Headers, exhaust and maybe tune-Advice

Ok guys, I probably have a bunch of questions at once so sorry if I’m all over the place

I have a 2004 tahoe z71 4x4 with 161k miles on it. I’ve owned it almost a year now. It is a daily driver for me, I drive it to work 30 miles each way just about everyday. About 20 of the 30 miles are freeway.

It came with a k&n cold air intake, otherwise stock

I’m looking for suggestions on headers. I’ve read that some are straight bolt on and some have clearance issues. Can someone tell me for sure which ones are direct bolt on and are they worth it?

I’ve been looking at these and people suggest these are direct bolt on

PaceSetter Long Tube Headers 72C2265 1 3/4 inch
PaceSetter Long Tube Headers 72C2266 1 7/8 inch

Is this a good brand? And should I go for 1 3/4 or 1 7/8?

These are both ceramic headers or should I go for painted headers in the same brand for less? I’m not really sure what the difference is besides ceramic staying cooler?

So besides the headers I also want to get a single flowmaster muffler system dual out. I’ve been looking at the cat back flowmaster 17419 or I can have an exhaust shop custom make me a single flowmaster 40 dual out system probably for less. Which route would you guys take on the two?

Anyone know the labor cost for installing the headers?

If I add the headers and flowmaster would I have noticeable gains or would I notice more gains if I did a tune? Would I have to do a tune with these mods or can I do the mods and not do a tune?

I want the truck to stay reliable with any mods I make and don’t want to set off any 02 sensors or what not.

Also I forgot what I was reading in regards to an h pipe or y pipe and x pipe. Does this make a difference in anything I’m looking to do?

Sorry but I’m still learning.

pacesetter is a good brand. they might set off an 02 sensor tho but I don't have experience with them. they are a good brand tho and have had friends with them on other vehicles.

John, how's your hearing and do you talk to anyone in your truck or listen to the radio at normal levels? Long tube and 40-series Flowmasters is going to be noisy and drone at speed.

If you get headers, are you getting their y-pipe with cats or cat free?

Your best bang for the buck is a tune. Then, as you modify the motor, tuners like BlackBear will update your tune for free to help get the most out of your mods.

As for header size, you definitely do not need the larger diameters.

Thanks guys, I think I’ve decided to hold off for now. I don’t wanna regret it later if it’s too loud and I’ve read stories of headers never sealing right. If anything maybe I’ll do a cat back flowmaster system and a tune but for right now I might keep it stock

Lot's of "maybes" and "mights", so I'm still gonna throw my two cents in.

If you decide to do anything, the Pacesetter headers in 1-3/4" flavor will be fine. With these trucks, there's plenty of room on each side of the motor so most of the fitment issues people have with headers is making them match up with the stock piping, specifically where the aftermarket Y-pipe meets the stock pipe. It's just a minor alignment issue that any competent muffler shop can resolve by using a short piece of offset pipe.

The other issue is with the 4WD- the Y-pipe has been known to conflict with the front driveshaft. Read up on the Pacesetter Y-pipe to see if those with 4WD/AWD have had issues. Or, get just the headers and have the exhaust shop bend up a Y-pipe and it'll be sure to fit everywhere.

I, and many others would advise against Flowmaster. Generally, they're just a "noisemaker" muffler, especially the 40 series. Unless your stock piping is damaged/rusted/etc. or you want a different configuration (dual outlets, different exit location, etc.), there's no need to replace it all. The brand of pipe isn't gonna make any difference to the exhaust gases passing through it. Just cut out the stock tank of a muffler and have the new one welded in. The popular muffler choice is the Magnaflow 12589 for the most stock-like noise level but much better flow than the OEM flow. The rest in that style get shorter and louder. There are knock-offs that perform and sound the same for about half the price as the Magnaflow brand. Carven and Raven are just two other popular muffler brands that have good sound that doesn't drone. Gonna have to read up on those to determine which series/models are the "good" ones.

I'd get the mods and all done then the tune afterwards so it'll be tuned for the mods.

ive always run headers paired with a flowmaster 40 on my trucks. well except recently its a thrush flowmaster knock off. if you run shortie headers made for your truck it will use the stock y pipe and sensors and cats. use a single in single out flowmastrr 40 it will definitely be audible in the truck but it wont be too obnoxious. i would suggest a flowmaster 50 and you would get a nice sound and definitely not be obnoxious. the 50 series is generally used in thier kits for suv trucks. your concern about fitment is the reason i suggest shortie headers. longtube or mid length headers sometimes offer y pipe kits to make it easy. as far as your question about gains you would notice gains either way doing a full exhaust or a tune. you will notice biggest if you were to do both.

Michigan said:

Thanks guys, I think I’ve decided to hold off for now. I don’t wanna regret it later if it’s too loud and I’ve read stories of headers never sealing right. If anything maybe I’ll do a cat back flowmaster system and a tune but for right now I might keep it stock

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If you have any questions about tuning, we would be help to help. You can call 877-809-4070 or email us [email protected].

I know this is an oldish thread, but on another automotive forum I am on everyone calls Pacesetters Pacesh***ers if that says anything about them.

slick2500 said:

I know this is an oldish thread, but on another automotive forum I am on everyone calls Pacesetters Pacesh***ers if that says anything about them.

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thier build quality is good but thier fitment is not that great. you get what you paid for pacesetter just happens to lack in fitment department. ive had to cut off the stock y flange and weld on a bigger flange on an f150. on my tahoe the angle is a little off haven't messed with it yet.

found these on E-Bay, but at that price (for T-304 Stainless???), I'm hesitant....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/STAINLESS-...-YUKON-SIERRA-CHEVY-SUBURBAN-GMC/200933637073