The next mod I plan on doing on my 03 Eco is a header, but I'd like to get a few things I've heard cleared up.

First off, I'm eyeing the pacesetter header, but I'd like to know what the difference (if any) is between the "black steel" and the ceramic coated Ecotec header, other than price.

Secondly, I've heard that if you install a header on an engine without the stiffer motor mounts, that the header will eventually crack. Wouldn't the piece of flex pipe in the exhaust prevent that from happening or does that get removed when installing a header on the car? If that's the case, is there any other way of preventing cracking (I'm not interested in getting the motor mounts as don't want the increased vibration)?

Lastly, what's involved in installation? Is it something I could do with decent car knowledge, a decent set of tools and ramps/jack stands in a day? I ask because it's my daily driver and I work 6 days a week.

TIA for any help.


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The black pacesetter headers are known for having more issues in the long run as far as breaking down (material wise) and rusting. The Ceramic Coated ones prevent things like that from happening because of the coating.

About it cracking without motor mounts, that's not true. There are plenty of people who run them without motor mounts and they are find BUT to keep them from possibly hitting other things in your engine bay or even part of the header coming in contact with your firewall, motor mounts would keepe it still. It's just an insurance thing, not a neccessity.

The vibrations aren't bad at all. You only feel it when at idle but say the rougher the idle, the more you feel it. If you're chilling at 600 RPMs, you're not going to feel really anything. The "vibration" issue is just over played by sensitive people..they see their dash shaking and they have a caniption haha. Noise and vibrations are pretty much a part of performance LOL.

This thread will probably help you out some with the installation...
http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=2&i=276502&t=276502&arch=1#276502

Also, if you haven't read, check out the
Full ECOTEC Build Guide, there is alot of good information and tips for your future purchases.



www.kronosperformance.com / 732-742-8837

NJHK (The JBO Negro) wrote:The vibrations aren't bad at all. You only feel it when at idle but say the rougher the idle, the more you feel it. If you're chilling at 600 RPMs, you're not going to feel really anything. The "vibration" issue is just over played by sensitive people..they see their dash shaking and they have a caniption haha. Noise and vibrations are pretty much a part of performance LOL.

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I agree. At first you notice the vibes, but after a while you get used to it. I ran my pacesetter for about 2 months and didnt have any problems. If you really cant stand the vibes, just put in the flex pipe.

I noticed my rpms go up slightly higher when the car cold starts, but it eventually goes back down to normal. And I LOVE the extra vibration. It makes it feel like its a small block v8 LOL