Jack Forbes

What is the benefit of long tube headers over stock manifolds and pipes back to stock mufflers using same cats how much of a horsepower gain can be expected

Homer3D

Long tubes will require relocation of the cats so odds are you will not be able to use your stock cats. You will have to pick up a corresponding catted x-pipe. It has been a while but I think I picked up 30-40 rwhp in my 2005 with a tune.

Update: Found my old dyno sheets. 347 stock, 381 after long tubes and tune. Gain of 33 rwhp.

Speedforhire

LT and tune will net you the most bang for your buck but you must ask yourself: Self; Is it worth it?

My header install has been a real nightmare and continues to haunt me. I got a name brand (from a forum vender) and they fit like crap. The vender replaced one header and it had the same issue. They've since turned their back on me and I'm left to my own accord. My issue is still not resolved.

It's too bad PFADT is no longer in business. They have the BEST design for the C6 cars.

dennis50nj

I have tried a few different sets of headers and kooks lt seemed to fit the best and have produced the best tq and hp numbers, threw out the power band

Homer3D

I too had Kooks on my 2005 and they fit perfectly. I had zero regrets with them...well until it came time for smog. Damn you California!

Speedforhire

The headers I got don't clear the trans cooler lines adequately and they rest right against the heat shield on the passenger side. It clanks horribly when the engine is running. Their off road x-pipe won't fit my car either. The tips won't line up and one side will not even seal correctly. I would post a full install blog about it here but the mods will just delete it. I will probably scrap them and put my Z stuff back on.

What's funny is the vender campaigns a C6 car and has been making the headers for years. They can't even make a product to fit a 2013 car though. Horrible.

Speedforhire

What car and setup did you have?

AR Headers

Jack, A properly sized set of long tube headers will increase power and torque throughout the rpm range. We offer a 100% US made option that can be fine tuned to match whatever upgrades you have planned. I'll be more than happy to go over what you have in mind and help you select the perfect set up.
ARH started in 2005 and we started our manufacturing making Corvette systems. We've fine tuned our design early on to provide a system that fit well, installs easily and performs beyond what most expect.
As owner I can tell you with total confidence that we are the headers of choice for most of the top Corvette shops in the USA, Europe and the Middle East. I can also tell you, along with countless forum members, that we go to great lengths to make sure our customers are completely satisfied. Feel free to email me a contact number and I'll gladly call you and go over all the details including cost. My email is nick@americanracingheaders.com If it's easier, you can also find me at 631-608-1986.
Thanks in advance.

Nick
American Racing Headers

dennis50nj

Hi it's an 05 C6 Z51 LS2 A4 automatic, I have had it with kooks 1 3/4 with highflow cats and with off road pipe with stok over the rear 2 1/2 ans corsa sports and 1 7/8 vararam that american racing implies are a direct knock off of theirs, and the fit was great had to modify the shields and very close on the passenger side, they produced more hp at 7200 rpm only and less tq across the rpm band

AR Headers

Dennis, Yes Vararam knocked off our system but they aren't capable of copying all the various options we offer to better suit different mods. We have different size headers and different mid sections that we most often mix and match to better deliver the power where the customer wants it most. Huge difference.

Nick

dennis50nj

Thats good to know Nick, I have had no personal experience with your headers only the knock off

Suns_PSD

So the 2 higher runs are catted kooks 1.75" and the 2 lower runs are Vararam 1 7/8"?

Curt D

AR 1-3/4 cleared everything with plenty of room except for trans cooler lines on 2008 Z51 A6 base. A pry bar moved the lines enough to heat wrap them. I think the 1-3/4 provides more clearance and I'm glad I went with them,

Fly'n Family

I don't know Nick at ARH other than talking to him on the phone a couple of times, and his description is accurate. Told him what I was planning for my build, and they custom made my system - with phenomenal results. I had a Vette shop do the install, they said they were tight, but no issues.

Suns_PSD

Could you be more specific? You say they custom built you a system. What did they change and why?
And what were your phenomenal results exactly?

Thanks in advance.

Timothy Barth

I recently called Summit parts about headers for a 5.3 litre Chevy Silverado pickup and they informed me there would be no performance gains with the headers. No it was not a Corvette but still a Chevy V8. They impressed me with their honesty.