[Z06] Help me decide. AR or LG headers???
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 0
From: Oil Country
Help me decide. AR or LG headers???
I'm trying to decide which headers to purchase for my 03 Z06. It is mainly stock with the only mods being a oil catch can, Halltech Trap cai and a skip shift eliminator. I'm only planning on putting headers with cats on this car and using the factory titanium catback.
I'm trying to decide between the AR catted set-up, LG pro series catted system or possibly dynatech. Which one would you choose for the money? The engine will remain stock and the car is street driven and never tracked. I'm kind of leaning to the AR system as I've heard very good things about the quality of their products and ease of installation.
Also, would the car require a tune after installation? If so what tuning software is recommended, hp tuner? What kind of dyno numbers am I looking at with cai, headers and a dyno tune?
Thanks for the help and yes I have used the search function but would just like to gather some opinions.
Tyler
I'm trying to decide between the AR catted set-up, LG pro series catted system or possibly dynatech. Which one would you choose for the money? The engine will remain stock and the car is street driven and never tracked. I'm kind of leaning to the AR system as I've heard very good things about the quality of their products and ease of installation.
Also, would the car require a tune after installation? If so what tuning software is recommended, hp tuner? What kind of dyno numbers am I looking at with cai, headers and a dyno tune?
Thanks for the help and yes I have used the search function but would just like to gather some opinions.
Tyler
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,533
Likes: 1
From: North Aurora IL
Both are great....Have LG's here....but the AR's fit/flow great as well...
I had mine dyno tuned after the headers installed....I would say that is your best bet and added HP and adjusting the fuel curves from stock...also temp, and skip **** fixed as well.....Hand held tunes and chips get you close....but the dyno tune is all about your vehicle and that exact set up.....
I had mine dyno tuned after the headers installed....I would say that is your best bet and added HP and adjusting the fuel curves from stock...also temp, and skip **** fixed as well.....Hand held tunes and chips get you close....but the dyno tune is all about your vehicle and that exact set up.....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 71
From: St. Jacob Illinois
Both are great headers. I'm a fan of the AR's myself for various reasons. Honestly the biggest reason is because of the AR's only have 2 slip fits where the LG's have 8 I think...I HATE slip fit connections with a passion. As far as powerband only, LG's might work a little better for ya, if you dont race it that often, you might get a little more torque below 3 grand, but lose more up top. AR's fit the best, have the best quality, and are cheaper than the LG's, I think. You really can't go wrong, but i'd personally avoid the slip fits.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
Given what you have said I think LG Pros would be best for you.
Here is a thread that should help you decide. Recommend you read what Tony Mamo had to say very carefully.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ght=lg+headers
You will need to re-tune car after header install to get benefits of headers. HP Tuners and EF live seem to be the two biggies in terms of tuning software.
Good luck.
Here is a thread that should help you decide. Recommend you read what Tony Mamo had to say very carefully.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ght=lg+headers
You will need to re-tune car after header install to get benefits of headers. HP Tuners and EF live seem to be the two biggies in terms of tuning software.
Good luck.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,847
Likes: 10
From: Bartlett, IL
Cruise-In XI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
LG Pros here, very happy with them. I would basically say that a tune is mandatory after headers to get the full benefit from them as well as not getting a SES light. Silly to spend that kind of cash on headers and then not tune. Good Luck and Im sure you wont be dissapointed whichever path you choose to go
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 1
From: Douglasville Ga
As i am taking this route soon myself, is there really a whole lot of differance between the 3 brands (AR, LG, dynatech)? I mean they all come in 1 3/4" or 1 7/8" pipes. They all have 2.5 or 3" collectors, and you can get them all in the same material. The only varying factor is the design of the tubes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 90
From: FT. LAUDERDALE FL
I think its just a matter of which ones you feel are best, everyone will tell you something different, i did alot of research before i got mine and in the end i went with the LG Pros, i am very happy with them, with the LG's K&N air charger and a dyno tune i was putting out 397whp on my 04z.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: Beaverton OR
I have no first hand experience, but I have talked about this with my local corvette aftermarket tuner in the area that really knows his stuff. He told me that from an installation standpoint the ARs are much easier to work with. He also as found that the LGs have created some heat issues, but LG recommends against wrapping, so it can create an issue. That's just what I've been told. Either way I think they are both excellent choices.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 90
From: FT. LAUDERDALE FL
I have no first hand experience, but I have talked about this with my local corvette aftermarket tuner in the area that really knows his stuff. He told me that from an installation standpoint the ARs are much easier to work with. He also as found that the LGs have created some heat issues, but LG recommends against wrapping, so it can create an issue. That's just what I've been told. Either way I think they are both excellent choices.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 1
From: Douglasville Ga
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 90
From: FT. LAUDERDALE FL
Last edited by eric04; Sep 20, 2007 at 05:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 0
From: Oil Country
Thanks for all of the good advice guys! I'm still leaning towards the ARH system as I can get it for quite a bit less than the LG system and I like the fact it has less slip fit connections. Does anybody know how ground clearence is with both systems?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver WA
I just installed the Dynatech's and am quite impressed with the quality of fit and finish. I had them ceramic coated so don't need the wrap and it looks really great. Only slip joints are the cats to the X pipe. Rest of the connections are bolt up's, so alignment is real easy. Got mine from TBYRNE
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,420
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster County PA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10
Given what you have said I think LG Pros would be best for you.
Here is a thread that should help you decide. Recommend you read what Tony Mamo had to say very carefully.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ght=lg+headers
You will need to re-tune car after header install to get benefits of headers. HP Tuners and EF live seem to be the two biggies in terms of tuning software.
Good luck.
Here is a thread that should help you decide. Recommend you read what Tony Mamo had to say very carefully.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ght=lg+headers
You will need to re-tune car after header install to get benefits of headers. HP Tuners and EF live seem to be the two biggies in terms of tuning software.
Good luck.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Snohomish WA
I have AR's and will go with LG Pro's next time. I do not like the location of the front O2 sensors and the rear pipe assembly is not centered to my liking. Its real close to the heat shield for the gas tank on one side and has a big gap on the other. Nothing you can do about it because all bolts up with no shifting it around. Maybe LG's would do the same thing who knows. The power gain was very noticebeable.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver WA
Good Luck,
