Making equal-length headers work

[ciffer]

i am planning to put a set of Hooker equal-length headers on my suburban this spring. the vehicle is a 1988 1/2ton 350ci 4x4. here is what i am currently looking at.
http://www.holley.com/2827HKR.asp
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=HOK%2D2827HKR&N=700+4294923429+4294839039+4294918680+4294908216+4294840140+4294925005+4294907043+4294908001+4294799365+4294776445+4294895266+115&autoview=sku

i am trying to figure out what all i will have to do to make these headers work. i figure i'll have to have an O2 sensor bung welded into the passenger side header. i am considering deleting the air-pump and the EGR with the install.

i would like some insight on the install, has anyone mounted these headers before? what about the EGR and air-pump?

 

[UPS]

I like my Hooker super comp headers, mine are for a big block part #2817hkr. They fit my truck well. The paint doesn't last but they tell you to paint them.

You could also weld the bung into the collector reducer instead of the header.

Mike

 

[ryoken]

A set of those JetHotted would be sweet...

 

[ciffer]

what about the EGR and air-pump? i am under the understanding that i could get a computer tune that would shut them both off, which would allow me to pull the pump and the EGR as long as i block off the EGR passage. however, i do not know where to go to get a computer tune for an OBDI vehicle.

 

[dcubb]

I'm running those on a HT383 in my '85 K5. They fit the truck like a glove and access to the starter is awesome, which is one of my pet peeves with headers. Flanges seal good too. Just wish I'd got them coated.

 

[dyeager535]

As long as they fit, great, but equal length headers have not been shown to produce big gains. Unequal lengths are fine if you can get some that make install easier.

 

[Thunder]

As long as they fit, great, but equal length headers have not been shown to produce big gains. Unequal lengths are fine if you can get some that make install easier.

X2 You may see 5 or 6 HP gain with equal length over unequal..
I would not waste my money on them for a truck. In a heavy sub you wont even feel 5 HP. Also changing plugs on some equal headers is a real hassle.
Why do you want to take off the EGR? It does not hurt performance and helps gas milage.
You may need a heated 02 sensor to keep the system in closed loop.

 

[ciffer]

main reason i am thinking about pulling the EGR is for simplicity of install, and to empty out the engine bay a little more. if i keep the EGR, do i just need another bung welded in? i understand that the 3-wire O2 sensor conversion is pretty simple, does anyone have some details on it?

 

[ciffer]

after looking around a little bit at standard long tube as opposed to equal-lengths, i am considering standard long tubes instead. the price difference could be better spent on other parts.

what have people run for long-tubes?

what should i look for in headers? 1 1/2in or 1 5/8in? ceramic coated, thermal coated or painted?