[Z06] Best headers and X Pipe
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Best headers and X Pipe
My son and I recently bought a 99 C5 and we're looking for best mid priced headers and X pipe setup. Some makes are just way to pricey given what we paid for the car and what were after. Any go to brands that you'd recommend?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 162
Likes: 79
From: Central NJ
Speed Engineering on mine. I had a shop weld in high flow universal catalytic converters right after the elbow and even with that, the setup is still considerably less than other brands. You could get the headers jet coated and still be less. Leaves money for tuning. Fitment was no problem. I ordered my own hardware and gaskets too.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 596
Likes: 298
From: San Jose CA
IMHO - headers are one of the things you shouldn't cheap out on. If they fit poorly, the job becomes a nightmare. If they leak, well you can chase a header leak until you are in the grave.
I don't personally know Speed Engineering; but seeing those at under $1000 where the LG Motorsports headers are $2200 makes me suspicious.
I don't personally know Speed Engineering; but seeing those at under $1000 where the LG Motorsports headers are $2200 makes me suspicious.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,879
Likes: 1,645
From: North Coast
Yes no matter the brand do not get low quality. Leaks, Rust and damage can make cheap headers fail and be more a pain than a gain.
Never heard if the Speed so no opinion.
Might consider ceramic coated headers to prevent rust or heat issues
Depending on what you plan to do the gain with headers are not worth much unless you do better heads and cam.
Never heard if the Speed so no opinion.
Might consider ceramic coated headers to prevent rust or heat issues
Depending on what you plan to do the gain with headers are not worth much unless you do better heads and cam.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,410
Likes: 4,244
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
SE headers are stainless steel, so no worry about rust. A lot of guys have installed them and I have not read a complaint. You’ll find plenty of YouTube videos on installing them. I have a new set on the shelf for installation soon, and after inspection am very happy with the quality.
As stated above, they really help with cam and head upgrades.
As stated above, they really help with cam and head upgrades.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 657
From: Pingree Grove IL
Times have changed along with prices. 20 years ago I think I paid 1500 for LG 1 3/4 header, xpipe and cats. Still have the headers on the car today, so I know the quality is there. Just sayin.
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