[Z06] Header decisions
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 98
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
Header decisions
So it looks like I'm down to choosing between Kook's, American Racing, and LG headers with catted xpipe. Anyone have any reason why to choose one over the other? This is not a race car, just want a louder than stock sound and some more horses and torque.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 43
From: Longview Texas
We have a 2004 coupe that is a bolt-on car (just added nitrous) and eventually will be H/C/I. After A LOT of research we chose ARH and are so happy with our decision. VERY HIGH QUALITY product, great customer service, ease of installation. My wife and I put them in using just some ramps and jack stands in our 2-car garage with no problems. I don't have any first hand experience but researched it and talked to many guys and heard some negative things about Kook's and LG's. Also, I know ARH is what Chevrolet, Ford, and Chrysler is using on their factory COPOS, Mustangs and Drag Packs in Stock Eliminator.
Go with ARH. You won't be disappointed!
Scott
Go with ARH. You won't be disappointed!
Scott
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 803
Likes: 42
From: Destin Florida
I was just in the same boat. Was going to try the XS headers because of the price but did not because of two reasons. I wanted 1 7/8 primary and non were available and I deleted the AIR system and could not get them with out it. So I went with Kooks 1 7/8 race headers and could not be happier. I did them myself in 6 hours and they slid right in. I only removed the FRC's and coil packs, disconnected the fuel line but that was it. I have heard great things about ARH and LG but I went through a vendor here and got the coating for free so it was the best deal IMHO. Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,027
Likes: 170
From: oregon
i would buy whichever has the best fitment around the sparkplugs, most distance away from the starter and can be had for a decent dollar
if you want a long starter life get a blanket or heat shield for it if you go long tube, some headers are also way easier than others to do plug changes on, no clue which is the correct choice for a c5, wouldn't mind knowing myself though just in case i ever mod
and headers would be a great mod, would help the 4000-6500 powerband a good deal i would imagine
if you want a long starter life get a blanket or heat shield for it if you go long tube, some headers are also way easier than others to do plug changes on, no clue which is the correct choice for a c5, wouldn't mind knowing myself though just in case i ever mod
and headers would be a great mod, would help the 4000-6500 powerband a good deal i would imagine
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 79
From: pueblo co
I ended up with the LG streets on my 03Z and I installed them my self...ended up with high flow cats, and so forth. the LG fit pretty well in the engine bay, my only grip and I have written LG several times with no response back is the beyond ****** exhaust clamps they send in the kit, leaves little to be desired
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 98
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
I ended up with the LG streets on my 03Z and I installed them my self...ended up with high flow cats, and so forth. the LG fit pretty well in the engine bay, my only grip and I have written LG several times with no response back is the beyond ****** exhaust clamps they send in the kit, leaves little to be desired
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 316
From: USA
I'm header shopping at the moment as well. The cheaper brands... while I'm sure they offer similar gains and may be a good bang for the buck... I have read about too many fitment or quality issues. Not something I want to bother with for a nice car, so those are out.
I see LG, American Racing, and Kooks as all top notch products. All have their own minor pros and cons but you can't go wrong with any of them. Shop around to see which you can get the best deal on and don't look back.
Price no object I would go with ARH, but I will most likely be going with Kooks. Initially I was hesitant to go with Kooks based on guys saying the install was horrid. But Kooks has apparently changed the design on all C5 headers to make it more install friendly.
I see LG, American Racing, and Kooks as all top notch products. All have their own minor pros and cons but you can't go wrong with any of them. Shop around to see which you can get the best deal on and don't look back.
Price no object I would go with ARH, but I will most likely be going with Kooks. Initially I was hesitant to go with Kooks based on guys saying the install was horrid. But Kooks has apparently changed the design on all C5 headers to make it more install friendly.
Last edited by aaronc7; Jun 2, 2014 at 11:02 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,027
Likes: 170
From: oregon
I ended up with the LG streets on my 03Z and I installed them my self...ended up with high flow cats, and so forth. the LG fit pretty well in the engine bay, my only grip and I have written LG several times with no response back is the beyond ****** exhaust clamps they send in the kit, leaves little to be desired
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
From: Westland Michigan
Has anyone been able to do a sound comparison? I have watched some videos on YouTube, but most have a cat back system, and I plan to leave the stock titanium in place.
I ask because I have heard a few systems that sound awful to me, and I would be furious to spend this much time and money on something that ends up sounding bad.
I ask because I have heard a few systems that sound awful to me, and I would be furious to spend this much time and money on something that ends up sounding bad.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 316
From: USA
Do you have the links to any of the videos in question? I can't imagine the different header systems sounding all that different-- they are all very similar in design. You have to keep in mind that on youtube, everyone is using a different device to record, so that's going to cause a lot of variance. It seems like most everyone loves the sound of the stock Tis with free flowing long tube headers-- some just prefer the deeper tone you get with some aftermarket systems or just simply want more Tis just plain sound bad.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 164
From: MA
Does stainless works make headers for C5's? I believe they do. Anyhow - they would also be a good choice as would SLP.
I'm going to look at all these brands when I pull the trigger, and I have used Kooks on my 04 GTO and JBA on my G8 GT, just by looks/being american made I would lean toward the stainless works system.
Whatever you do get them ceramic coated to keep engine bay temps down. I learned the hard way on my GTO.
I'm going to look at all these brands when I pull the trigger, and I have used Kooks on my 04 GTO and JBA on my G8 GT, just by looks/being american made I would lean toward the stainless works system.
Whatever you do get them ceramic coated to keep engine bay temps down. I learned the hard way on my GTO.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Beaumont Texas
I am a fan of the american racing headers. Fit is always great and never had any issues on the c6 or c5s i have played with. If your interested in pricing on ARH,B&B,Stainless works let me know!!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 98
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
Thanks for all the advice. I ended up today ordering a set of kooks long tubes 1 3/4 with catted xpipe. I opted for no ceramic coating because I don't race and the fact my car sits in a garage most of the time anyways. Maryland speed have a great price too! If it's not loud enough for me then I'll order a catback next.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 901
Likes: 2
From: Palm City Fl
I installed Kooks, they were a huge PITA. I see that now Kooks has a new header that installs from the bottom. Saw a Youtube video on the install and it looked pretty simple. I would check into those if I was to have to do it again. I really like the ball type flange at the collectors too. I went with ceramic just for the cooler temps. Good luck on whatever you decide. 