I picked up some JBA LT's from RPM. Ceramic Coated, $800.00 cheapest I found for JBA LT. The only problem with RPM is no money back on any item, but you can exchange. I didnt have any problems, got the headers and cats, took a day to install. Sounds great!!
The LT's (according to several sources) produce better HP then the shortys. (shortys anywhere from 5 to 10 hp, LT 15 to 25hp) The nice thing about the S197 is it looks like it was made for the LT's, plenty of space to install them (once you remove the starter and Motor mount plates). The header Clearance is like stock, you don't see them unless you are underneath the car and the sound, well it has a very deep old school muscle car rumble to them. As for price, the LT's are not cheap. You will need to replace the Cats with one made for the headers or use a straight x pipe made for the headers. The total cost can be around 1k, but I really like them. I currently use the JBA LT's with Cats and stock mufflers and I diffently feel the difference in power.
yes, you do one side at a time. I actually removed the motor mount plates for easier installation (its only 4 - 15mm bolts on each side). I used a small piece of 2x4, standing it straight up on the jack end, and jacked the front of the engine up. I was able to do the installation pretty easily using large Jack stands which raised the car up about 2 feet. You will also need to move the steering shaft out of the way, unbolt the bottom bolt holding the shaft to the rack, unbolt the 2 bolts holding the rack in place and push it forward. You might mark the steering shaft so you return it to the right postion when putting it back. The whole job took about 5 hours. The hardest part of putting in the headers is holding the gasket in place while installing them.
yes, you do one side at a time. I actually removed the motor mount plates for easier installation (its only 4 - 15mm bolts on each side). I used a small piece of 2x4, standing it straight up on the jack end, and jacked the front of the engine up. I was able to do the installation pretty easily using large Jack stands which raised the car up about 2 feet. You will also need to move the steering shaft out of the way, unbolt the bottom bolt holding the shaft to the rack, unbolt the 2 bolts holding the rack in place and push it forward. You might mark the steering shaft so you return it to the right postion when putting it back. The whole job took about 5 hours. The hardest part of putting in the headers is holding the gasket in place while installing them.
I see you are from Cali also, actually not all that far from Modesto. Anyway I know Longtubes won't pass smog in CA, but I don't understand why. If you are still running catalytic converters shouldn't that still allow the car to pass the sniffer test? What are you planning on doing when you have to get the car checked in a few years?