Now... Let's keep in mind, I spoke about what you said, not about you other than to say I RESPECTFULLY disagreed. For your information I started driving over 35 years ago Internet smart guy! My first car was a 73' Pontiac Grand Am that I bought used, worked the engine, cammed and more and raced it too. Whatever... I've been out of the game for a long time, way before everything was controlled by a damned PCM, lol...
Eight years ago, lol... Doesn't mean anything to me, nor does any mumbo jumbo about your experience, I've already allowed for that. Simple formular is... More air in = more air out! Thank you very much...
see below...
hmmmm... All exhaust systems I'm aware of bolt on... Not sure what you mean by that? Bolt on Mod? Where is AROUND HERE exactly? I installed my Pacesetters and was not half the horror made out to be here online, no leaks either. Only problems I've had we're introduced by my thick head. Other than that, I've not known headers installed correctly to require any maintenance.
Fact is... Most of us who decide to mod, or start pushing these engines past the STOCK set up, get the bug. Many start small, then mod more, then even more and finally trying to squeeze every drop of speed or HP, go all out. I always suggest headers as it eliminates one of those steps early on. And quite frankly, only those who get the cheap headers fit the mold of what you say. There are some who follow smart exhaust doctrine with headers, meaning primary sizing, material (S/S or Ceramic) for proper heat retention, etc., which clearly is an advantage over the stock system, the back pressure b/s has been well discussed so not even worth it here. These 3800 engines are well known that the STOCK exhaust is very restrictive and just a bad design...
Bottom line is I will stick to my guns here as I've never seen a serious race car, street or track without them(headers), regardless of engine, platform...
Nuff said!
: )