After considering new exhaust, I may just keep the stock Ti exhaust on and look into getting new headers instead for my 03 Z (so many choices).

Would new headers give me a different exhaust note? How much more HP would I gain from new headers?

Any recommendations on which headers and would I need a tune after new headers?

More interested in a different exhaust note (a little more than stock Z), but after looking into the threads, it appears that new headers might give me the extra exhaust note I want (not too loud, but louder than stock) and a few more HP. It seems like changing the exhaust gives a louder note with very little HP gain.

Any insight into this?
Also, what's the difference between long and short headers?
Never done headers before (have done exhausts though...had Borla Stingers on 2000 Coupe...I liked the sound, but the drone drove me nuts). Seems like this might be a better alternative to replacing the exhaust. How difficult is it to replace the headers on a C5 vette (particularly the Z06)?

Just asking for input (even though I'll probaly get 10 different answers from 10 different forum members).

Thanks.

 

Depends on your flavor.

LG's
Dynotechs
AR's
Kooks

 

Yes, you will definately make it louder. Anything that is changed be it headers , cats, or mufflers will alter the stock sound. Cat back systems will make your car louder but will not add power. Headers will do both especially with a tune. I started with x pipe only which actually made the Z06 a little quieter. So I then added shorty headers. Gained a little power and made it slightly louder. Sold those and added LG Pro series long tubes and Corsa Indys. No drone great power and awesomely loud at WOT. Finally went back to the factory Ti exhaust with the mod added. VERY nice sound now, no drone but still howls when you go WOT. Heres some pics of the Ti mod. and LTs

 

The way I would describe it is that I found headers magnified the exhuast note. My coupe had a Pace Car cat-back and AR headers - sounded awesome - no drone and quiet at cruise, but aggresive at WOT.

You'll want to tune it after the headers are installed to optimize the power increase - just about everyone I have ever talked to told me not to bother getting a tune until you did headers. One of the car mags did a test (granted on an Subbie STi) and they found that if you added a cold air intake and headers you really didn't get a cummulative power increase until you got a tune....pretty interesting.

I have a Z06 now and I am thinking that I will keep the stock Ti's and add AR headers.

 

I currently have LG Pro's on my Z06 there a great set of headers. I gained about 45RWHP W\headers & tune. They did make the car a little louder over 3000RPM I would say but nothing significant.

 

We have installed many sets of Kooks Headers. They have excellent quality and fitment.

Seth

 

We are dealers for most brands! We have great prices as well....

Here you go:
http://www.corvettesofdallas.com/index.php?cPath=29_49

Personally: Your power will be very similar with all brands. I say for the money, I really love the KOOKS!

Let me know if I can help.

Keep your TI exhaust and but electric cutouts on it...:-)

-Adam

Corvettes of Dallas

 

I love my Kooks.

 

I have a set of Kooks and I love them. Give Ron a call over at Vengeance Racing, they are having a sale on their online store...
www.vengeancerd.com

 

I have kooks and I love them, but I wouldnt shy away from any of the other reputable brands if you found a good deal on them...

 

Thanks all for the responses. Will look into them with a little more research.

 

American Racing Headers BY FAR!!!! Give me a call if you need a set.

 

Get the Kooks and move on to your next mod!

 

Any deal you can get on some 1 3/4" longtube headers will net around the same once its all said and done. Headers do make the car a little louder. A lot more tuned you could say. If you have a place to work on your Z shoot me a PM and i could give you an extra hand with the install. Your right down the road. If you do get headers installed i would love to hear it with the stock Ti so i can decide if i want to pick up a stock catback. I'm running LG Pros, Catted X and borla stingers...pretty loud as is. Believe it or not i'm still running stock tune just about. I could really use one, just haven't got to it yet.

 

I ran 1 7/8 " American Racing Headers on my bolt-on '04Z. Sound quality was very good with stock exhaust. There was no bottom end loss at all. A Vararam and a GOOD tune will yield oustanding results with this combination. My HP was 382 on a conservative Mustang Dyno at 6800 rpm.
Good luck with your decision.

 

Check out Maryland Speed; they have a great deal on Kooks, I can remember exactly what
I paid but it was something like $1200 shipped for Jet-hot Sterling Siver coated Kooks 1 3/4 headers / 2.5" ORX - If you call they'll discount even further if you don't want the coating.

 

dynatechs with a tune. very satisfied

 

I like my BORLAS.

 

American Racing and don't look back. Please give us a call at the shop so we could further assist you 631.608.1986 or if your making the trip up to Carlisle this weekend we would be more then happy to install a set while your there.
Anthony

 

LG Pro-series LTs with stock Ti exhaust. 331RWHP base bumped to 380 with headers, blackwing & tune. Very happy with the quality and performance and the folks at LG are always willing to talk to you if you need help.

Quiet at cruising speeds, sounds great at WOT IMHO.

My buddy had Stingers with the same set up and at first it was cool, but after a while it was too much. Extremely loud, also my opinon. Others like it, but be aware if you track it could put you over the decibel limit at some tracks.