Budget Header Opinions?
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Cruising
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
Budget Header Opinions?
I have a 2000 C5 base that I recently installed an SLP loudmouth exhaust (yes I know the sound is obnoxious, that's what I'm going for) on and am looking to add headers to it. I'm throwing around the thought of grabbing some budget headers, mainly this set from Texas Speed.
Anybody running this set that can speak on their fit, performance, reliability, etc.? Any other budget headers aside from TSP that are worth looking at?
I know most people are going to recommend going with Kooks or LG but personally, I feel like the budget headers are going to be equally as good at half the cost and wanted to hear some feedback from people that went with a budget header setup rather than going with one of the bigger brands (American Racing, LG, Kooks, etc.)
Maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way but I feel like in the end, it doesn't really matter. They're all bent metal tubes and most of the budget headers are direct copies of the bigger brands anyway.
Anybody running this set that can speak on their fit, performance, reliability, etc.? Any other budget headers aside from TSP that are worth looking at?
I know most people are going to recommend going with Kooks or LG but personally, I feel like the budget headers are going to be equally as good at half the cost and wanted to hear some feedback from people that went with a budget header setup rather than going with one of the bigger brands (American Racing, LG, Kooks, etc.)
Maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way but I feel like in the end, it doesn't really matter. They're all bent metal tubes and most of the budget headers are direct copies of the bigger brands anyway.
Last edited by kwriley87; Jun 26, 2021 at 11:47 AM.
Le Mans Master
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2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cheap knock-off products, dare I say this ,are usually from China.
It is hard to stay away from China junk but I try.
Your choice because we live in the US. American made will
fit and give you a better product.
Good luck
It is hard to stay away from China junk but I try.
Your choice because we live in the US. American made will
fit and give you a better product.
Good luck
No Hostility Be Happy
Joined: Aug 2018
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From: South Hill Wa
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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If your car is lowered at all I don't recommend the texas speed headers. Speaking from experience they drag on everything. I ended up taking mine off and selling them before I ruined them.
IMO the most solid best bang for your buck off shore headers are the units from Speed Engineering. I am a believer now. They fit well, look great, and perform.
IMO the most solid best bang for your buck off shore headers are the units from Speed Engineering. I am a believer now. They fit well, look great, and perform.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2020
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I 2nd Speed Engineering. 1-7/8' tubing instead of 1-3/4' and they are a known quantity. Many people run their headers and they fit just fine and do what they are supposed to do and all for a really good price.
Are you going to get accolades for them, no...and some will hold their nose up at you for not spending thousands of dollars for headers but it is what it is. They work and they are attainable for the average Joe.
Are you going to get accolades for them, no...and some will hold their nose up at you for not spending thousands of dollars for headers but it is what it is. They work and they are attainable for the average Joe.
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From: Oregon
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
Found Kooks in stock
Last edited by Smoken1; Jun 28, 2021 at 05:04 PM.
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I have a 2000 C5 base that I recently installed an SLP loudmouth exhaust (yes I know the sound is obnoxious, that's what I'm going for) on and am looking to add headers to it. I'm throwing around the thought of grabbing some budget headers, mainly this set from Texas Speed.
Anybody running this set that can speak on their fit, performance, reliability, etc.? Any other budget headers aside from TSP that are worth looking at?
I know most people are going to recommend going with Kooks or LG but personally, I feel like the budget headers are going to be equally as good at half the cost and wanted to hear some feedback from people that went with a budget header setup rather than going with one of the bigger brands (American Racing, LG, Kooks, etc.)
Maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way but I feel like in the end, it doesn't really matter. They're all bent metal tubes and most of the budget headers are direct copies of the bigger brands anyway.
Anybody running this set that can speak on their fit, performance, reliability, etc.? Any other budget headers aside from TSP that are worth looking at?
I know most people are going to recommend going with Kooks or LG but personally, I feel like the budget headers are going to be equally as good at half the cost and wanted to hear some feedback from people that went with a budget header setup rather than going with one of the bigger brands (American Racing, LG, Kooks, etc.)
Maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way but I feel like in the end, it doesn't really matter. They're all bent metal tubes and most of the budget headers are direct copies of the bigger brands anyway.
I remember when the C5 was the new Corvette now it’s become the new C4. Loud Mufflers and Chinese headers 😂 I would look for a good used set before I spent money on a Chinese copy.
Last edited by JD'S WHITE 93; Jun 27, 2021 at 05:40 PM.
Racer
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From: Basehor, KS
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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I have a 2000 C5 base that I recently installed an SLP loudmouth exhaust (yes I know the sound is obnoxious, that's what I'm going for) on and am looking to add headers to it. I'm throwing around the thought of grabbing some budget headers, mainly this set from Texas Speed.
Anybody running this set that can speak on their fit, performance, reliability, etc.? Any other budget headers aside from TSP that are worth looking at?
I know most people are going to recommend going with Kooks or LG but personally, I feel like the budget headers are going to be equally as good at half the cost and wanted to hear some feedback from people that went with a budget header setup rather than going with one of the bigger brands (American Racing, LG, Kooks, etc.)
Maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way but I feel like in the end, it doesn't really matter. They're all bent metal tubes and most of the budget headers are direct copies of the bigger brands anyway.
Anybody running this set that can speak on their fit, performance, reliability, etc.? Any other budget headers aside from TSP that are worth looking at?
I know most people are going to recommend going with Kooks or LG but personally, I feel like the budget headers are going to be equally as good at half the cost and wanted to hear some feedback from people that went with a budget header setup rather than going with one of the bigger brands (American Racing, LG, Kooks, etc.)
Maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way but I feel like in the end, it doesn't really matter. They're all bent metal tubes and most of the budget headers are direct copies of the bigger brands anyway.
Le Mans Master
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From: Virginia
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The saying that you get what you pay for is true. However, it's your car, so you can do what you want. Fit is very important for headers. Name brand headers will fit better, be less likely to leak, and will last longer than the cheap Chinese knock offs. However, if all you want to do is just make your car as loud as possible, you might as well get the cheapest thing you can find on eBay.
As for me...I can't afford to buy cheap parts.
As for me...I can't afford to buy cheap parts.
.
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,026
Likes: 1,155
From: Oregon
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
The saying that you get what you pay for is true. However, it's your car, so you can do what you want. Fit is very important for headers. Name brand headers will fit better, be less likely to leak, and will last longer than the cheap Chinese knock offs. However, if all you want to do is just make your car as loud as possible, you might as well get the cheapest thing you can find on eBay.
As for me...I can't afford to buy cheap parts.
As for me...I can't afford to buy cheap parts.
I should edit my post. I found Kooks 1 7/8's headers in stock and they are on the way
Last edited by Smoken1; Jun 28, 2021 at 05:02 PM.
No Hostility Be Happy
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From: South Hill Wa
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
The saying that you get what you pay for is true. However, it's your car, so you can do what you want. Fit is very important for headers. Name brand headers will fit better, be less likely to leak, and will last longer than the cheap Chinese knock offs. However, if all you want to do is just make your car as loud as possible, you might as well get the cheapest thing you can find on eBay.
As for me...I can't afford to buy cheap parts.
As for me...I can't afford to buy cheap parts.
I have zero problems with my 400 dollar headers. Fit and finish are excellent and they really do fit great. I don't consider texas speed or speed engineering to be no name complete mystery garbage off of amazon or ebay though.
I also upgraded mine to vbands which are even better than the top brands slip fits or ball and socket IMO.
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2019
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From: Warren Oregon
I started my American Racing header install yesterday. I was able to get all the old parts off and the new headers on. I still have the catted x pipe to install but the hard parts over. Drivers side slid right in. I did take the alternator and coil packs off to make it easier to get to everything more to remove old manifolds than installing new. The passenger side needed the starter wires removed to slide header in. Both installed from bottom. Best part was no broken bolts to contend with, I was worried as I had read about header bolts breaking off in head. I used ARP header bolts and installed anti seize on all bolts.
I hope all goes as well for you guys that are doing your own install. I'm 66 and did this on jack stands I have to admit I'm pretty sore . I'm going to install new plugs and wires also as I found 1 bad plug wire it was barely hanging together. I did not have a miss so it was somehow still working.
I hope all goes as well for you guys that are doing your own install. I'm 66 and did this on jack stands I have to admit I'm pretty sore . I'm going to install new plugs and wires also as I found 1 bad plug wire it was barely hanging together. I did not have a miss so it was somehow still working.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2016
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From: Cincinnati, OH
TPS Motorsport headers or Hinson. I fit my TPS 1 7/8" without removing AC/Steering shaft or undoing a motor mount. Tuck up very high too.
https://www.tpsmotorsports.com/test2...-w-x-pipe.html
https://www.tpsmotorsports.com/test2...-w-x-pipe.html