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I am looking into getting some long tube headers for my 03 Z has anyone used these yet? if so what brands and what other bolt ons would you suggest? also do I need to upgrade the exhaust after that?
I have FLP with no cats, x-pipe and stock mufflers. I also have the vararam system. Lots of people will disagree but I don't think aftermarket exhaust are worth dollars to get minor horsepower, for me better to spend dollars on something else with proven better payoff. ZO6 already has very good exhaust system from cats back. Venders will try and sell you anything with big, big promises. Some even think no power gains with the aftermarket mufflers and only offend locals and cops. However, to each his own-By the way, have 03 EB ZO6
I am looking into getting some long tube headers for my 03 Z has anyone used these yet? if so what brands and what other bolt ons would you suggest? also do I need to upgrade the exhaust after that?
I had headers on my C5 coupe, they improved both HP and gas MPH.
I haven't done that to my 03 Z as I hope to be getting a new C6 Z06 this August.
so is the long tube headers worth the money? and can you keep the stock exhaust and pipe with ease with this upgrade? and what companys are making the best long tube headers?
I have Kooks on my '02 and am very pleased. However, changed the cam and had the heads blueprinted along with Crane rollers and new springs. However, there are a lot of fine systems around, not the least of which is LGM. Lou is a vendor here and makes some really top quality stuff...http://www.lgmotorsports.com/.
Steve
Long tubes in general make more power and all are designed to fit the car. However, Kooks quality, reputation, customer service is great and my choice. I work for a performance shop in Charlotte NC and have seen other brands, removed and replaced by Kooks.
Was there a dramatic jump in hp and trq? Some increase, yes, but not don't expect to outrun a viper because you have installed or changed header brands on a C5 Z06.
I'm an accountant, not a motor head. My 02 Z06 is stock except for tuning, fuel/air ratio mods, cooling fans, skip shift etc. I could really tell a difference after these simple mods.
I don't want to get too radical with car, not looking for world speed records, so my next upgrade will be moderate. Having test driven other Zs with upgrades, I like the slightly bigger cam, springs, Kooks long tubes, high flow cats, chasis dyno/ tune package. Puts out 410-420 rwhp but maintains daily drivability. This package will come real close to the 06 Z06 rwhp numbers. I like to drive my Z on the street, not the strip.
I have the Kooks 1 and 3/4 headers and they are great. I did not change my exhaust, it remained stock and I will tell you that the exhaust note changed once the headers were installed. They are without a doubt a quality header, bar none and working with George Jr. is great in fact he also owns an 03 Z06.
All I can say is go with a quality well known header brand. Everyone has an opinion on this.
I am looking into getting some long tube headers for my 03 Z has anyone used these yet? if so what brands and what other bolt ons would you suggest? also do I need to upgrade the exhaust after that?
Your car will be quite a bit louder with the long tube headers. If you still want more sound after the headers are installed, it will be easy to install a cat back exhaust later. The stock Z06 exhaust flows pretty good, so you won't pick up very much HP with an aftermarket exhaust.
so is the long tube headers worth the money? and can you keep the stock exhaust and pipe with ease with this upgrade? and what companys are making the best long tube headers?
To answer your first question,
No, there is nothing worth the money when it comes to purchasing corvette products. Then again "is it worth it" is relative.
Yes you can keep your stock exhaust and see the gain in hp and torque. LG Motorsports makes the best headers out there. They are not the cheapest out there but you do get what you pay for. Going back to my previous statement, why would you want to buy any thing cheap for your vette any way?
If you do a search you will find many dog fights about headers. In the end the only issue people have with LG headers is the price.
I have LG headers with out cats using my stock exhaust. The car sounds great and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Get in on a Dynatech Supermaxx group purchase. Complete kit great price. Very high quality. Sound alone is worth it. Keep your stock exhaust unless you want louder.