LSx Valiant Build. Take a look inside...

txstang84 said

I guess it all depends on your end power goal-constricting to a 1 5/8 will restrict some. Are you sure you can't reroute them up and over then back down kinda like A body headers normally would go? I know what you're saying about the exhaust pattern being different, but I guess I'd have to see it to wrap my head around it...gotta have a good visual.

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You are correct, even with the fact that this is a 5.3 and not any of the larger LSX varieties, the 1 5/8 will definitely leave some power on the table. The way I see it however, it will make for a torquier and stronger powerband. I'm okay with a little bit less horsepower for now.

Headers can be rerouted up and over then back down like a body headers, but it gets expensive. Especially when you consider that not only do the tubes need to be modified, but the collectors for all LSX headers generally are positioned exactly where the torsion bars are located.