Headers/X pipe
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
St. Jude Donor '06
Headers/X pipe
I am looking to put headers and X pipe on my daily drive 03'. Any suggestions or experiences? Several members recommended Kooks, others, TPIS. I have been told that I may get 1-2 horsepower more from the Kooks but that the Kooks will run hot and eventually wear the wiring faster; TPIS are coated and will not run as hot. I already have Corsa exhausts. Help 
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 538
From: Witness Protection Program Somewhere, USA
2026 Restomod of the Year Finalist
Everyone will have an opinion on this so I'll give you mine. I recently installed the Dyna Tech system (headers, hi-flow cats, x-pipe) had Corsa Tourings on already.
Results, much more power and driveability. Sound is nice while cruising but really comes alive at WOT. Do it.
Whichever set you go with, have them coated. This lowers engine bay area temps and keeps the tubes looking new.
Results, much more power and driveability. Sound is nice while cruising but really comes alive at WOT. Do it.
Whichever set you go with, have them coated. This lowers engine bay area temps and keeps the tubes looking new.
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I would recommend the DynaTechs. Good quality product and the price is better than the others - just may not produce quite the same HP gain.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Germantown MD
I also have the corsa pacecar exhaust and did all this already and here is the info:
Had all this done by Tony's corvette shop in gaithersburg, md. He is the real deal when it comes to corvettes '53-'06.
He designed the headder/xpipe that is used by the well known pipe distrubutor.
My finished dyno results were 43 hp increase, and 43 twist pounds both at the wheels.
Componets installed:
caloway hoker intake
tubular headders
kool socks for the plug wires
xpipe
high flow cats
heat shield / frame stifferner
o2 sims x2
170 thermostat
all on the corsa pipes w/ tiger shark tips
The package is very quiet highway crusing but the loud pedal is now exactly that when accelerating. Call tony at 301.987.0565 for his suggestions. The whole install plus 3 dyno pulls and tuning (fan control for the stat and no more 1-4 shift) came to about $3400.
I can go out to tape a clip of the new exhaust in action if people are interested in hearing what these mods sound like in real life.
Had all this done by Tony's corvette shop in gaithersburg, md. He is the real deal when it comes to corvettes '53-'06.
He designed the headder/xpipe that is used by the well known pipe distrubutor.
My finished dyno results were 43 hp increase, and 43 twist pounds both at the wheels.
Componets installed:
caloway hoker intake
tubular headders
kool socks for the plug wires
xpipe
high flow cats
heat shield / frame stifferner
o2 sims x2
170 thermostat
all on the corsa pipes w/ tiger shark tips
The package is very quiet highway crusing but the loud pedal is now exactly that when accelerating. Call tony at 301.987.0565 for his suggestions. The whole install plus 3 dyno pulls and tuning (fan control for the stat and no more 1-4 shift) came to about $3400.
I can go out to tape a clip of the new exhaust in action if people are interested in hearing what these mods sound like in real life.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: St. Paul MN
I agree with MY Ragtop. The DynaTech SuperMAx fit perfect. I ended up using a after cat DualO2 sensor simulator from Baker Electronix. This componsated for the high flow cats that come with the SuperMax kit. One hint, install all the O2 wiring first. I cut holes in the driveshaft shield and put the wiring above the shield. Mounted the Dual O2 simulator near the battery and powered it from the R/H rear O2 sensor heater circuit. It works great. No Check Engine light or codes. The mid-range power really came alive.
More: You can cut the connecting harnesses off the rear O2 sensor on a couple junkyard 96 up Saturns and plug it into the factory corvette wiring. They are long enough so, just run these forward to the DualO2 simulator. Then leave the rear O2 sensors installed in the pipes for the stock look. With the wiring inside the driveshaft shield, nothing shows.
More: You can cut the connecting harnesses off the rear O2 sensor on a couple junkyard 96 up Saturns and plug it into the factory corvette wiring. They are long enough so, just run these forward to the DualO2 simulator. Then leave the rear O2 sensors installed in the pipes for the stock look. With the wiring inside the driveshaft shield, nothing shows.
Last edited by fatrat; Dec 15, 2005 at 03:15 PM. Reason: Another hint
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Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,308
Likes: 1
From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California
Originally Posted by Likesvettes
Everyone will have an opinion on this so I'll give you mine. I recently installed the Dyna Tech system (headers, hi-flow cats, x-pipe) had Corsa Tourings on already.
Results, much more power and driveability. Sound is nice while cruising but really comes alive at WOT. Do it.
Whichever set you go with, have them coated. This lowers engine bay area temps and keeps the tubes looking new.
Results, much more power and driveability. Sound is nice while cruising but really comes alive at WOT. Do it.
Whichever set you go with, have them coated. This lowers engine bay area temps and keeps the tubes looking new.
For stock cubes, LG's , or, the Dynatech. In fact, the Dynatech Supermaxx system is the better overall (complete system) value, providing an excellent price, quality, finish, and, ease of installation. However, if you are considering a top engine rebuild: Beefier heads (i.e., ETP), cam (new Lunati, etc. rotating assemby), performance intake manifold (F.A.S.T.), and, throttle body, etc., go for the KOOKS. Good luck to you! 
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 538
From: Witness Protection Program Somewhere, USA
2026 Restomod of the Year Finalist
Originally Posted by fatrat
I agree with MY Ragtop. The DynaTech SuperMAx fit perfect. I ended up using a after cat DualO2 sensor simulator from Baker Electronix. This componsated for the high flow cats that come with the SuperMax kit. One hint, install all the O2 wiring first. I cut holes in the driveshaft shield and put the wiring above the shield. Mounted the Dual O2 simulator near the battery and powered it from the R/H rear O2 sensor heater circuit. It works great. No Check Engine light or codes. The mid-range power really came alive.
More: You can cut the connecting harnesses off the rear O2 sensor on a couple junkyard 96 up Saturns and plug it into the factory corvette wiring. They are long enough so, just run these forward to the DualO2 simulator. Then leave the rear O2 sensors installed in the pipes for the stock look. With the wiring inside the driveshaft shield, nothing shows.
More: You can cut the connecting harnesses off the rear O2 sensor on a couple junkyard 96 up Saturns and plug it into the factory corvette wiring. They are long enough so, just run these forward to the DualO2 simulator. Then leave the rear O2 sensors installed in the pipes for the stock look. With the wiring inside the driveshaft shield, nothing shows.
Or just have your tuner program out the rear O2 sensors. Works great.
Wow, seems really high
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 514
Likes: 110
From: Sacramento, California
I called LG motorsports a couple days ago and pulled the trigger on a set of LG Pro long tubes w/high flow cats and x pipe. I look at it this way, if your going to spend this amount of money on headers, you might as well get the best out there. LG pro long tubes have been proven to be the most powerful headers on the market for your c5 and I understand they are alot more than other brands, but at least you will know that you are going to see good results.
After hearing the horror stories on the forum about people installing kooks, TPIS, and other brand name headers and not seeing any results on the dyno, I did not want to take the chance of going the cheap route. Then again, I have never heard anything negative about the Dynatech system. The Dynatech system is a 2.5 inch system while the LG pro long tubes are a 3 inch system with a better merge collector. How much will the LGs outperform the Dynatechs? Who knows, but once you start going heads, cam, and other serious hp makers, I would like to know that by having LGs on my car that the headers are not holding me back at all.
After hearing the horror stories on the forum about people installing kooks, TPIS, and other brand name headers and not seeing any results on the dyno, I did not want to take the chance of going the cheap route. Then again, I have never heard anything negative about the Dynatech system. The Dynatech system is a 2.5 inch system while the LG pro long tubes are a 3 inch system with a better merge collector. How much will the LGs outperform the Dynatechs? Who knows, but once you start going heads, cam, and other serious hp makers, I would like to know that by having LGs on my car that the headers are not holding me back at all.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
From: Newark CA
Originally Posted by Sicvette
I called LG motorsports a couple days ago and pulled the trigger on a set of LG Pro long tubes w/high flow cats and x pipe. I look at it this way, if your going to spend this amount of money on headers, you might as well get the best out there. LG pro long tubes have been proven to be the most powerful headers on the market for your c5 and I understand they are alot more than other brands, but at least you will know that you are going to see good results.
After hearing the horror stories on the forum about people installing kooks, TPIS, and other brand name headers and not seeing any results on the dyno, I did not want to take the chance of going the cheap route. Then again, I have never heard anything negative about the Dynatech system. The Dynatech system is a 2.5 inch system while the LG pro long tubes are a 3 inch system with a better merge collector. How much will the LGs outperform the Dynatechs? Who knows, but once you start going heads, cam, and other serious hp makers, I would like to know that by having LGs on my car that the headers are not holding me back at all.
After hearing the horror stories on the forum about people installing kooks, TPIS, and other brand name headers and not seeing any results on the dyno, I did not want to take the chance of going the cheap route. Then again, I have never heard anything negative about the Dynatech system. The Dynatech system is a 2.5 inch system while the LG pro long tubes are a 3 inch system with a better merge collector. How much will the LGs outperform the Dynatechs? Who knows, but once you start going heads, cam, and other serious hp makers, I would like to know that by having LGs on my car that the headers are not holding me back at all.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Canton South Dakota
Some numbers were shown on another board of 3 brands on headers on a stock C5 I believe. Supermaxxs made the most power, with LGs a close second, and Kooks lagging a bit behind the first two. But to be honest the numbers were all so close that its really stupid to get picky over 2 or 3 hp.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 514
Likes: 110
From: Sacramento, California
Originally Posted by gogo4
another poser..bet you hang out at starbucks instead of the cheap coffee places lol sorry don't mean to be a di#$! But there is plenty of other headers that make the same HP if not more then LG's.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Tx
Originally Posted by Sicvette
No its ok, you are being a di#$! and I think you have proved that. I dont drink coffee either sorry. I dont doubt there are header systems that have made more power than the LGs. You obviously do not know what you are talking about and I am getting dumber by the second just talking to someone at your level. If you look at the facts of the LG pro long tubes and other header company designs you will see they are different, thats all I am trying to say. And yes I do believe it is a superior design and have heard they are easier to install then other brands. There are many things you must look into before buying a set of headers, not just price. Have a nice day.
Again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas Nevada
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
Originally Posted by BickyDhadwal
i got the kooks headers because i was told they are the best and i do hang out at starbucks whats your point 
Kooks was recommended to me by A & A Corvettes and just knowing that they like em, makes me like them also!