Are S&S headers any good?

[TazMan]

I see on SSHeaders.com they make headers for a 99 Grand Am. Does anybody have any experience with these headers? I'm wondering what kind of gains I could expect to see from a set. Are we talking about just a few horses or like a 20 HP increase?

[silvergtjrad]

You get some pretty decent gains. Probably around 20whp. Ive got them on my car right now Id say the headers, tuning, and 3500 top end are the best mods on my list. Those are the only three things that I could feel a difference in the performance of the car.

[Superdave]

See the attached dyno sheet, keep in mind these aren't S&S headers (they are true equal length longtubes) but it'll give you an idea. Nothing changed internally, just the change from stock 3400 manifolds to the headers and tuning.

[Blackrider]

I had them on my Grand Am GT and they where a solid header, they never warped or rusted.

[JMo60]

i like em

[PCGUY112887]

They make my car sound badass.....


Or maybe that's the cam!

[TazMan]

Around 20 whp? Thats a pretty big increase. I was under the impression that for headers to give any real performance gains the pipes to each exhaust port had to be the same length and in their picture it didn't look that way. I guess thats more of a guideline then a rule, or maybe I misunderstood something. I gotta go read the header article here again. Either way I'll pick up a set whenever I get the extra cash to lay out. Thanks

[bszopi]

Yes, ideal headers are equal length and tuned for the desired RPM in which the engine is going to perform. But getting equal length headers at a desired length (~33" for this engine) is something that is not easy to do in the confines of our engine bay. It can be done, but it requires a custom set to be produced. But for a production item, these are a very good set.

[torq455]

S&S are good quality headers, though mine were used and the ceramic coating is rusting and flaking off. Installed a set in my 04 GASE. At first, I only noticed a mild gain and was disappointed with the amount of work involved. However, the PCM learned and it hauls ass now. I have just a custom PCM tune, FFP UD pulley, custom cold/ram air intake (from fog light) and 180 stat, and it's noticeably faster than my Dad's 04 GAGT with 62mm TB! Runs 9.94@70 mph in the 1/8. Soon it'll have a 3500 UIM and a, maybe, 65mmTB.