Header practicalities
 

I've been considering headers for my '85 GMC 2500 for a few years. One mechanic said they're a pain because they have to be removed for some routine maintenance. Also wondering how they might affect my emissions inspection here in AZ.

This is my everyday driver, putting on about 6000 miles a year since I retired. What realistic performance gains could I expect? There is no cat system on the truck.

Re: Header practicalities
 

your mechanic hasnt dealt with headers in about 40 years, i have headers on my truck and i can reach everything just fine, plenty of room for the starter and the oil filter, trans pan etc!

Re: Header practicalities
 

Second that. I just did a tune up on my truck that has headers with no real issue. The only thing I can think of is that you have to use a wrench on the spark plug socket to get the #6 spark plug out. I really hope that isn't what he was talking about.

Also, you have to have the exhaust reworked a bit. Make sure you think of that too in your budget.

Re: Header practicalities
 

Find a different mechanic, that one appears to be a moron.

Re: Header practicalities
 

it may take an extra 5 minutes to change your spark plugs.

Re: Header practicalities
 

The mechanic isn't wrong; but he isn't right either.

Can headers add to the complexity of routine maint? Sure. They can also make it easier depending on what you're doing. The 'cheaper' headers might be worse & possibly limit access. Spark plug & starter/batt cable access are the most common maint items I can think of that they would impact.

The benefits of the correct headers (length & size primaries) w/matched exhaust tubing vs cast manifolds & poorly designed OE exhaust are power & efficiency.

Re: Header practicalities
 

Thanks to everyone for the info. Any affect on the emissions?

Re: Header practicalities
 

Not really.
If you currently have a smog pump and the corresponding tubes going into your manifolds, then if you need to retain that for visual inspection, you will have to get headers that accommodate the tubes.
If you don't have a smog pump, then just get whatever headers tickle your fancy.
You may have to do a little carb tuning after the change, but ultimately headers aren't going to take a vehicle that passes smog and make it fail miserably.