[Z06] Headers Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
From: Markham Ontario
Headers Question
I want to add headers to my 03 ZO6.
I'm not the most proficient of Mechanics and am not sure what I need to do.
I'm looking for increased horsepower, and a little meaner sound.
1. What would be the top three brands of header?
2. Do I need an xpipe as well, or do the headers eliminate the need for an x-pipe?
3. Can I keep my standard exhaust, or do I need to replace it?
Help please.
I'm not the most proficient of Mechanics and am not sure what I need to do.
I'm looking for increased horsepower, and a little meaner sound.
1. What would be the top three brands of header?
2. Do I need an xpipe as well, or do the headers eliminate the need for an x-pipe?
3. Can I keep my standard exhaust, or do I need to replace it?
Help please.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 939
Likes: 52
From: The Woodlands Texas
There are comparisons threads all over on this subject. That said, what are you wanting to spend? There are systems for $800 to $1800. Each have pros/cons. You will need to buy a complete system with or without cats and comes with x-pipe. All systems will connect to your mufflers.
As for experience, I bought American Racing Headers for $1600 several years ago. Love them. However, I would seriously check out the XS Power system for the money.
As for experience, I bought American Racing Headers for $1600 several years ago. Love them. However, I would seriously check out the XS Power system for the money.
Advanced
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: White Sands Missile Range NM
+1, price is the factor. I went w/Kooks, great craftsmanship only problem w/them is you have to get THEIR x pipe, some of the other systems you can interchange the headers & x pipe. I got the 1 7/8 headers & 3x3 catted x. G/L w/your hunt bro, most of todays brands are all pretty well made, you don't have to spend a fortune, some of these brands are a bit over priced IMO.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 140
Likes: 2
From: Around FL
1. That question will never get a consensus on CF.com. You would be best off asking yourself what kind of budget are you on. Once you determine how much you have to spend, you will be able to figure out what brands you can buy.
2. Most headers will come with everything back to the axle and include an x-pipe.
3. You may do either. Personally, I have run the stock TIs and a set of B&B Bullets with longtubes on my Z06. They both sound great, but they are different. Watch some videos, or better yet, meet up with some other like-minded corvette owners in your area and listen to theirs. There's not really a "wrong" combination, but you will need to figure out what's right for you.
Where are you located?
2. Most headers will come with everything back to the axle and include an x-pipe.
3. You may do either. Personally, I have run the stock TIs and a set of B&B Bullets with longtubes on my Z06. They both sound great, but they are different. Watch some videos, or better yet, meet up with some other like-minded corvette owners in your area and listen to theirs. There's not really a "wrong" combination, but you will need to figure out what's right for you.
Where are you located?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
From: Markham Ontario
Thanks gentleman.
My answers are as follows.
I want to get the maximum horserpower.
Budget is not really a concern, but I don't want to buy just for the sake of a name.
I would like to keep the stock exhaust for the look and sound, but would change it if need be.
I live in Toronto.
Suggestions as to what to buy?
I'm all ears?
My answers are as follows.
I want to get the maximum horserpower.
Budget is not really a concern, but I don't want to buy just for the sake of a name.
I would like to keep the stock exhaust for the look and sound, but would change it if need be.
I live in Toronto.
Suggestions as to what to buy?
I'm all ears?
Last edited by caffeine; Nov 23, 2010 at 05:21 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 877
Likes: 0
From: Appleton Wisconsin
I think the best advice for you is to search on youtube. Get a couple brand name headers that you have in mind, search those on youtube so that you can hear what they sound like, OR even better being able to find someone in your area that has an exhaust setup that you want and get a first hand experience.
just my .02
NOW here is my personal decision...
+1 for LG Motorsport headers. If dont plan on doing much to your car get the LG Street headers, it comes with x-pipe. If you plan on going over 500whp then get the LG Pro headers.
I just ordered LG Street headers and have a set of borla stingers.
LG Street Headers + Borla Stingers =
just my .02
NOW here is my personal decision...
+1 for LG Motorsport headers. If dont plan on doing much to your car get the LG Street headers, it comes with x-pipe. If you plan on going over 500whp then get the LG Pro headers.
I just ordered LG Street headers and have a set of borla stingers.
LG Street Headers + Borla Stingers =
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 939
Likes: 52
From: The Woodlands Texas
All great stuff so far. Max HP will be a result of your tune. I have seen some get 30rwhp with tune and some a little over 40rwhp. As mentioned, Kooks, ARH, LG's all produce pretty similar gains as well as some of the budget brands. If $$ were no object for me I would look really hard at the LG Pros and get them coated. However, for that last couple of hp they would provide I would have over $1k left over (using XS Power) that I can easily get a cam with or do something else. Do you plan on other mods?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 1
From: New Baltimore Michigan
I went with the lg super pros, high flow cats, and it comes w/ 3'' x pipe they are on the higher end, spent $1900.00 w/ manifold gaskets but was worth every penny to me. I went with super pros over streets because i may go with a cam in the future. if your not going to mess with the motor go with the steets or what ever header you choose.
Goodluck, you will love what headers and x pipe do for a z
Also if you dont like engine drone at cruising speed stay with the stock ti's out back i did and is quiet untill you lay into it
Steve
Goodluck, you will love what headers and x pipe do for a z
Also if you dont like engine drone at cruising speed stay with the stock ti's out back i did and is quiet untill you lay into it
Steve
Last edited by machz800ps; Nov 23, 2010 at 06:50 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 877
Likes: 0
From: Appleton Wisconsin
Coated or Non Coated
I hope im not barging in on the op...BUT...when buying headers should one consider CERAMIC COATED or STAINLESS STEEL headers?
I know ceramic headers extend the life of headers, reduce temperatures, yada yada yada... It seems like there are lots of benefits ceramic headers has over stainless. So that makes me ask the question...
Why dont we see more header manufactures producing ceramic coated headers?
Thanks.
I know ceramic headers extend the life of headers, reduce temperatures, yada yada yada... It seems like there are lots of benefits ceramic headers has over stainless. So that makes me ask the question...
Why dont we see more header manufactures producing ceramic coated headers?
Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 1
From: New Baltimore Michigan
I hope im not barging in on the op...BUT...when buying headers should one consider CERAMIC COATED or STAINLESS STEEL headers?
I know ceramic headers extend the life of headers, reduce temperatures, yada yada yada... It seems like there are lots of benefits ceramic headers has over stainless. So that makes me ask the question...
Why dont we see more header manufactures producing ceramic coated headers?
Thanks.
I know ceramic headers extend the life of headers, reduce temperatures, yada yada yada... It seems like there are lots of benefits ceramic headers has over stainless. So that makes me ask the question...
Why dont we see more header manufactures producing ceramic coated headers?
Thanks.
Like i said though not 100% sure on this
Steve
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 939
Likes: 52
From: The Woodlands Texas
Your both right. I had my ARH (which are stainless) coated because stainless does tarnish over time so the coating will keep them looking new. It also helped reduce the additional heat that headers produce in the engine compartment.
Most stainless and steel header manufacturers offer it as an option. I know SLP who uses 409 stainless coats them standard because that type of stainless steel has a higher iron content meaning they will rust over time.
Most stainless and steel header manufacturers offer it as an option. I know SLP who uses 409 stainless coats them standard because that type of stainless steel has a higher iron content meaning they will rust over time.
Last edited by Eric Reeves; Nov 24, 2010 at 09:41 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 5
From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
I have had a lot of headers...so, here are my opinions
SLP = JUNK
B&B Shorties = waste of time and money
DYNATECH = I had them on my 2000 and putting them on my 2003 Z. Got a great deal on a brand new set for $1000 - here on CF.
LG = Excellent product! Outstanding quality.
ARH = My favorites! Easiest to install, excellent fit and outstanding quality. Like these the best, due to the install.
As for the x-pipe. Recommend it. It typically is a kit, so it includes everything you need if you buy it from the correct vender. With the proper tools and some patience you can do it yourself, however, couple hundred bucks and you can get it done.
You may find some poeple in the area that would love to help you out. I enjoy working on these cars and if I was near you I would help out, but I am in Hawaii. You will want to TUNE these in to maximize performance and prevent any codes from popping up.
Micah
SLP = JUNK
B&B Shorties = waste of time and money
DYNATECH = I had them on my 2000 and putting them on my 2003 Z. Got a great deal on a brand new set for $1000 - here on CF.
LG = Excellent product! Outstanding quality.
ARH = My favorites! Easiest to install, excellent fit and outstanding quality. Like these the best, due to the install.
As for the x-pipe. Recommend it. It typically is a kit, so it includes everything you need if you buy it from the correct vender. With the proper tools and some patience you can do it yourself, however, couple hundred bucks and you can get it done.
You may find some poeple in the area that would love to help you out. I enjoy working on these cars and if I was near you I would help out, but I am in Hawaii. You will want to TUNE these in to maximize performance and prevent any codes from popping up.
Micah
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
I bought my LG Pro system several years ago, ( they were actually Borla) and it's been a very happy relationship. However, if I were deciding on which system today, I'd probably go with something cheaper, but it'd have to be high quality stainless, which despite other's opinion, don't need to be coated. Probably end up getting LG again, but the "Street" model.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 496
Likes: 14
From: Phoenix AZ
Stainless Headers
In addition to our high qualtiy cat back exhaust, Billy Boat Exhaust also makes a great CARB legal 4/2/1 C5 shorty header. 50 state leagal, yes even California, NY and Ohio.
Also, race engineered long tubes w/ high flow cats for the C5, C6, Z06 and ZR-1's. Check them out at www.bbexhaust.com.
Thank you
Mike Boat-mike@bbexhaust.com
Also, race engineered long tubes w/ high flow cats for the C5, C6, Z06 and ZR-1's. Check them out at www.bbexhaust.com.
Thank you
Mike Boat-mike@bbexhaust.com
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 1
From: New Baltimore Michigan
Steve
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
I installed my headers on jackstands in about 7 hours. I'm really slow and methodical, so really good wrenchs can do it in about half that time.
