Just do a search for OBX....hope you've got all day to read. Plenty of post for OBX / SSAC/"ebay headers".
OBX headers
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,246
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From: Dyer, IN
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Marlton. Increasing performance one speeding ticket at a time! NJ
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Wiesbaden, Germany
I see a lot of people poking at this brand, but I have them installed on my car. No real issues with them. They installed very much like other long tube headers would, with typical difficulties that the other brands have. Like several other brands, I have an issue with the O2 sensors now, but I will ask about it in another thread.
I have had them on for about 500 miles and I am leaning towards being happy with them. I need to get the error codes to stop popping up before I am convinced though.
Steve
2003 EB Z06
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: It's true money can't buy happiness, but it is more comfortable crying in a Corvette than on a bicyc
St. Jude Donor '13
I see a lot of people poking at this brand, but I have them installed on my car. No real issues with them. They installed very much like other long tube headers would, with typical difficulties that the other brands have. Like several other brands, I have an issue with the O2 sensors now, but I will ask about it in another thread.
I have had them on for about 500 miles and I am leaning towards being happy with them. I need to get the error codes to stop popping up before I am convinced though.
Steve
2003 EB Z06
I have had them on for about 500 miles and I am leaning towards being happy with them. I need to get the error codes to stop popping up before I am convinced though.
Steve
2003 EB Z06
Second choice is with O2 simulators. EPA wants them regulated out but you can find sellers if you look, or you can make your own. It would be wrong of me to spoon feed anyone info on that however.
Anyway don't blame the codes on OBX. Even the big money long tubes throw codes.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Wiesbaden, Germany
I don't think you will get the codes to stop popping up. That's the price you pay for long tubes. Two choices, one have them tuned out/ turned off by a tuner, or with tuner software, or a Predator handheld. Not all Predators do that BTW. Depends on model and revision number. Mine happens to be able to.
Second choice is with O2 simulators. EPA wants them regulated out but you can find sellers if you look, or you can make your own. It would be wrong of me to spoon feed anyone info on that however.
Anyway don't blame the codes on OBX. Even the big money long tubes throw codes.
Second choice is with O2 simulators. EPA wants them regulated out but you can find sellers if you look, or you can make your own. It would be wrong of me to spoon feed anyone info on that however.
Anyway don't blame the codes on OBX. Even the big money long tubes throw codes.
Yeah, I figured that would be the case. I want to ask a question though: Could using Denso O2 sensors vice GM sensors cause the issue??? I read on somebody else's forum that they used non-GM sensors to save money, but the only thing that cleared the codes was the use of GM O2 sensors? It's simply a dynamic measurement that should end up with a consistent voltage back to the computer.
Should I buy GM O2 sensors and try them??? I am at a loss for fixing it, tuning is the next step I guess.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 469
Likes: 1
From: Carrollton Tx.
Let me know what you think of them once installed
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22,185
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From: NJ
I notice that unless it brand name and high dollar it immediately gets shunned here.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From: Ashland Kentucky
Even the high dollar catted systems throw codes for catalyst inefficiency, there really isn't any way around it. From what I have read the OBX systems require some massaging to get to fit together properly, but for $1000+ cheaper that most of the name brand stuff its likely worth it.
If you search this topic, you'll see we're in agreement. I have owned OBX headers on my GMC Sierra and loved them (they are still on the truck after selling it). I liked them so well that when I finally end up putting headers on my C5, it'll be OBX. Let the guys with more money than brains buy the expensive stuff.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,246
Likes: 1,095
From: Dyer, IN
Quality, construction, engineering, etc.
I don't like spending three times a much as an F-body guy for parts, but I refuse to have to bend, heat, or make something fit on my vette. I remember having to "make things work" when I was in young because I was limited on funds, and could not afford the stuff that was made to fit. Those days are over. There are plenty of selections for headers that are of excellent quality, and will fit the first time...no modifications necessary. Are they more expensive than the headers Jackie Chan is making....for sure....but you roll the dice.
So for those that want to roll the dice with their money, time, and sanity gambling on whether a cheap set of headers will work.....I say more power to you......it's just not for me.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From: Ashland Kentucky
And why do you suppose that is? How do you think a company makes a name for themselves, and can command a higher price?
Quality, construction, engineering, etc.
I don't like spending three times a much as an F-body guy for parts, but I refuse to have to bend, heat, or make something fit on my vette. I remember having to "make things work" when I was in young because I was limited on funds, and could not afford the stuff that was made to fit. Those days are over. There are plenty of selections for headers that are of excellent quality, and will fit the first time...no modifications necessary. Are they more expensive than the headers Jackie Chan is making....for sure....but you roll the dice.
So for those that want to roll the dice with their money, time, and sanity gambling on whether a cheap set of headers will work.....I say more power to you......it's just not for me.
Quality, construction, engineering, etc.
I don't like spending three times a much as an F-body guy for parts, but I refuse to have to bend, heat, or make something fit on my vette. I remember having to "make things work" when I was in young because I was limited on funds, and could not afford the stuff that was made to fit. Those days are over. There are plenty of selections for headers that are of excellent quality, and will fit the first time...no modifications necessary. Are they more expensive than the headers Jackie Chan is making....for sure....but you roll the dice.
So for those that want to roll the dice with their money, time, and sanity gambling on whether a cheap set of headers will work.....I say more power to you......it's just not for me.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,246
Likes: 1,095
From: Dyer, IN
I have yet to read, or see on my friends C5's, where LG, Dyna's, ARH's, or Kooks end up hitting the bell housing or need to be heated/beaten into submission to make them fit. Furthermore, the customer service with these vendors is top flight.
Conversely, I have read plenty of accounts with off shore headers that have issues. Not in every case, but they are not consistent. It's the lack of consistency that will keep me from every buying them.
It's your time, money, and car...so if you want to roll the dice...maybe you'll win. If you do, then you got a good deal, if not...then you shell out the time and money to make them work.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From: Ashland Kentucky
I've searched. I didn't see anybody saying that the OBX brand headers had any issues other than the angle of the O2 sensors, which is common with LG's as well. Maybe I missed it. But it seems more that you are lumping all low cost headers into one category with your statement "off shore headers".
I'm not trying to attack you or call you out. I'm trying to learn. I see nobody saying they've had an issue with the OBX brand, but you are lumping all headers of low cost into one category and I can't find where you found reason to include the OBX in that group.
I'm not trying to attack you or call you out. I'm trying to learn. I see nobody saying they've had an issue with the OBX brand, but you are lumping all headers of low cost into one category and I can't find where you found reason to include the OBX in that group.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,246
Likes: 1,095
From: Dyer, IN
I've searched. I didn't see anybody saying that the OBX brand headers had any issues other than the angle of the O2 sensors, which is common with LG's as well. Maybe I missed it. But it seems more that you are lumping all low cost headers into one category with your statement "off shore headers".
I'm not trying to attack you or call you out. I'm trying to learn. I see nobody saying they've had an issue with the OBX brand, but you are lumping all headers of low cost into one category and I can't find where you found reason to include the OBX in that group.
I'm not trying to attack you or call you out. I'm trying to learn. I see nobody saying they've had an issue with the OBX brand, but you are lumping all headers of low cost into one category and I can't find where you found reason to include the OBX in that group.
Dude, no offense..but I could care less what you do with your vette...I just know what works for me.....good luck...
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 480
Likes: 16
From: chicago il
I remember back in the early 90s When i was building my c-4 I used hooker headers Because i couldnt see paying three times what i should have to for a quality set of headers... My car ran with all the big boys lingfelter/rippie car made well over 900rwhp.
Car was in oct 94 corvette fever
Car was in oct 94 corvette fever