[QUOTE="rjdelp7]What kind of budget do have for this restore? Its worth around $3800 in excellent condition. 150K, 14yrs of driving and wear on all components. Little things like wiper motor, electronics, gear shift, door latches, u joints, half shafts, springs, bushings, weather stripping, door hinges/latches, to name a few. Somebody hits it the insurance will only give you 'book'.[/QUOTE]
Well, let's see. Most of those "little" things you list above would have been a concern if I was talking about "restoring" a '56 Chevy but not with '03 technology; those little things are truly not issues and should they become issues, all are inexpensive, weekend DIY fixes, so truly do not factor into my decision. Additionally, after nearly 15 years of driving, the only thing that has hit the vehicle was a tree that I backed into which will be addressed as part of the restoration.
Not that it's any of your business but I have budgeted $10K for this project which will include the following which I have confirmed cost to be $10,170 but I do expect some surprises and know that cost could grow to $11K. Still, IMHO, a bargain compared to giving away a perfectly good vehicle as a trade on a new or used vehicle and kicking in the balance which could be anywhere between $35K and $60K depending on what vehicle I choose to replace it with. Considering I will not finance either option, $11K is looking pretty good right now and, besides, I love my truck. I have also considered the "what if" scenario should the motor or transmission fail sometime in the next five years and I will replace them should that happen and should that happen, being an old gear head, "hot rodding" then could come into play.
At the end of the day, we all have different views on our vehicles; you have yours and I have mine. No disrespect intended but don't you think I have considered all the options available? When I ask about headers, I don't need to be lectured on hot rodding, book value, little things breaking, etc. I want to know what others have experienced that have installed headers on their like vehicles, particularly if the cabin noise level increased and, if so, how much. So, if you can answer that question, I would be glad to hear your experience, otherwise, you need not post a reply.
MOTOR WORK
Under Drive Pulley Kit
Fresh Air Intake
Shorty Headers
Tuner/Chip
Electric Fan kit
Miscellaneous parts, i.e., belts, hoses, fuel and water pump, etc.
EXTERIOR
Dent/Scratch Removal
Complete Paint Job
Tires, 22" Michelin LTX
Weathertech Window Deflector
Wheels, 22" X 9.5 Hurst Stunners
INTERI0R
Weathertech Floor Liner
Weathertech Cargo Line
Reupholster Front Seats
Replace Steering Wheel
SUSPENSION
Shocks, Bilsteins
EDIT: Update to cost; just got final pricing on the motor parts and it looks like I can complete this project for $9774; so things are looking up.