Should I get Headers???
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 482
Likes: 1
From: Waveland MS
Should I get Headers???
Ok, I have seen the posts, and I think I read through most of them. I am looking to get some LT headers for my 98 C5 vert 6-speed, and I'm wondering what I should expect from them. Let me just describe the current setup, and maybe you folks can suggest something. I have a stock C5 with nothing more than a BPP cold-air intake. The intake made a HUGE difference! Because it's a vert, I don't want a constantly loud hum in my ear with the top down. I have 3 questions:
1.) What will adding just the LT Headers do for performance (in any terms from SOTP to actual numbers will do)?
2.) If I go with the headers, should I get exhausts, x-pipe, bypass cats, etc.?
3.) Any other simple, bolt-on type mods or tuning would suggest for a quicker car?
1.) What will adding just the LT Headers do for performance (in any terms from SOTP to actual numbers will do)?
2.) If I go with the headers, should I get exhausts, x-pipe, bypass cats, etc.?
3.) Any other simple, bolt-on type mods or tuning would suggest for a quicker car?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
Likes: 6
From: Shiloh Ohio
Originally Posted by newgene
Ok, I have seen the posts, and I think I read through most of them. I am looking to get some LT headers for my 98 C5 vert 6-speed, and I'm wondering what I should expect from them. Let me just describe the current setup, and maybe you folks can suggest something. I have a stock C5 with nothing more than a BPP cold-air intake. The intake made a HUGE difference! Because it's a vert, I don't want a constantly loud hum in my ear with the top down. I have 3 questions:
1.) What will adding just the LT Headers do for performance (in any terms from SOTP to actual numbers will do)?
2.) If I go with the headers, should I get exhausts, x-pipe, bypass cats, etc.?
3.) Any other simple, bolt-on type mods or tuning would suggest for a quicker car?
1.) What will adding just the LT Headers do for performance (in any terms from SOTP to actual numbers will do)?
2.) If I go with the headers, should I get exhausts, x-pipe, bypass cats, etc.?
3.) Any other simple, bolt-on type mods or tuning would suggest for a quicker car?
2. If you do not want it any louder, (headers will increase the sound some), you could keep your stock cat back or at least the mufflers. An X-Pipe will help a little with HP but not that much. Most people keep their cats or go with high flow cats, not much to be gained changing cats though.
3. Well you have a CAI so as far as simple that is about it. There are lots of other simple bolt ons but the HP power gain is not worth the effort.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I picked up a solid 25 HP at the wheels and it was a definite "I can feel it" mod. As for the sound, my wife hardly noticed, but did comment on the tire noise (run flats!!!). I am running the Z06 cat back which tends to keeps things in check for noise. As for the rest of the system, I would replace it all as the aftermarket cats will help with power and if you do a one for one swap, returning to stock is easy if you ever need to.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 2
From: McKinney TX
Go ahead and do it. You will like the results. Go ahead and just tackle all of the exhaust system. Buy the LT headers, the high flows, the xpipe and then get the after market cat back too. You could do just piece meal, but wouldnt be as dramatic affect. No sense in having a better breathing set of tubs if you still got your hand (stock) over the end of the straw.
You will feel the SOTP difference. I know I did. Once you get the headers done all the way through the cat backs, there wont be too much more bolt on stuff you can do from that point. You already have the intake. The next feasible thing to pick up another 20hp would be to have it tuned. Look into that when you get your headers. Some places will include a tune for cheaper with a header install. I installed mine myself, so I had to pay full price for a tune.
You will feel the SOTP difference. I know I did. Once you get the headers done all the way through the cat backs, there wont be too much more bolt on stuff you can do from that point. You already have the intake. The next feasible thing to pick up another 20hp would be to have it tuned. Look into that when you get your headers. Some places will include a tune for cheaper with a header install. I installed mine myself, so I had to pay full price for a tune.
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
FLP set up. Went from not being able to get a scratch from the tires on the 1-2 shift. After the header install (only mod done at the time) it definately added power. Definate recomendation for a mod. Plus the sound is wonderful.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 482
Likes: 1
From: Waveland MS
Jeffvette, just to clarify, you added the headers to the existing stock exhaust system and you felt the power increase? I just wanted to make sure you had nothing else that would have caused that. Thanks.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,183
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From: Freestate Corvette Club! Elkridge, MD
St. Jude Donor '17
Originally Posted by newgene
Jeffvette, just to clarify, you added the headers to the existing stock exhaust system and you felt the power increase? I just wanted to make sure you had nothing else that would have caused that. Thanks.
**the FLP system comes with hi flow CATS as well**
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Originally Posted by newgene
Jeffvette, just to clarify, you added the headers to the existing stock exhaust system and you felt the power increase? I just wanted to make sure you had nothing else that would have caused that. Thanks.
Had a Corsa before the header install. But no head/cam/intake/CAI. Nothing else.
The car finally felt like it had a pair after adding the headers.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 482
Likes: 1
From: Waveland MS
If I can get 20-25 extra hp just by adding headers alone, it's a done deal. I've just heard mixed opinions about the effect. I don't even care if that is the high end. I would take 10-15 hp jump, if I really can get that from headers alone.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 482
Likes: 1
From: Waveland MS
I forgot one more. Does anyone know of the least expensive place to buy a recommended brand of headers? There are a ton of companies out there, but I wanted see if anyone has any suggestions.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 243
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by mdhmi
Shop around. Many of our Supporting Vendors sell the Kooks and Dynatech headers. Both are complete packages are generally run anywhere from $1,150 - $1,350.
Mark
Mark
Keep checking for Group Purchases here on the boards. That's what I did and saved a bunch on some Kook's 1 3/4" complete with cats and x-pipe.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,179
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
Originally Posted by LoneStarFRC
Keep checking for Group Purchases here on the boards. That's what I did and saved a bunch on some Kook's 1 3/4" complete with cats and x-pipe.Yep, I'd wait till a GP pops up.
-=Rick
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
QTP has a special on right now, contact Barry for pricing. Also, I think TByrne just put something up on the systems he carries so you may want to contact him as well. Those are the only two I know that are currently active.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,133
Likes: 1
From: ~The DARKSIDE Group~
Originally Posted by vettenuts
I picked up a solid 25 HP at the wheels and it was a definite "I can feel it" mod. As for the sound, my wife hardly noticed, but did comment on the tire noise (run flats!!!). I am running the Z06 cat back which tends to keeps things in check for noise. As for the rest of the system, I would replace it all as the aftermarket cats will help with power and if you do a one for one swap, returning to stock is easy if you ever need to.
, as my signature shows I have simialr exhaust. Good for about a 30 rwhp pickup. A dyno tune/LS1 edit is a must to optimize performance of the mod. Z06 ti keeps it mellow at cruze, yet sounds very healthy at WOT. If you want power and sound improment this type set up is the way to go. The Mrs has never noticed. Parts, install and tune ran about $2,000.Hope you find what you're looking for.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
LT Header GP
There is a Group Purchase on the Dynatech headers right now through a forum sponsor CorvetteGarage. They include high-flow cats and x-pipe. Everything you need from the heads to the mufflers. Join the GP and save money. Contact Nick at corvettegarage.com for details.
Last edited by WKMCD; Mar 22, 2005 at 10:44 AM.