headers queston

[woodrow]

i am looking at getting some headers for my 01 chevy sliverado with the 5.3. but i am having some diffculites. what is the Air Injector Reactors i have never heard of this before so if somebody knows please write back and also what is a good but cheaper header to go with. thanks

[TarheelZ]

Woodrow, the A. I. R. refers to a special fitting on the exhaust manifold but I'm not sure of it's exact purpose. On both my trucks, this fitting is very easy to see (on the front part of each exhaust manifold).

 

I have a pair of JBA shorty-style headers on my ZR2 and will put headers on my Sierra as soon as I save up enough $$$.

[robsawatsky]

One definition and description for you.

 

Air Injection Reactor (A.I.R.)

 

Sometimes referred to as Thermactor Emission or Pulsair. Pumps fresh air into the exhaust manifold to complete burning of exhaust gases. Consists of a belt driven compressor (smog pump), various hoses and valves depending on the system and manufacturer and a tube that connects the pump to the rear of the exhaust manifold. The ports are drilled inside the exhaust manifold and match up to another hole drilled in each exhaust port of the cylinder head.

 

I'm also suspicious that it also simply dilutes the pollutants as an added effect.

[bigtruck21]

AIR link

 

For the headers, don't think cheapest....but think quality. Better to pay a little more for them to last, not rust, and be installed once.

[Waitin2Drag]

I have a set of Gibson Stainless headers on my 5.3 and very pleased with them. They compliment my existing mods very well and are not hard to put on at all. They took a buddy and me about 4 hours in 25 degree weather in my apartment parking lot to get them installed. One tip for installing headers on a new body style Sierra/Silverado...Take the plastic inner fender wells off!! It makes it 50x easier!