaking and stuff. Also whats the best type and brand?
All I have to say is this: Had a bad experience myself. Buy decent brand name ones. Make sure they have a machined surface at the head. I bought BBK ones after trying the Ebay specials..the BBK's fit just perfect.
Ceramics would be my choice but money was an issue. If you get the BBK ones, throw the gaskets they send you away. Don't waste your time. Buy some Felpros or something.
Do a search on this forum for CHEAP HEADERS and read my ramble about the stainless steel "ebay" headers I bought. They look an awful lot like those. Long story but I got my money back cause they would not fit..seconds? blems? or just China JUNK. I don't know. They looked sweet and fit like poop. I bought BBKs with no issue.
I ran BBK equal length shorties on my '90 and always had issues with them rubbing on the the shock tower (vibrations, etc.). Also, I definitely agree with gearheadboy, if you get BBKs, throw away the gaskets and get some Felpros. Locking nuts are always good on headers too.
For my current car, I was going to get some unequal length shorties when I upgrade the entire exhaust. They fit so much better than the equal length--I'll take a few less horsepower in exchange for no rubbing.
Unless you have a major "built" engine, you won't notice a major improvement in HP. I've always heard it said the stock headers do a pretty good job on a stock 5.0 engine. But, headers are another ingredient in the whole recipe to make more power, especially with heads, cam, intake.