Pacesetter shorties...
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Tuned
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 442
Likes: 2
From: The Buckeye State
Pacesetter shorties...
I’m about ready to pull my 302 out just a few more things to unhook. I’m going to replace most all the gaskets as I have a few oil leaks. I also have an exhaust manifold gasket leaking and figured while I’m at it I’d slap on a set of headers.
My question is are Pacesetter headers decent? I’m not looking for huge power gains or anything just a nice sound. Any fitment issues? I see some good reviews and some bad, just like to get 1st hand experience. I also purchased an O/R pipe from jegs to go along with it.
Thanks
My question is are Pacesetter headers decent? I’m not looking for huge power gains or anything just a nice sound. Any fitment issues? I see some good reviews and some bad, just like to get 1st hand experience. I also purchased an O/R pipe from jegs to go along with it.
Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
I bought a set of "Summit racing" headers. They were just reboxed Pacesetters. Summit is known for doing this(reselling something with their name on it for cheaper then the manufacturer does).
I had no complaints. There were nice, thick flanges. Easy enough to install. I had mine coated before installing, as I knew the paint wouldn't last long.
I had bought a dual exhaust kit from LMC to go with them. Only problem was the cones on the pipes did not fit well with the cone on headers> It leaked constantly. I ended up removing the headers(and dual exhaust) and going back to stock with new Y pipe. I'm pretty sure if the dual kit was better quality, I would have continued to run it. I still have the coated headers in the garage.
I had no complaints. There were nice, thick flanges. Easy enough to install. I had mine coated before installing, as I knew the paint wouldn't last long.
I had bought a dual exhaust kit from LMC to go with them. Only problem was the cones on the pipes did not fit well with the cone on headers> It leaked constantly. I ended up removing the headers(and dual exhaust) and going back to stock with new Y pipe. I'm pretty sure if the dual kit was better quality, I would have continued to run it. I still have the coated headers in the garage.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,495
Likes: 2,019
From: North Texas
No point for direct fit headers to me, as they retain the stock tiny headpipes.
If you want a set of shorty headers, fox mustang ones fit fine. Well BBKs for sure do, hell so do the crappy OE HO ones that I initially test fit on my truck. You need a new Y-pipe made, but to uncork the motor, you want to anyway. 2.25" headpipes into a single 3" works fine.
Toss in even the most mild of camshafts while that engine is out, that stock peanut cam is crap. My 05/88 has a roller block from the factory as did my pal's 11/88 (I think that is his build month). I just did a HO cam in mine, you need those pushrods as they are different length, spider assembly, and a roller distributor gear. It moves the powerband up, but not terrible. HOs were rated at 3200rpm for peak torque I think.
Post pics as you tear into it!
If you want a set of shorty headers, fox mustang ones fit fine. Well BBKs for sure do, hell so do the crappy OE HO ones that I initially test fit on my truck. You need a new Y-pipe made, but to uncork the motor, you want to anyway. 2.25" headpipes into a single 3" works fine.
Toss in even the most mild of camshafts while that engine is out, that stock peanut cam is crap. My 05/88 has a roller block from the factory as did my pal's 11/88 (I think that is his build month). I just did a HO cam in mine, you need those pushrods as they are different length, spider assembly, and a roller distributor gear. It moves the powerband up, but not terrible. HOs were rated at 3200rpm for peak torque I think.
Post pics as you tear into it!
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 442
Likes: 2
From: The Buckeye State
So I can run Fox shorties? I read a few threads that said you can’t??
i have purchased a Jegs O/R Y pipe to replace the factory one. Just wanna make sure it bolts up and I don’t have to start to modify stuff to work
i have purchased a Jegs O/R Y pipe to replace the factory one. Just wanna make sure it bolts up and I don’t have to start to modify stuff to work
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,495
Likes: 2,019
From: North Texas
I did, they cleared on my truck fine. 
They do NOT bolt to stock y-pipe, maybe that is why people say you cannot run them?
Does the Jegs ORY have bigger diameter headpipes?
They do NOT bolt to stock y-pipe, maybe that is why people say you cannot run them? Does the Jegs ORY have bigger diameter headpipes?
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Tuned
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From: The Buckeye State
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,495
Likes: 2,019
From: North Texas
Looks like 2" headpipes. Bigger than stock I recall, I swear mine were 1-3/4" or something pathetic. A single 2.5" would be fine to me on a stock headed 302. I have had Hooker LTs for a long, long time now. Probably going to replace as they are starting to rust internally (long story). Cannot recall the size of my stock stuff. I think the stock main cat outlet was about 2.25"
Oh, I 1000% recommend those Stage 8 header bolts and MLS gaskets.
Oh, I 1000% recommend those Stage 8 header bolts and MLS gaskets.
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