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The cheaper the header, the more problems with the install.
My mechanics exact words. "You can pay more for a quality header, or your can pay me to deal with all the issues installing the cheap ones." I went with Kooks and could not be happier.
The cheaper the header, the more problems with the install.
My mechanics exact words. "You can pay more for a quality header, or your can pay me to deal with all the issues installing the cheap ones." I went with Kooks and could not be happier.
If you don’t mind sharing, what was the cost parts and labor?
Previous owner of my '97 went with some cheap headers. The fit was so bad, and they hung so low that he resolved to weld skid plates to the bottom. Yeah, skid plates. I replaced them with ARH. Fit like a glove, no modification needed. Great service and quick from RDP store. Did I overpay? Well, there's always something cheaper out there. They may work, they may not. I have experienced that sometimes, cheap parts can be the most expensive when you have to replace them with the part you should've bought in the first place.
I just got a package from speed engineering so I guess I’ll see how they fit in a few weeks( I’ll install myself)
I can’t justify spending $2000 on Kooks for a car that I paid $10500 for with 90k miles. Of course this is just a weekend toy and if they don’t work I’ll pay the price for ones that do.
I installed Kooks, everything went easily 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 slip up from underneath in seconds. They fit perfectly with absolutely no clearance issues and no air tube modifications are necessary nor were O2 extensions necessary. I also installed their High Flow Green cats and there were no codes. I had mine ceramic coated for heat and appearance. Great products and I highly recommend Kooks. As a past member would often say, I can't afford to install cheap parts.
I installed Kooks, everything went easily 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 slip up from underneath in seconds. They fit perfectly with absolutely no clearance issues and no air tube modifications are necessary nor were O2 extensions necessary. I also installed their High Flow Green cats and there were no codes. I had mine ceramic coated for heat and appearance. Great products and I highly recommend Kooks. As a past member would often say, I can't afford to install cheap parts.
Same experience with my TPS 1 7/8". Slid right in and tuck up high.
Also, I hate ball/socket connections. Takes away ground clearance.
If you don’t mind sharing, what was the cost parts and labor?
About 5 years ago, I had a full HCI, dyno tune, headers, exhaust, suspension, build done. I don't have any specific costs nor would they be relevant today.
Thanks for all the replies. I do like the Speed Engineering setup, but have heard a lot of people taking about issues with getting them to clamp together tight enough to not leak.
The description says T-304 stainless, 1 7/8” , 3”, and shows air pipe hookup, and ss mesh anti vibration section. No cats. Also shows out of stock…
There’s a bunch of satisfied forum members that have Speed Engineering, and they are in stock for less than $600 (no air plumbing).
Not everyone can afford $2000+ for headers. The one you posted look ok, but for a few hundred more SE gives you a trusted option.
These are different than the ones I am looking at. The other set does not have the AIR ports and I will be deleting all that and having it tuned out anyway.
Just word of advice a friend installed headers on his C5, from a Muffler shop.
That was his first mistake, after the install drove it home, and the next morning, wouldn't start, SO he had it towed to performance shop, and I don't know what they charged, I bet lot $$$$.
What the muffler shop did according to owner, they first didn't ground the car properly cause they had to reroute wire harness, which they laid it on the headers, and they all burnt up.
So I hope you get a good shop that knows Corvettes.
I do all my own work (except for state inspection, or an alignment), so no issues there
Thanks for all the replies. I do like the Speed Engineering setup, but have heard a lot of people taking about issues with getting them to clamp together tight enough to not leak.
The clamps that come with the speed engineering setup are total crap. However, you can buy quality clamps for pretty cheap. Of coarse, the best option is to actually weld it together instead of using clamps at all.
An old thread, I know... just wanted to update everyone, I made the leap and bought these. Paid $381 for the set (after I sold my catalytic converters for $464), and I got to say I'm pretty impressed, they fit well, went right on from underneath. All I did was jack up the engine, pull the plugs, undid a couple ground wires, and they were in. Still working on the install and will update this post as I go...
UPDATE WITH PICS...
Headers are in, they fix really well. The x-pipe wouldn't line up exactly with the headers, so I did have to use a ratchet strap and pull them a little closer together, but that was the only issue. For basically a "free" exhaust I'm very pleased!!!
Last edited by VETTEYOG; Jan 25, 2023 at 07:35 PM.
