Brasil

OK, I have spent months searching these forums regarding headers, and which ones perform better, and the advantages of one system over another. I know that I may never find the answers that I am searching for, but I figured that I would give it one last chance.

I have a 2007 Z51 MN6 on order, and have decided that I will be adding the Callaway CAI, and B&B Bullets, and a tune, but am still deciding on the headers. Please do not reply "Buy the ones that you like best" Unlike CAI's, which may vary verry little from one another in terms of performance and dyno proven gains, I believe that one brand of headers might perform significantly better over another. Below are my questions and cosiderations:

American Racing / LG PRO's / Dynatech / KOOKS. I will get the catted version, no matter which brand that I decide to get.

Which one will conclusively provide more power and torque over the other (assuming all modifications besides the headers are equal). Not only peak HP/TQ, but all over the curve, including low to mid range power.

I know that all of the above systems are made of 304 stainless steel, but that is baiscally the only similarity. The LG has 32 inch primaries, and has three inch tubing throughout the whole system, where the others do not. Many claim that the LG PRO does not only provide higher peak numbers, but significanlty better under the curve, and does not sacrifice low end torque. I am looking for the best system, in terms of quality (leak and rattle free) along with the best gains.

Has anyone run back to back dyno runs on an identical system, with different header systems?

Which system is best, assuming cost is NOT an object???

427Z

eating popcorn waiting for answers

Brasil

I hope that we do not run out of popcorn, before we get some

Each system must have an advantage / disadvantage over the others.

1QUIKZO6

THIS IS GOING TO GET UGLY

valdeztke

What are you future mods?

You have to look at tube size as well ..

I know with my dynatech I lost a little bit of torq down low... mostly due to the larger primary chambers compared to the LGs.

PS - I have my kettle korn in the microwave as well ..

burtonbl103

Also what makes this the OFFICAL THREAD ?

What about the 10,000 other ones here on headders.

It all comes down to personal preferance and ease of install.

Brasil

exactly, since there are 10.000 other threads concerning headers, I decided to make this one the "OFFICIAL". Kind of like the bibble of headers thread, so all of the other header threads are unnoficial now...

The Garage Master

My LG's installed very easy, I dropped it off to Horsepower Sales and picked up a couple days later done. I didn't even break a sweat.

Brasil

I do plan on adding at least a cam... maybe heads down the road. Again I am looking for answers as to which one will make more power and provide the best gains. I am tryong to keep personal preference out of the equation. Also, does the engine need to be lifted to install any of these systems?

saplumr

Talk to your tuner.

Brasil

I have spoken to two tuners here in California, and they both have different opinions, and of course which one they carry

valdeztke

Headers are worthless....save up for forced induction.


Just think when you go to install the APS TT you lose the headers anyways

Brasil

Valdez, although I had a 03 and an 04 Cobra, I was easily addicted to boost, but I do plan on staying NA with this Vette...

valdeztke

eh no fun in that now is there

CYA-Vett

If you're not adding a cam, heads, etc...LG's If you want optimal performance for the track with a cam and/or heads 1 7/8 inch Kooks.

Don't trust dyno numbers, look at ET's. Just look at your old Cobra for proof.

Brasil

I know.. I know... Either I am getting old, or do not want to see a car of this cost torn apart Plus, these things are SOOOO expenisve to mod, just because it is a Vette. I remember with the Cobra, you could get a full headers, mid pipe and cat back 304 stainless steel exaust for 1500! a CAI for $139.00 and so on, but that was the past, and this is the present...

Brasil

CYA, can you elaborate? I have been told that the 1 7/8 headers will cause some power loss, unless you are FI or have an aggressive cam and heads? Are there any track numbers that the Kooks will outperform the LG's? I have only seen pictures of the systems, but it looks as the LG's are better built when compared to Kooks (welds seem better). Is there any truth to this, or is it pure speculation on my part?

z06boz

it took a couple of days to install headers?

The Garage Master

Well I did have a bunch of others things done too.

Flareside

If there really was one "best" header, we would have figured it out long before this thread showed up.

LG is not the only company that uses 3" pipe rear of the headers.