Gibson Headers

[Mikz86TA]

Looking through older threads I didnt find any Gibson questions, just JBA. I found a new set of Gibsons on closeout for $200+shipping. They are GP117S model #. Looking through Gibsons site, I see they are stainless steel. Better than chrome but not as good or pricey as coated. They usually cost around $350-$400 right? My concern is they are the only s-series Gibsons and they list for '96-'98. Is there anyone who put them on a later model? Is the flange for the y-pipe the same? Any other whoas in putting them on a 2003? I dont have AIR Inj, so I could just plug that up right? Im trying to come up with the $ but want to know they are going to fit 1st. Also, the Gibsons drivers tube looks to not go in a loop like the JBAs do. That loops around the steering on the JBAs right? Anyone got a pic of either? THX

[87wildside]

I think most over look the Gibsons because of cost. I think the air injection is the only difference. I'm not 100% positive.

[Mikz86TA]

I personally dont see why they wouldnt fit. Other than AIR, the 4.3 is unchanged. So Im guessing they just made the AIR set and gave up on the rest. Isnt '96-98 the same AIR setup and '99-01 slightly different? So I think they would work I would just need to plg up the AIR port. I still want to know about the routing. Is the JBAs snaking around the steering shaft? Is the Gibsons not? As far as price, OBXs (which I am shy of since no one has done them and there isnt any feedback) are close to $300 + shipping, JBAs are usually $400 to start for the stainless and go up with 2 differnet coatings and Gibsons are $400/chrome, $480/s.steel and over $500/coated! So $250 shipped to me is a hell of a deal on NEW What prices for the JBAs, Edels and any other 4.3 headers has anyone else here paid? THX

[87wildside]

Buy and resell them if you don't think they will work. My Edelbrocks were about $400 shipped from summit. I got the ones with the Ti-Tech coating (whatever that is). Edelbrock only has listings to '97 and for 96-97 it says "CPI only"

[Mikz86TA]

OK. Ive almost scrounge up enough $ to buy a new performance item for the truck. I shouldnt but cant help myself. So heres my delima : I can get these Gibsons for about $250 shipped OR I can get the SLP 1.6 Rocker kit for Under $200 shipped . Pros and Cons : HEADERS are easy to install. ROCKERS are most likely more time consuming. ROCKERS require adjusting which I hate doing but am qualified to do. HEADERS could be challenging in the install and could leak later on. Which would benefit me the most? I have K&N FIPK, IAT mod, GMS MAF (for now), CFM-Tech TBlade, Breather mod, JET programmer (getting back this week), MSD coil, MSD 8.5s, Custom Y-pipe with pre-cat delete, Magnaflow cat and Flow Super 40 muff. What is the stock cam lift at .050 with stock rockers (1.5s) and what would it be with the 1.6s? How much gain would that estimated net me? SLP brocure I have from forever ago, has them listed as a 15HP gain. I am always skeptical of those #s. What does the consensus here think? Which is more bang for the buck? THX

[Mikz86TA]

Bumpidy Bump Bump

[04silveradomykk]

mike, dude... I actually think there is more to be made with headers, plus I want to hear if your already nice exhaust tone changes with shorties.

but the rockers are pedestal mount and just bolt in with no adjustments( unless you convert to stud mount)... you know I just ordered theSLP rockers. I've also been looking for headers for a long time, I would just prefer long tubes.

If you decide on shortie headers, post up! Any gains or not, exhaust note change etc

[Mikz86TA]

Oh trust me..I will post up a clip =) So with the pedistal mount, you just bolt off the rockers as a whole and slap the new ones in? Sounds too easy. Post some install pics and product pics when you get em. When are you getting them?

[droopy89]

If i remember right, the JBAs loop around the steering shaft, but the Gibsons dont, but go with the headers, bolt-ons first, then internals.

[Mikz86TA]

Yeah, that was actually a concern about the fitment. Ive pulled the shaft for plug change B4 so thats not a problem. But if the JBAs loop around the shaft, how hard does that make the plug replacement after they are installed? The Edels, look to not loop, they also look to have clearance in front of where the plugs are, but are sandwiched tubes near the collector. The Gibsons look to not go around the shaft, do not sandwich, but I think the passenger side rear plug is going to be difficult to work with. They all have reawbacks seemingly. Any other brands besides the 'unknown' OBXs?

[87wildside]

The Edelbrocks don't loop around and the tubes go to a "D" shape at the collector. You named all the brands I can think of.

I just had a thought as to why Edelbrock doesnt have a listing past '97. Maybe it is because the TES systems are CARB certified and the "Y" pipe dose not have the pre cat.

[droopy89]

With JBAs i think you would have to pull the header to change the plugs

O just a thought, doesnt Hedman make some for us?

[Mikz86TA]

Both Hedman and Hooker make long tubes for the 4.3 as far as I know. But I paid $$ for my custom y-pipe and I want to retain it for now.