I’m happy with my 3.0 and my only complaint about the motor is the almost complete loss of power when climbing hills.

My question for those of you who have headers and custom exhaust:
Have you seen improvements when climbing hills?

I’ve searched around yotatech and the web and I’m not that clear on where the gains are regarding headers. I really don’t want this to turn into a 3.0 bash session so please let’s not take it there. The infamous, “3.4 swap” is not the information I’m looking for.

Thanks
bill

 

Before my 3.4 swap, I had headers on the 3.0. I didn't see that much difference.

In theory, headers should help cool all the cylinders much better than the OEM crossover and in turn help your HG last longer.

So maybe power increase isn't the only reason.

I won't bash the 3.0, but I think you'll find most upgrades to that motor just don't equate to much in terms of HP or performance gains. Maybe with some serious funds... but then you are in the 3.4 swap territory.... and I know you don't want to go there (yet )

 

Thanks, your reply is the kind of info I'm looking for. I bought my truck with 137 thousand miles on it so I’m hoping to push it until it just doesn’t run anymore….then look at a swap.

 

I have K&N FIPK intake, Downey headers, and 2.5" header back exhaust, and hi flow cat, and I'm quite a bit quicker than a friend of mine, who has the same rig. I definitely noticed the extra power going up hills, and with all this, I get about 2MPG more than stock, and that's at 204,000 miles, and with the stick. I'd say I probably have 10-15 HP more now, but that's probably only 10 or less at the wheels, but still noticeable. It sounds bitchin, too. I think if you're on a budget, do the ISR mod, and exhaust for now. See how you like that, then you can decide if you want to spring for the extra money for the headers. If you want more power going up hills in the summer time, Shut off the A/C, and you'll be a little quicker.

 

Headers alone will not do much good. The 3.slow is choked off everywhere.
If you are going to do it you need to address the entire air flow path, and even then the gains will be marginal.

Your plan to run it till it won't run anymore, then swap to 3.4 is a good plan.