Header/Xtube advice
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,428
Likes: 972
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Header/Xtube advice
I was wondering what the consensus is regarding headers and Xpipes. Prices seem all over the map as well.
What's the difference between long tubes and "regular?" headers, including installation?
Are there ones that just bolt on?
Thanks!
What's the difference between long tubes and "regular?" headers, including installation?
Are there ones that just bolt on?
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,616
Likes: 4,619
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
I have Kooks long tube headers with their hi flow green cats and have no leaks and no clearance or fitment issues. Kooks are the easiest long tube headers to install and they install from underneath. No jacking up the motor or removing the starter or steering shaft. No cutting or trimming of the oil pan or dimpling the tubes. Just move the ground wire out of the way and they slide right up. This is true of the latest version of Kooks headers manufactured starting sometime in 2013. No ground clearance issues either.
I went with their hi flow green cats so that the car wouldn't throw any codes at start up. They advertise that this is 95% not 100% guaranteed. My '99 did not throw any codes after I started it up or since.
I ordered my Kooks headers ceramic coated. It is necessary IMO and will keep the under hood temps down. The extra heat from the SS long tube headers will prematurely destroy electronic, rubber and plastic components and adversely affect performance. Absolutely worth the extra 150 bucks it cost.
I went with their hi flow green cats so that the car wouldn't throw any codes at start up. They advertise that this is 95% not 100% guaranteed. My '99 did not throw any codes after I started it up or since.
I ordered my Kooks headers ceramic coated. It is necessary IMO and will keep the under hood temps down. The extra heat from the SS long tube headers will prematurely destroy electronic, rubber and plastic components and adversely affect performance. Absolutely worth the extra 150 bucks it cost.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
I would add one thing. When you decide on headers, get ones that come as a complete to catback systems, which will include an X-pipe. For the money, the XSPower setup seems to be popular. I have an LG system, but it's 10+ years old.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 157
From: Pennsylvania
I am slightly biased on this issue because there is no reason a set of headers should cost 1500 1800 or even 3100 for certain brands. You can not say that the expensive headers are worth the extra money. Yes some headers are made to higher standards but for other chassis you can get top tier headers for a fraction of the price that you have to pay for a corvette. The problem is we suffer from corvette tax and I can not support a company that wants to give me the shaft just because of the vehicle I own.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 471
Likes: 69
If you are going too do headers you want to go with long tubes if you want better performance and sound. I researched about 2 years before I bought mine and decided for fit,performance and price to go with LG Street Series. At first I had no cats and a Corsa Sport cat back but the car was too loud and very raspy. Put on a set of LG High flow cats and now sound is perfect still plenty loud but not so raspy sounding. Had the PCM tuned by ECS car runs great no check engine lights
. You can see after install there is little to no room for fitment issues without it causing problems and headaches.
. You can see after install there is little to no room for fitment issues without it causing problems and headaches.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 471
Likes: 69
I have had no issues so far my fans have been tuned to come on at 180% and I have a 160% thermostat. I do not have a performance cam and I am naturally aspirated wit Vararam intake.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,725
Likes: 149
From: chicago area IL.
i've had hooks, LG and Texas Speed
i liked the LG the best because of the best fitment i've had out of the 3 brands i used kooks coming in 2nd and will not recommend Texas speed since they leak and have clearance issues and just plan suck! guys love texas speed and rave about them but it makes me wonder have they used other brands?
i dont have any overheating issues (knock on wood) no spark plug wire issues but have had header leaking problems with kooks and texas speed between 2 c5z's and about 30k miles
i cant comment on other brands since i have not personally used them
i liked the LG the best because of the best fitment i've had out of the 3 brands i used kooks coming in 2nd and will not recommend Texas speed since they leak and have clearance issues and just plan suck! guys love texas speed and rave about them but it makes me wonder have they used other brands?
i dont have any overheating issues (knock on wood) no spark plug wire issues but have had header leaking problems with kooks and texas speed between 2 c5z's and about 30k miles
i cant comment on other brands since i have not personally used them