Header Question...
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Sneads Ferry NC
Header Question...
I know this has had to been asked a million times over, but I am putting Borla S Type and Borla X-Pipe on my 04 Vert with Halltech Venom CAI, what would be the best and cost effective Long Tube Headers with that set up with no other major mod? I will get it tuned once I get the headers on. Thanks in advance...
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From: Oregon
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
I just bought a set of Kook's 1 7/8 headers with the X-pipe that have cat's but no AIR fittings. I think he said he has 1 more set in stock
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Sneads Ferry NC
Appreciate the answers, I don't plan on modding it beyond maybe a mild cam if I doing any more performance mods. I will look into the Kooks, and here in NC you have to at least have the cats on for visual inspection.
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NCM Lifetime Member
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From: Cunningham, TN
2021 Corvette of the Year - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Winner- Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '18 thru '26
Whatever brand headers you get, I would recommend 1 3/4” unless FI is in your future.
I also believe this is definitely a item where you get what you pay for.
I also believe this is definitely a item where you get what you pay for.
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Melting Slicks
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From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
One more in agreement about Kooks. I've been running them on a C5 since 2007/ 40k miles with a Kooks off road x-pipe. Great fitment, sound and power gains. Also running them through Borla S type Stingers with single tips. Car sounds amazing in my opinion and has gotten countless compliments on the exhaust note.
Mentioned above, if you ever plan to go FI buy the 1 7/8s. If NA is your goal the 1 3/4 will net you better low end torque on NA builds, and cost you a little less. If FI is a remote possibility future state...buy them once and go with 1 7/8s. You'll sacrifice some torque and hp while NA with 1 7/8s, but make up for it when you decide to boost. (spoken from experience)
As one of the other guys mentions above...match your x-pipe to your header brand to ensure proper fitment up front. Most "quality made" x-pipes bolt up easily to any axle back exhausts.
Mentioned above, if you ever plan to go FI buy the 1 7/8s. If NA is your goal the 1 3/4 will net you better low end torque on NA builds, and cost you a little less. If FI is a remote possibility future state...buy them once and go with 1 7/8s. You'll sacrifice some torque and hp while NA with 1 7/8s, but make up for it when you decide to boost. (spoken from experience)
As one of the other guys mentions above...match your x-pipe to your header brand to ensure proper fitment up front. Most "quality made" x-pipes bolt up easily to any axle back exhausts.
Last edited by Johnny Hardcore; Jul 10, 2021 at 08:01 AM.
Race Director
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with buying quality, especially on key items, like pistons, headers, etc. I almost went with Kooks 1-3/4", but I ended up with an LS7, so I went with Kooks 1-7/8" instead. But the key thing is I went with Kooks. There are others as good, or maybe a bit better. But I've had cheapo headers in the past. Leaks, fitting problems, clearance problems, you name it. Getting cheap headers to fit and not leak can be....uh.....exhausting. Sorry, couldn't resist 😅
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Kooks and ARH are about three top. I bought LG pro 1 3/4s and fitment is poor. I’m still waiting to get them replaced or even better a refund. I don’t think I would buy anything else LG ever again unfortunately. The entire experience has sucked.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
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From: Mid Ohio
Based on no more big mods... Stainless Steel and 1.75" primaries. The mid pipe size and shape is where you'll develop the sound. I like to have a large and smooth mid pipe and then tone it down w/the after cat.
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1. Their customer service SUCKS, and
2. Once they have your money, you'll have a HELLUVA time getting a refund.
If the LG headers don't fit your car, LG should send a prepaid 'shipper', and pay for the return shipping. You would think they'd want to find out WHY they didnt fit. Or issue a refund upon their return!!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Bonita Springs, Florida
My personal experience
I installed a set of Kooks long tube headers with the hi flow green cats on my '99 M6 Coupe about 5 years ago. Everything installed very easily and without having to jack up the engine or disconnect the steering shaft or remove the starter. Just moved the alternator aside, unbolted and moved the ground strap out of the way and they slipped up from underneath in seconds. They fit perfectly with absolutely no clearance issues and no air tube modifications necessary. I had mine ceramic coated for heat and appearance. I highly recommend Kooks.
Last edited by Mike98SilVert; Jul 12, 2021 at 04:30 PM.
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That's surprising. Though I've never bought anything from LG, I've also never heard anyone complain before about LG headers fitment. Maybe they have, and I didn't see it. Two worst things dealing with almost ANY company today are:
1. Their customer service SUCKS, and
2. Once they have your money, you'll have a HELLUVA time getting a refund.
If the LG headers don't fit your car, LG should send a prepaid 'shipper', and pay for the return shipping. You would think they'd want to find out WHY they didnt fit. Or issue a refund upon their return!!
1. Their customer service SUCKS, and
2. Once they have your money, you'll have a HELLUVA time getting a refund.
If the LG headers don't fit your car, LG should send a prepaid 'shipper', and pay for the return shipping. You would think they'd want to find out WHY they didnt fit. Or issue a refund upon their return!!
As for customer service. Yes since covid most things in the manufacturing department now suck. Unemployment payout is high and people don’t want to return to work and cost of materials is also high. I hear those reasons a lot.
I will However say that the quality of material used on the entire exhaust is great. The SS tubing used is thick.
Last edited by 90lxtc; Jul 12, 2021 at 06:21 PM.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Cincinnati, OH
If you are low enough to drag TPS headers then you are WAY too low and are doing worse to your shocks and geometry which kills handling...