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Power log VS Headers

Taz Magister

Taz Magister

New member
Alright so I'm about to have so major mods done to my car, Atleast major compared to what I've done so far. Someone told me that I should go with headers with these mods but I don't know for sure.

Car Info
2002 grand prix gt
67600 miles

Current Mods
k&n drop in filter
NGK Iridium plugs
ZZP 2.5'' bolt in downpipe with high flow Cat
Poly Motor mounts (not really engine realated)
Strut tower brace (also not related)

Parts ready to go on
GT1 camshaft from Comp cams
Hv3 High velocity intake insert
180 thermostat

Parts that I have for cam install
Timing chain dampener
12 COMP CAMS reuseable rocker bolts
GM oem aluminum intake gasket set
front cover gasket
ARP assembly lube
valve cover gaskets
crank bolt
cam bolt
Factory replacement timing chain
new intake gasket (for the Hv3)

So my question, Is my downpipe enough for the cam untill I get power logs or headers? and are power logs better for my car than headers? Because Ive heard on N/A cars headers result in a loss in low end torque and thats kind of the only thing these cars got going for them plus im not going to be driving over 100 I dont need high end power I need the low end stuff for rocketing in between lights.

Also any input on perfourming this install and things I might still need to do so. Was thinking of possibly going to PRJ but maybe ill do it myself, or maybe Ill keep buying parts and just do a complete rebuild in the summer.
 


The GT1 cam is going to make you lose more low end then you would if you installed headers. If you don't care about going with boost (although I recommend getting boosted), then you should get a good set of rockers instead.

I went the NA route and I had the GT1 cam installed for a little over 2 years with a stock d/p with no problems. When I finally got my TOG headers installed it took my from a 14.7 to a 14.4 1/4 mile.

Headers are great for a cam or a rocker build, but I don't recommend going the NA way. It was a lot of money for very little gains.
 
plog will give u more torque... headers will put your powerband in the higher RPM ranges.. id go plog. or either keep stock manifold.
 
The GT1 cam isn't a blower cam...it has a powerband for a N/A car...can you use it with a Top Swap? Sure. Will it make more power than a stock cam? Yeah...but it isn't recommended...XP or S1X are great cams for Top Swaps...common and very proven.
 
idk im going back and forth now because I hear diffrent things from everyone the only reason I ask is because I already have this cam and now I got someone telling me N/A is a waste of time and I think im just going to find a used engine off craigs list and take my time and build a completly new engine for my car idk this is starting to upset me lol arghhh
 


N/A = reliable for the better part...if your boosted and don't have a way of tuning...it isn't safe on ANY platform.

If you have a GT1 cam...throw it in...and enjoy it...that with headers and an HV3...will for sure help things out and make a TON of difference from what you have now...prolly close to 40-50 crank horse to what you have now.
 
So earlier he said that plog will make more torque than headers on the low rpms.

Are headers really a good idea for NA, or are they more suited for a blower?
Do plogs make better power on NA than a header set up would?

Do they still sell p logs? I remember reading somewhere that they're not available anymore.
 
ZZP sells PLOG's.

Here is the deal...your not losing power with ANY exhaust mod. It just shifts the powerband. Headers move your powerband up to the higher RPM range...the PLOG helps keep the lower end torque feeling with the style of the factory manifold.

I'd put headers on anything...I'd even put a header on a Cobalt...I just don't care to since it is a DD.
 


So I guess here's the meat of my question...

I have a base 08, no mods... 200hp

So let's say Im going to throw on..
CAI
HV3
ER Rockers

About how much power would you say can I net from this alone, without a tune... and then with a tune?

...and

So then if I put on headers or plog, which will make more power?

Im guessing the headers will be better, but in that case, why have the plog as an option at all if headers are more effective? Just cheaper?

Sorry if Im being really stupid here, trying to get a good understanding :p
 
Friborage, you're probably looking at 175whp with that setup (give or take 5whp). Headers are much better then the plog, especially if you continue modifying the car. If you look above I explained how I went from a 14.7 to a 14.4 with headers.
 
FriboRage said:
So I guess here's the meat of my question...

I have a base 08, no mods... 200hp

So let's say Im going to throw on..
CAI
HV3
ER Rockers

About how much power would you say can I net from this alone, without a tune... and then with a tune?

...and

So then if I put on headers or plog, which will make more power?

Im guessing the headers will be better, but in that case, why have the plog as an option at all if headers are more effective? Just cheaper?

Sorry if Im being really stupid here, trying to get a good understanding :p
Click to expand...

Understanding?

Read yo...

http://www.grandprixforums.net/safely-modding-your-3800-powered-car-17482.html
 


alright I think Im just going to throw the parts I have in there and stop with the mods there keep it as my dd maybe go find a cheap gp in th junk yard or some where on the cheap and make a full out monster strip out the interior and all the luxurys and build a massive engine or even better just keep the car I have now and when I buy my first new car turn make my old one the monster these our all just dreams though guess I'll see in a few years....
 
FriboRage said:
So I guess here's the meat of my question...

I have a base 08, no mods... 200hp

So let's say Im going to throw on..
CAI
HV3
ER Rockers

About how much power would you say can I net from this alone, without a tune... and then with a tune?

...and

So then if I put on headers or plog, which will make more power?

Im guessing the headers will be better, but in that case, why have the plog as an option at all if headers are more effective? Just cheaper?

Sorry if Im being really stupid here, trying to get a good understanding :p
Click to expand...

Headers would most likely be better for that setup. Either way you are going to want a good custom tune, that helps a lot. I'm choosing to go the PLOG & 2.5" downpipe route because it is easier to install (For ME) and wont see any huge differences. Sure - headers might benefit more but hopefully not too much.
 
If you think headers are going to be a non-noticeable gain over a PLOG/2.5" DP setup...you might wanna re-check that.
 
On a N/A car.. I bet you won't feel a seat in the pants difference but I bet you'd see a small difference in Quarter mile & HP
 
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