I know they make power, but have you found any down side to headers? When put on by experts do they get loose and leak? Or melt things?
Do most pro installers use the factory plug wires and heat shields(for,say,a 2004 ZO6) or what. Are cool socks a good thing to have along?
Thanks for your detailed input.

 

I have long tube headers on my C-5. No real problems. I replaced the spark plug wires, along with the cool socks at the time of install. No trouble codes either.

 

They have a very good history of not leaking or getting loose. Also not melting things. Common sense and good skills lead to a very secure, well functioning system.
While I, nor anyone else, can speak for "most" pro installers, it has been my experience the installers I have have seen will usually encourage replacing the factory wires. Although not necessary in most cases, the aftermarket wires usually have a great deal more heat insulating ability since they most all tend to be larger in diameter. Usually in the 8-10mm range. Also, depending on the brand and configuration of the plug boot you can easily re-use your factory metal heat shields as well.
"Kool Sox" (brand name) are nice to have but are not necessary in most situations I have seen. You just need to make sure your wires have enough clearance from the tubes. I have Kooks LTs with Magnecore KV 85 wires, but since I have the 45 degree plug boots, I was not able to retain the metal shield. On some brand of wires (having straight plug boots) the metal shields fit with no problem. Magnecore for example, has a straight plug version as well, and you can use the metal shields on them.
BTW, make absolutely sure your installer secures your O2 sensor wires away from the pipes and/or collectors. Also make sure the starter wires have plenty of clearance as well. If necessary, they can install some heat shielding for extra insurance. Thermo-Tec, for example, makes a wide range of products for protecting wiring and are not expensive.
HTH

 

Thanks for your posts, I will be far from the shop doing the install,ARH headers. I would rather put everything on /together the first time so it's perfect. Skip

 

Got about 1k miles on my TSP headers with no problems/no regrets.

 

give us a call if you need any help, we have installed dozens of ARH systems here in FL

 

Steve, Do you normally retain the stock metal plug wire shields on C5 ZO6 header installs? Also, would you recommend something like kool sox be added with stock plug wires and ARH headers. Thanks, Skip

 

 

 

I used Melrose plug wires (supposed to be good for high temp; the wire actually has an insulation of some sort on it), and I then covered the wires w/ Taylor "Fire Sleeves" (same thing as Cool Sox, but withstand 1200* heat) - no problems thus far

be sure and take extra time to secure the 02 sensor wires away from the headers

 

My personal choice of wires is stock GM or the GMPP replacement red wires($60), both have supported 800rwhp plus, With the American Racing headers we don't use kool sox, you will be fine with or without the oe metal shields, plug changes AND wire clearance is much better with the AR headers