Headers or No Headers
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,135
Likes: 258
My c5 is a toy, so I most certainly enjoy my headers.
The notion of $30k in a $12k car is mildly moot. Some of us paid pretty good money for our cars and they are still ‘worth’ far more to us than what current markets may say. Which goes to say we are already vested and non concerned because they weren’t bought as an investment but an escape.
That said, headers aren’t cheap. They aren’t fun to install and they aren’t going to bump your resale on the car to very many. So if it was a kinda beat c5 that’s ho-hum in quality and use; then NO, I wouldn’t spend the money. It’s great if you want a racecar or a more exotic sound. Probably more headache on something you just run around in.
If you have no further plans to ‘invest’ into the car, I would pass; save for maybe the tune which would still give a benefit.
Yes, they do however wake the car up substantially. Also the sound.
$.02
The notion of $30k in a $12k car is mildly moot. Some of us paid pretty good money for our cars and they are still ‘worth’ far more to us than what current markets may say. Which goes to say we are already vested and non concerned because they weren’t bought as an investment but an escape.
That said, headers aren’t cheap. They aren’t fun to install and they aren’t going to bump your resale on the car to very many. So if it was a kinda beat c5 that’s ho-hum in quality and use; then NO, I wouldn’t spend the money. It’s great if you want a racecar or a more exotic sound. Probably more headache on something you just run around in.
If you have no further plans to ‘invest’ into the car, I would pass; save for maybe the tune which would still give a benefit.
Yes, they do however wake the car up substantially. Also the sound.
$.02
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,264
Likes: 4,577
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
I had my headers ceramic coated to keep it cooler under the hood and also for the appearance. I also installed heat socks for the spark plug wires and velcro heat protection for the starter wires and the brake lines along with some reflective heat tape for electrical connectors. I used Summit Racing's heat protection products for their high temperature rating.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,264
Likes: 4,577
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
The Kooks brand headers as well as ARH headers and other top brands are made of high quality stainless steel so there is no worry of them rusting or cracked welds or warped flanges.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 504
Likes: 44
From: Kirkland WA
Racer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 79
From: Metro Detroit
My c5 is a toy, so I most certainly enjoy
That said, headers aren’t cheap. They aren’t fun to install and they aren’t going to bump your resale on the car to very many. So if it was a kinda beat c5 that’s ho-hum in quality and use; then NO, I wouldn’t spend the money. It’s great if you want a racecar or a more exotic sound. Probably more headache on something you just run around in.
If you have no further plans to ‘invest’ into the car, I would pass; save for maybe the tune which would still give a benefit.
That said, headers aren’t cheap. They aren’t fun to install and they aren’t going to bump your resale on the car to very many. So if it was a kinda beat c5 that’s ho-hum in quality and use; then NO, I wouldn’t spend the money. It’s great if you want a racecar or a more exotic sound. Probably more headache on something you just run around in.
If you have no further plans to ‘invest’ into the car, I would pass; save for maybe the tune which would still give a benefit.
Last edited by Bossdog; Dec 23, 2018 at 09:17 AM.
No Hostility Be Happy
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 10,017
Likes: 7,322
From: South Hill Wa
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I think a lot of people are stuck in 1985 when it was predominately crappy mild steel hooker headers on their small block chevy blowing gaskets at every turn of the key.
Times have come a long ways.
Also it goes without saying, with a quality full length long tube headers on an LS cylinder head there is actually quite a bit of power and torque to be had in comparison to said junk headers from 1985 on a 190hp smog laden v8.
Like Bossdog said above, it's an expensive proposition to get max benefit out of a set of long tubes because just bolting them on won't do. It will have to be tuned preferably on a dyno. This is where there best matched up with a cam swap and other real horsepower makers all combined.
This post wasn't directed at you Mike. I'm just rambling.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 55
Likes: 18
From: Charles Town, WV
If you can afford it and you want to do it, I would do it. I have well over $20K 'invested' in my $10K Harley. I never fail to smile when I get on that bike; I feel like Captain America in Easy Rider. Well worth $10K. I just got my Vette so I'm still thinking about what, if any mods I'll do to it, but as others have said, this isn't an investment. Or you could think of it as an 'investment' in your happiness!
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