Will adding a header really make an annoying Raspy noise if that is all I do is replace the collector with the header?

 

depens on the exhaust, brand (becauee the thickness of the pipes will change the tone a bit) and if u are going to keep the rest stock, or not and if this is a turbo or not

 

Ok good point I didnt Specify. I have a NA 89 GTU that is stock.

 

I don't even have a header and I have the "annoying raspy sound" from my exhaust.

Previous owner had replaced precats with some aftmkt downpipe/silencer/cat thing.

I think Spooled has a point though, a lot of it has to do with wall thickness. From what I've heard you should go with an RB header, not the Pacesetter.

However, I'm speaking without experience.

 

Most people don't have problems with the pacsetters if you want to save money, they have a thinner wall on them and the glow under hard use but no one has had too many problems with them other than they're ugly.

 

If you have the stock cat, the header really only produces a slight increase in noise, more like a ticking sound. It is hardly even noticable under acceleration.
If you replae the cat, with a free flow or a straight pipe, in combination with the header, yes it is going to be lound and raspy.
And if you think the RB presilencer is going to help, think again! It sounds identical to the bonez free flow cat with the same gain in hp.