Shorty Headers on 2013 6.2L - yea or nay?

[Doubeleive]

I will sound off also and say that headers won't really do much but make noise and usually they just end up leaking, bolts come loose all the time.
get the tune.
then if you still want to spend money, cam, heads, supercharger, etc
then you have to upgrade all the stuff behind it or it just breaks..........

 

[LurkingLuke]

Update: stock manifold has begun leaking. If I'm going to spend the $$$ to fix it, I'm attracted to the idea of long tube headers. I got the BB tune earlier. Buy the headers and let BBT have another go at it, im thinking. How good/bad an idea this is, and if I go for it, should I also install something new cat back?

 

[Marky Dissod]

You've a 6.2L. Headers just make plain how restrictive the GM OE cat-back exhaust is.
Doubt you need less restrictive catalytic converters, but aft of them, the exhaust needs to be less restrictive.
Otherwise at a certain RpM, the headers literally become pointless as GM's plans force them to peak early.

Depending on the tune deal you recently selected with Black Bear, and how long you wait,
the improved-exhaust system tune MIGHT be considered an update instead of an entirely new tune.
Sooner you ask BlackBear, the better.

 

[LurkingLuke]

You've a 6.2L. Headers just make plain how restrictive the GM OE cat-back exhaust is.
Doubt you need less restrictive catalytic converters, but aft of them, the exhaust needs to be less restrictive.
Otherwise at a certain RpM, the headers literally become pointless as GM's plans force them to peak early.

Depending on the tune deal you recently selected with Black Bear, and how long you wait,
the improved-exhaust system tune MIGHT be considered an update instead of an entirely new tune.
Sooner you ask BlackBear, the better.

Black Bear has earned by repeat business either way. Great guys.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Black Bear has earned by repeat business either way. Great guys.

The sentiment is understood.
My point is that, depending on variables only you and Black Bear can be aware of,
you may either be a customer, or a client.

A customer would be paying for a 2nd tune.
A client would be paying for an update on their previous tune - if they have not already paid for it.

 

[petethepug]

For the 6.2L you’re going about it all wrong. Buy a temporary kit to clamp down the broken exhaust manifold bolt.

Save your dough and buy a set of trick flow or Texas Speed (T/S) aluminum heads that breathe better. THEN you add the long tube headers.

T/S probably has a combo with heads, exhaust and tune for a Smok’n deal. Add a cam and you’ll be pushing an easy (reliable) 500hp. You’re trans may not like it though.

 

[LurkingLuke]

Tough call. My Denali has low miles (88k) so investing now makes sense. Funds are low, however. I'd be content with a very modest performance increase, so long as it can still work with the setup you recommend.

Does it make sense to save this all for when I'm flush again? Or go for the exhaust now with the hope I can reattach the same pipes after the heads are replaced? I'm not interested in reinforcing my tranny.

(Not asking for anyone to make up my mind for me, just want to make this decision in my right mind)

 

[j91z28d1]

What do you mean by manifolds leaking?


and do you drive it hard enough that a few extra hp would be enjoyable vs cost?

 

[ReaperHWK]

With the weight of these trucks you’d probably need an extra 100hp to even notice lol.