Power Log Header and Crossover Pipe?

[rkhodges21]

I am about to do the intake manifolds on my 2003 Pontiac Bonneville. I was looking for some misc. parts on ZZP when I skipped over to their exhaust section and saw their front power log header and ceramic coated crossover pipe. I am wondering if y'all think these two parts would be worth it to install especially since I will be removing the factory crossover pipe in the UIM/ LIM gasket install anyways. Car is stock L36 with stock tuning. I would like to eventually get a tuned PCM for the car and a big downpipe w/ no cat and exhaust, but I don't quite have the funds for that at this juncture.

Thanks for any thoughts and advice.

[turbojon]

I know everyone on here will say to skip this stuff and go straight to headers...

I am going the PLOG route/DP because I am not planning on going extreme with my build. Plus, I can buy the pieces one at a time which is nice for those of us with limited funds.

A bonus is that this route seems to have easier installs. If you plan on doing headers eventually, then definitely hold off and save up. Otherwise it should be a pretty decent upgrade.

[rkhodges21]

Don't really plan to go wild build ever with this car. It has 288,000 miles on it, and it has been a good one to me. I keep saying every year that I am going to get something new, but it never seems to happen, and this car just keeps taking every bit of abuse I throw at it from pissed off road rage driving to high speeds on clear open roads. I am starting to get attached to it now, and want to make it last until I have enough cash to get a newer commuter car that I don't have to have a bank note on. I am about to drop some coin into this car for the UIM/ LIM w/ a TB spacer, a new water pump, and a shift kit and trans cooler, so I figured the cost of the power log header and XO pipe wouldn't be too terribly expensive to throw in if everyone thought they were worth it.

[nos4blood70]

Skip the TB spacer and the crossover, they don't do anything.

Headers are the better choice, but plog + DP is the easier install. In either case, you will be hard pressed to notice much of a difference with these mods. So I don't know if you'd rather save that money and keep it towards maintenance.

[rkhodges21]

Skip the TB spacer and the crossover, they don't do anything.

Headers are the better choice, but plog + DP is the easier install. In either case, you will be hard pressed to notice much of a difference with these mods. So I don't know if you'd rather save that money and keep it towards maintenance.

Thanks for the advice. The crossover pipe was out of stock, so I emailed to ask when they would be available again. They told me that they only have them available as they receive cores. So, I started thinking, if they use used pipes and simply ceramic coat them, then how much of a difference will they make then? Not calling them shady or dishonest, I just can't really see much need for them if they are simply dressed up stock pieces.

So, I have decided for right now to forego both the front header and the crossover pipe, and save for a tune, catless downpipe, and an exhaust next unless another issue arises that calls for the funds.

[00Beast]

You really don't need to remove the crossover pipe to do the intake gaskets. At all

TBH, the factory crossover is fine. You'll need a tune to get the PLOG tho....

[nos4blood70]

A lot of ZZP's mods are kinda useless, so don't hesitate to ask before you purchase anything!

[rkhodges21]

You really don't need to remove the crossover pipe to do the intake gaskets. At all

TBH, the factory crossover is fine. You'll need a tune to get the PLOG tho....

I am now thinking I will leave the crossover pipe in place for the gasket job because I don't want to risk breaking any bolts off.

I never would have though the power log header would require the car be tuned. Interesting.

[turbojon]

I am curious too...why is a tune necessary with the PLOG?

[nos4blood70]

To skew the injectors in the front bank, since it will now flow slightly better than the back bank. It isn't necessary as much as it is beneficial to do.

[9D9SSEi]

Ceramic coating is ceramic coating, regardless what part you do it to. It keeps the heat down a good bit in the bay along with helping exhaust velocity, not sure if the xover alone would help a lot, but it's no more a gimmick than ceramic coating your headers or anything else for that matter. Whether or not you think that's worth it, is up to you.

Another option would be to cut the factory shielding off your xover, and header wrap it, same effect, just less pretty. TB spacer is good if you're setting up nitrous or a meth injection system, everything has a use so long as you know what to do with it.

[nos4blood70]

Not saying you're not telling the truth, but all of these things won't have any perceivable and likely measurable effect on an otherwise stock L36 powered car.

[Boosted_GR33K]

FWIW, I had a SLIGHTLY blip of a power increase going with the PLOG. I dont like how it discolored and pitted up, but its whatever... I noticed more gain with the ZZP downpipe and dynomax exhaust than with the PLOG. Every little bit helps - and for the price you cant beat it. My .02 cents -Ben

[nos4blood70]

If you are talking about your SSEi, than that is a whole different animal. L67s love exhaust mods.