LT Headers: Need Opinions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 180
Likes: 76
From: Melbourne, FL
LT Headers: Need Opinions
I currently have a 99 C5, with a Corsa Xtreme Axle Back exhaust and Corsa X-Pipe installed already. I am looking into Headers as my next upgrade. I've done a little research and wanted to get the opinions of you guys from your experiences with installing headers and out the door prices after installation. Here is my dilemma I'd like opinions on:
With the current Corsa set up I have, I can purchase Corsa LT Headers for a whopping $1300, and they bolt right on to my current set up no welding or anything necessary. I am in a situation where I am unable to do the work myself, so I will have to take it to a shop. I was quoted $900 for labor and a custom tune. So I will be out the door $2200 with LT headers installed.
From your guys' experience, is this worth it? or is there a way I can purchase a pair of $500 used LT Headers and have them connected to my current Corsa X-Pipe somehow? Do I get rid of the Corsa X-Pipe and install different LT Headers with X-Pipe?
Seeing the price go to $2200 made me realize its more than 1/4 of the price I bought the actual car for. Let me know what you guys think. I'd really like to be at around $1500 or less installed.
With the current Corsa set up I have, I can purchase Corsa LT Headers for a whopping $1300, and they bolt right on to my current set up no welding or anything necessary. I am in a situation where I am unable to do the work myself, so I will have to take it to a shop. I was quoted $900 for labor and a custom tune. So I will be out the door $2200 with LT headers installed.
From your guys' experience, is this worth it? or is there a way I can purchase a pair of $500 used LT Headers and have them connected to my current Corsa X-Pipe somehow? Do I get rid of the Corsa X-Pipe and install different LT Headers with X-Pipe?
Seeing the price go to $2200 made me realize its more than 1/4 of the price I bought the actual car for. Let me know what you guys think. I'd really like to be at around $1500 or less installed.
Uneducated autodidact
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 252
From: West of the Sabine, Texas
What are your plans for the car? After adding headers, are you planning on adding modifications for more power? If not, I don't know why you would add headers whatever the cost. If you are, then you can wait and find some used headers here on the forum and proceed from there.
Le Mans Master
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From: Texas
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Piece milling an exhaust system together isn't something I would do personally. Having a system that is easily removable for service is a must for me.
As stated above, what is the long term goal? Do you just want better sound and a some performance gain, or is there a build plan?
I have had both LG Super Pro longtubes 1 3/4" with 3" mid/x-pipe, and ARH longtubes 1 7/8" with 3"mid/x-pipe and high flow cats, and both systems fit great and never had any leaks.
I believe you get what you pay for, but there are systems out there that are less expensive.
You will need a custom dyno tune for maximum performance regardless of which brand you choose, and that will cost you around $600.00 alone.
As stated above, what is the long term goal? Do you just want better sound and a some performance gain, or is there a build plan?
I have had both LG Super Pro longtubes 1 3/4" with 3" mid/x-pipe, and ARH longtubes 1 7/8" with 3"mid/x-pipe and high flow cats, and both systems fit great and never had any leaks.
I believe you get what you pay for, but there are systems out there that are less expensive.
You will need a custom dyno tune for maximum performance regardless of which brand you choose, and that will cost you around $600.00 alone.
Last edited by lewislgZ06; Oct 20, 2020 at 10:50 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 180
Likes: 76
From: Melbourne, FL
Thanks for the questions. Mainly I want a nice louder sound, and performance gains for the street. The car will never be at the drag strip or track. I drive the car frequently. Basically a red light warrior and messing around a little in the freeway. I have no build plans for future. Eventually I’d be happy with 350-400 WHP and I’d stop there.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3,638
Likes: 245
I currently have a 99 C5, with a Corsa Xtreme Axle Back exhaust and Corsa X-Pipe installed already. I am looking into Headers as my next upgrade. I've done a little research and wanted to get the opinions of you guys from your experiences with installing headers and out the door prices after installation. Here is my dilemma I'd like opinions on:
With the current Corsa set up I have, I can purchase Corsa LT Headers for a whopping $1300, and they bolt right on to my current set up no welding or anything necessary. I am in a situation where I am unable to do the work myself, so I will have to take it to a shop. I was quoted $900 for labor and a custom tune. So I will be out the door $2200 with LT headers installed.
From your guys' experience, is this worth it? or is there a way I can purchase a pair of $500 used LT Headers and have them connected to my current Corsa X-Pipe somehow? Do I get rid of the Corsa X-Pipe and install different LT Headers with X-Pipe?
Seeing the price go to $2200 made me realize its more than 1/4 of the price I bought the actual car for. Let me know what you guys think. I'd really like to be at around $1500 or less installed.
With the current Corsa set up I have, I can purchase Corsa LT Headers for a whopping $1300, and they bolt right on to my current set up no welding or anything necessary. I am in a situation where I am unable to do the work myself, so I will have to take it to a shop. I was quoted $900 for labor and a custom tune. So I will be out the door $2200 with LT headers installed.
From your guys' experience, is this worth it? or is there a way I can purchase a pair of $500 used LT Headers and have them connected to my current Corsa X-Pipe somehow? Do I get rid of the Corsa X-Pipe and install different LT Headers with X-Pipe?
Seeing the price go to $2200 made me realize its more than 1/4 of the price I bought the actual car for. Let me know what you guys think. I'd really like to be at around $1500 or less installed.
NCM Lifetime Member
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Cunningham, TN
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Thanks for the questions. Mainly I want a nice louder sound, and performance gains for the street. The car will never be at the drag strip or track. I drive the car frequently. Basically a red light warrior and messing around a little in the freeway. I have no build plans for future. Eventually I’d be happy with 350-400 WHP and I’d stop there.
LG has a set of 1 3/4' street headers with mid/x-pipe and cats that is their lowest price set. They allow you to keep the OEM air pump system also. You may be able to shop around and get them cheaper or on sale elsewhere. Like most other products, buying them directly from the manufacturer is usually highest.
I've have very good luck with Complete Street Performance, a forum vendor, in getting the best price available on many items. I just purchased a Borla exhaust on sale from them recently for well over $100 cheaper than anyone else had anywhere.
Best of luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 387
From: Port Charlotte Florida
I chose Flowtech headers and X-pipe for my 2000 Corvette. Worth checking out. My mechanic told me it is simpler to install if the brands of the headers and X-pipe match. My mechanic hooked up those pieces to a Borla ATAK exhaust.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 180
Likes: 76
From: Melbourne, FL
Been doing a little research, and someone local is selling a set of brand new eBay OBX Headers and X-Pipe for less than $400...
The threads talking about these headers (with actual data behind them) say they give the same gains as name brand headers at a fraction of the price and have no issues long term. I’m just worried about how they would mate to my Corsa Axle Back exhaust.
I believe this is the set: (Anyone know why the title says 01-04 like it doesn’t fit a 97-99?)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/191910320917
The threads talking about these headers (with actual data behind them) say they give the same gains as name brand headers at a fraction of the price and have no issues long term. I’m just worried about how they would mate to my Corsa Axle Back exhaust.
I believe this is the set: (Anyone know why the title says 01-04 like it doesn’t fit a 97-99?)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/191910320917
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
Nice headers are definitely worth it. You’re not really gonna make big power, I didn’t even really feel any difference, but the sound quality definitely improved.
if I were doing it again I would get even nicer headers this time around. I was a part of the group buy on XS power headers because they were supposedly really nice, I would probably go kooks if I did it again.
if I were doing it again I would get even nicer headers this time around. I was a part of the group buy on XS power headers because they were supposedly really nice, I would probably go kooks if I did it again.
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From: Cunningham, TN
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The choice is yours to make, but I would certainly buy headers made for a 97-99 for your 99 car. The most important thing with long tube headers is good fitment. A lot of cheap headers don't have good flanges and won't seal, or stay sealed, especially at the manifold.
I understand we all want the best price we can get. I always shop for it myself, but in my experience, you get what you pay for.
There was a guy on here, Evil Twin, that had a saying " I cannot afford to buy anything too cheap". There is a lot of wisdom in that saying.
As far as your Corsa Xtreme axleback, most, if not all, x/mid-pipes have a 2 1/2" flanges to connect to your axleback, because most aftermarket axlebacks are 2 1/2".
I understand we all want the best price we can get. I always shop for it myself, but in my experience, you get what you pay for.
There was a guy on here, Evil Twin, that had a saying " I cannot afford to buy anything too cheap". There is a lot of wisdom in that saying.
As far as your Corsa Xtreme axleback, most, if not all, x/mid-pipes have a 2 1/2" flanges to connect to your axleback, because most aftermarket axlebacks are 2 1/2".
Last edited by lewislgZ06; Oct 20, 2020 at 11:10 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,775
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From: Texas
The choice is yours to make, but I would certainly buy headers made for a 97-99 for your 99 car. The most important thing with long tube headers is good fitment. A lot of cheap headers don't have good flanges and won't seal, or stay sealed, especially at the manifold.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
Chiming in since the OP noted he has a Corsa exhaust. Adding long tubes with your Corsa will give your car a sound you will love and still not get any drone! Unfortunately, here in Southern California, we are not fortunate enough to legally have them. Consider yourself fortunate!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,860
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I currently have a 99 C5, with a Corsa Xtreme Axle Back exhaust and Corsa X-Pipe installed already. I am looking into Headers as my next upgrade. I've done a little research and wanted to get the opinions of you guys from your experiences with installing headers and out the door prices after installation. Here is my dilemma I'd like opinions on:
With the current Corsa set up I have, I can purchase Corsa LT Headers for a whopping $1300, and they bolt right on to my current set up no welding or anything necessary. I am in a situation where I am unable to do the work myself, so I will have to take it to a shop. I was quoted $900 for labor and a custom tune. So I will be out the door $2200 with LT headers installed.
From your guys' experience, is this worth it? or is there a way I can purchase a pair of $500 used LT Headers and have them connected to my current Corsa X-Pipe somehow? Do I get rid of the Corsa X-Pipe and install different LT Headers with X-Pipe?
Seeing the price go to $2200 made me realize its more than 1/4 of the price I bought the actual car for. Let me know what you guys think. I'd really like to be at around $1500 or less installed.
With the current Corsa set up I have, I can purchase Corsa LT Headers for a whopping $1300, and they bolt right on to my current set up no welding or anything necessary. I am in a situation where I am unable to do the work myself, so I will have to take it to a shop. I was quoted $900 for labor and a custom tune. So I will be out the door $2200 with LT headers installed.
From your guys' experience, is this worth it? or is there a way I can purchase a pair of $500 used LT Headers and have them connected to my current Corsa X-Pipe somehow? Do I get rid of the Corsa X-Pipe and install different LT Headers with X-Pipe?
Seeing the price go to $2200 made me realize its more than 1/4 of the price I bought the actual car for. Let me know what you guys think. I'd really like to be at around $1500 or less installed.
A: Do you have to pass smog in your state?
B: Long term goals.
I've had KOOKS stainless 1-7/8" LTs for 15 years, 3/8" flanges, and they do not leak. Anywhere. My state does NOT require smog testing, yet. I believe KOOKS, ARH, and LG would all be good choices. The LG long tubes are mostly an identical copy of Wheel to Wheel Powertrains World Challenge headers, which were ahead of their time. For those who don't know, W2W was one of the top LS engine builders on the planet, until the great recession of 2008 took them down. They knew their stuff......
Uneducated autodidact
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: West of the Sabine, Texas
Le Mans Master
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@TheGodOfGlory that's a cool name!
The Op isn't the first to use it.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Pingree Grove IL
I have LG’s with cats and b&b bullet exhaust. Made 340 at the wheels through an A4. Love the sound of headers and exhaust. Miles of smiles. Do it, money well spent. Mines been like this for almost 15 years. No problems at all.
Le Mans Master
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I currently have a 99 C5, with a Corsa Xtreme Axle Back exhaust and Corsa X-Pipe installed already. I am looking into Headers as my next upgrade. I've done a little research and wanted to get the opinions of you guys from your experiences with installing headers and out the door prices after installation. Here is my dilemma I'd like opinions on:
With the current Corsa set up I have, I can purchase Corsa LT Headers for a whopping $1300, and they bolt right on to my current set up no welding or anything necessary. I am in a situation where I am unable to do the work myself, so I will have to take it to a shop. I was quoted $900 for labor and a custom tune. So I will be out the door $2200 with LT headers installed.
From your guys' experience, is this worth it? or is there a way I can purchase a pair of $500 used LT Headers and have them connected to my current Corsa X-Pipe somehow? Do I get rid of the Corsa X-Pipe and install different LT Headers with X-Pipe?
Seeing the price go to $2200 made me realize its more than 1/4 of the price I bought the actual car for. Let me know what you guys think. I'd really like to be at around $1500 or less installed.
With the current Corsa set up I have, I can purchase Corsa LT Headers for a whopping $1300, and they bolt right on to my current set up no welding or anything necessary. I am in a situation where I am unable to do the work myself, so I will have to take it to a shop. I was quoted $900 for labor and a custom tune. So I will be out the door $2200 with LT headers installed.
From your guys' experience, is this worth it? or is there a way I can purchase a pair of $500 used LT Headers and have them connected to my current Corsa X-Pipe somehow? Do I get rid of the Corsa X-Pipe and install different LT Headers with X-Pipe?
Seeing the price go to $2200 made me realize its more than 1/4 of the price I bought the actual car for. Let me know what you guys think. I'd really like to be at around $1500 or less installed.
or buy a quality header that cost more but fit. It all washs out the
same. The difference is more power with quality headers. A good set
of headers and you should get 30 to 35 hp. Power is not cheap. If you
must have headers find a deal (not retail) on new headers or find a
nice set of used headers ( high quality headers). You won't find a deal
on labor. Figure a $100 a hour new or used. More at a dealer. And yes
you will need a tune.
Good luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 918
Likes: 198
From: TX
Listen to Lewislg and road pilot!! You can find the thread I posted about a month ago on my experience with LG Pro longtubes. I am totally pleased with these headers and the tune provided by LG.
Only mods are Z06 airbox and Z06 exhaust. Dyno indicated 339.6 hp at rear wheels. Car screams at 4000 rpm, no drone at cruise. Perfect.
With cats you will spend about $1800 for the LG Pro (way better than the Street version) and you will need a real tune on a dyno to get max benefit.
Hope this helps. It really will transform the car for you!!
VERYSOON
Only mods are Z06 airbox and Z06 exhaust. Dyno indicated 339.6 hp at rear wheels. Car screams at 4000 rpm, no drone at cruise. Perfect.
With cats you will spend about $1800 for the LG Pro (way better than the Street version) and you will need a real tune on a dyno to get max benefit.
Hope this helps. It really will transform the car for you!!
VERYSOON