I was just checking for some feedback on the Pacesetter header that can be had off ebay for around $200. Is there any compelling reason to spend $150 more for an LC header? Should I expect any fabrication for the install?

Pacesetter

What about this one, is it any good at all?
JT outfitters

 

I'd be interested in this too as far as any fabbing that needs to be done. I have one in the shop I haven't put on yet and it looks pretty straight-forward as far as bolting on. Mine came from azraceplace on ebay for $177 to the door. It's the same as the one in your first link, which I like better because it comes with the downpipe. It's drop-shipped straight from Pacesetter. If you want it ceramic-coated it's like another $30.

 

The key here is material, how thick, and workmanship. Pacesetter is notorious for being cheap in both price and quality. I had a Pacesetter header on my Mazda truck back in the day and to be honest, it worked fine. I had no problems with it. It did feel cheap and "light" if you will.

No matter what, I recommend that you get something with ceramic coating on it, or at least have it coated ($$). If not, it will raise the underhood temps significantly and most likely end up rusting out and leaking. Don't wrap them.

 

I bought a pacesetter header once and it was so poorly made that I swore them off forever. I actually had to drill out two of the holes just to get it to fit on the studs because they weren't cut right. They're probably made better nowadays, but the saying goes: you get what you pay for. I've talked to other Toyota owners and they weren't impressed. You've got LC, Downey and sometimes you can find a Thorley header on ebay...and then there's the TRD header that you can get. You have choices...Pacesetter is just a cookie cutter header, IMHO.

 

$200 for a hedman or pacesetter is a ripoff price. get a thorley, they're one of the best you can get for a 22R and they only run $189 from summit.

 

Ok. Now I'm feeling ripped off. Mine better work or ->Pacesetter!

 

I got a pacesetter... I got it from Sumitt and ceramic coated it at my work, works great for the price. never had a leaking problem. $169 plus handling

 

I put some Pacesetter's on a S10 and the black "coating" came right off the first time we started the truck up.

Go with a better product, but if you dont care how they look I guess you're fine. The guy said it had more performance so I guess that is good?

 

where do you get a thorley for as cheap as $189? and you say thats summit? maybe they're cheaper for the 22r? but im having trouble finding one for my 22re

 

old thread. that thorley price was posted in 2005. i got mine in 06 for $179. now they are over $350 from summit. they are awesome though.

 

ive got a pacesetter on mine and it seemed to be decently made. i had to shorten the connecter pipe from header to cat tho, that was my only problem

 

PaceSetter = CHEAP

plane and simple...


Looks good new:





Quickly goes to crap after 5 minutes of run-time:






But a sand and repaint CAN give it a second life

 

dang, only 5 min of run time!? i'd be pissed!

 

LOL, it says on the box that the black paint is just "shop coat" to prevent rust in shipping. The product is reasonable for the quality/price ratio. Long tube style is most certainly better for performance.

re-paint w/ hi-temp strongly recommended

 

Mine leaked horribly - was constantly fighting it.

Had it ceramic coated though - that part was awesome.

Personally, I like the Tri-Y Thorley design better than the 4:1 Pacesetter design.

 

When i got mine i stripped the factory paint and re painted it with Dupli-color VHT paint. I bolted in with only minor tweaking for clearence. I had leakage issues for the first few days but after a few heat cycles and retorqing its sealed and doin good. 4 months later all the VHT paint is still in tact too. When i did mine i bought the header, a magnaflo hi-flo cat, and a stock replacement 1 piece cat back and did it all in VHT. ANd it all still looks good.

There are other ones that are better quality and well worth the extra $ but for me..on my budget and the resources at my disposal to modify and do what i need to do to make it last the best bang for the buck was the pacesetter.

My 2 cents.

 

dang, after reading what everyone has to say its really hard to decide. I would love to get the thorley, but 400+ isn't really in my budget. I mean it sounds like the pace setter will work as long as you get it repainted or powder coated?

 

Im in this same boat....to be honest I think the only application for the Thorely is on an engine that has been built for HP. Otherwise its a waste of cash if you haven't built the top end and increased compression with the bottom end. I have a stock 22re and I will be purchasing the cheapest header possible and paint it up myself. My only concern will be if it bolts up, and trust me I will be using Felpro gaskets not the ones that come with the header.

 

well im doing another 22re build and that is where im gonna do the header. It is mostly stock but i have ported and polished the head, and will be getting a slightly better cam. like 2x's better than stock. im thinking a header would compliment that setup

 

i bought a pacesetter header 2 months ago.bolted up fine sealed fine.connector pipe was right length.collector gasket was paper.blew out in 2 weeks.i knew it would.got a life time alluminun gasket .end of problem.header paint came off quickly.and it is plain enamel.it is only on to keep from rusting on shelf.i could care less what it looks like as long as it does what its supposed to.176$ shipped to my door.the life time collector gaskets 19.95 auto zone.i will buy another for my wifes truck soon.my truck is a 87 my wifes 86 both 4x4s both 22rs.i would never spend 300 + for a header .this one will probably only last 7_10 years. flanges are thick enough pipes are thick also..