hey, right now i have a 2003 monte ss and it only has magnaflow performance mufflers. the car sounds good now, but i was wondering if it is worth it to run headers on it. i'm worried it will set off codes and in the long run end up sounding like ****, considering its a 3.8

 

sorry can't answer your question but your Monte looks awesome! do you have any other mods done? U-bend delete? hopefully the rest of the forum will be able to help...

 

thanks man, i havent done anything under the hood yet with it. i was thinkin about cold air and some other performance parts. but im just lookin for suggestions on what to do to it, its pretty stock right now

 

Headers didn't change the sound of my exhaust a whole lot. I was actually disapointed with how little change I saw. As far as performance goes, you'll actually feel the difference with headers, plus they're a good investment if you plan to continue modifying the Monte. It won't set any codes because you can install the 02 sensors in the same places, unless you don't have a cat. If you don't have a cat, you can get a tuned PCM that will delete your rear 02 sensor.

Also, this has happened to me and a couple of other people who have installed headers on their engines, but be prepared to buy a new front 02 sensor. They tend to go out when you install headers.

 

I was also thinking about headers on my 07 monte carlo...but was thinking the same thing with having a v6 was not sure on how it would really sound and if it would throw up codes....also car is still under warrenty and was woundering if that would void it ...i mean i could just take them off if anything did happen but what a pain in the *** that would be if it did void so i had to replace the old ones and redo the gaskets and everything just so they could work on it

 

Unless you plan on going crazy with the modifications and tuning of you car, I wouldn't bother with Headers. (and the pain to install said headers)

Just get a ZZP Downpipe for now, and if you get further into your mods you can think of doing the powerlog later, or maybe just sell the used downpipe and get headers later on down the line. Right now it's not a real big restriction for your stock car (just the downpipe is)

 

like i said, right now all i have are magnaflow mufflers. what would be the next step in getting on my exhaust, would is be the downpipe.. also, what is a U-bend delete? and what does it need to be installed

 

The 6th gen Montes had what is called the u-bend. This is where GM put a bend in the exhaust in order to fit their 02 sensor. Like in this pic for example:


If you get either headers or a downpipe, either one will automatically get rid of the u-bend.