to start this off, i HAVE tried to search engine. i have a fairly built 22re (oversized stainless valves, port & polish, rv cam) and have a generic 4-1 header that does not have an o2 bung. my mechanic put a heated o2 sensor just after the flange, but i have gone through 2 sensors (unrelated to the o2)
anyways, i was thinking of taking this oppertunity in getting a real header and resizing my stupid 2 1/2" exhaust
- what size should i run with my motor mods?
- what kind of header should i get? are hooker headers any good?
i dont want to spend a fortune on it, buy dont want to buy crap....whats my best bang for my buck?

 

tri-y header... thorley maybe (they tend to have better torque curves than 4>1 headers without hurting the HP peak)... put the O2 just in front of the converter... (or just after the collector depending on your point of view ) and 2.25" tubing from the collector back is perfectly fine.

 

i would go with an LCengineering header...its like $350 and for you pipes get like 2.25 so you still have some low end torque.

 

Get a Downey Header, Its a high quality header that has the 02 sensor in the corect spot, its a bit expensive but you get what you pay for. I have one on my 86 4Runner.

 

and everyone will tell you to avoid Pacesetter

I'm running the header, cause I was desperate, and cheap at the time or purchase

easy to install, works, and looks good out of the box, but the paint quickly flaked off after startup, the head mounting gasket that came with it burn into peices within a month... but other than that, no issues really... I just did it to replace a leaky stock system... wasn't really going for looks or power...


I'm probably going with an LC later on though

 

LCE.

 

I have an LCE. I purchased then re-sold a used Thorley because I had trouble finding parts to adapt it to the rest of the system. Downey posts some test results they ran back in the 80's that claim Tri Y vs 4 into 1 makes no difference. http://www.downeyoff-road.com/Engine...stHeaders.html
I dunno, I can't dispute it certainly. Both LCE and Downey are set up to place the O2 sensor further down in the system from stock for proper performance. I had a rebuild of the engine and then the exhaust added. There was a noticable difference (at least in the seat of the pants) and I don't have as much head work as you do. I think you'll be happy with the results whatever you do. Good luck. Oh yeah, 2 1/4 inch after the header on mine all the way out.

 

thanks alot everyone for your input. im going to read up on lce and thorley's headers for sure and make a decision.

 

It's been almost 2 years since I looked at them- I wanted a triY Thorley, NWOR, but $$$$$ so I gambled on the LCE and the vender who ordered for me opened the box when he got it and was very impressed- so was I. Stainless, fit was flawless, very quality piece for the money. When the truck hits 3k rpm you can feel the hit. Little noisier than stock. TriY's are probably better but priced out of my budget.

 

I love my Downey ceramic header. I've had mine for years and it still looks and works great! O2 sensor is in same spot as factory manifold. FWIW, their customer support is great too!