Headers, exhaust questions
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 51
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From: Allentown NJ
Headers, exhaust questions
I have a stock 2003 C5 6spd. I'm thinking of 3 different options for exhaust:
1. stock headers and Cat Back GHL exhaust
2. American Racing Headers w/ High flow cats and stock exhaust w/ tune
3. american racing Headers w/ high flow cats and GHL catback exhaust w/ tune
I am leaning towards number 3 (but its a lot of money). I'm really looking for a nice sound. prices are about 1k, 2k and 3k respectively.
My only concern with the headers is that they might make the car run hotter (they are not coated).
I'd appreciate any input or recomendations.
-Mike
1. stock headers and Cat Back GHL exhaust
2. American Racing Headers w/ High flow cats and stock exhaust w/ tune
3. american racing Headers w/ high flow cats and GHL catback exhaust w/ tune
I am leaning towards number 3 (but its a lot of money). I'm really looking for a nice sound. prices are about 1k, 2k and 3k respectively.
My only concern with the headers is that they might make the car run hotter (they are not coated).
I'd appreciate any input or recomendations.
-Mike
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
If you do a bit of research, from what I've read through a good number of posts, is that ultimately, it's a bunch of bent metal.
What matters is what kind of metal, and coating, in terms of longevity.
I personally went with OBX headers, because the price is right, and a LOT of guys on the forum have had good luck with them, a few for 5+ years. I spent about $650 NEW on so called auction site.
If not, you can search around for used deals on different long tube headers, depending on what kind of cats you want, different x pipes etc. Most seem to give a very similar performance upgrade, although a lot of people seem to believe that the more expensive systems are easier to install, which they might be.
In terms of sound, it seems like the cat back exhaust will mostly determine "how" it sounds, and the xpipe and header system will make it louder and more "awake".
I just installed a borla stinger catback exhaust and it sounds great, and next week I'm putting the header and xpipe in, and getting a retune.
I'd hate to see you spend more than $2000 on a full exhaust, unless you are a stickler for new parts!
Just my two cents!
What matters is what kind of metal, and coating, in terms of longevity.
I personally went with OBX headers, because the price is right, and a LOT of guys on the forum have had good luck with them, a few for 5+ years. I spent about $650 NEW on so called auction site.
If not, you can search around for used deals on different long tube headers, depending on what kind of cats you want, different x pipes etc. Most seem to give a very similar performance upgrade, although a lot of people seem to believe that the more expensive systems are easier to install, which they might be.
In terms of sound, it seems like the cat back exhaust will mostly determine "how" it sounds, and the xpipe and header system will make it louder and more "awake".
I just installed a borla stinger catback exhaust and it sounds great, and next week I'm putting the header and xpipe in, and getting a retune.
I'd hate to see you spend more than $2000 on a full exhaust, unless you are a stickler for new parts!
Just my two cents!
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Go with the full set up, option 3 and don't look back. In the mod world, you gotta pay if you wanna play.
One of the biggest factors in the sound is the cat-back section. Putting headers on a car with stock cat-back (assuming non z06 catback) would be like putting a nice set of hi-quality speakers in the car, and putting pillows over them to muffle them.
The under the hood air temp will be hotter with non-coated headers but will not make the car itself run that much hotter. There are tons of people running non-coated headers with no problems with heat.
One of the biggest factors in the sound is the cat-back section. Putting headers on a car with stock cat-back (assuming non z06 catback) would be like putting a nice set of hi-quality speakers in the car, and putting pillows over them to muffle them.
The under the hood air temp will be hotter with non-coated headers but will not make the car itself run that much hotter. There are tons of people running non-coated headers with no problems with heat.
Last edited by FrankTank; Sep 9, 2009 at 05:59 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 223
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From: PORT ALLEN LA.
I have the arh 1 7/8 in. W/3 in. High flow cats on my zo6 wth the stock ti. Mufflers and am very pleased with it. It is not too loud inside and everyone tells me that it sounds very good outside, i have not heard it outside for myself yet.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 1
From: Dayton Ohio
Go for broke (literally), and get the full system. 
It'll wake up the car so much that you'll never look back.
However, you might want to try headers with a used Z06 exhaust. After all, you could always re-sell them without a loss if it doesn't work for you.
It'll wake up the car so much that you'll never look back. However, you might want to try headers with a used Z06 exhaust. After all, you could always re-sell them without a loss if it doesn't work for you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 5
From: Toronto Ontario
St. Jude Donor '08
Are you stuck on the ARH brand? I went with LG Streets w/hiflo cats and GHL Bullets...sounds awesome and excellent quality parts...
and considerably less than 3k....
Also added an insulated tunnel plate and virtually eliminated the heat issue..
Haven't noticed any excess heat in the engine comparment, but added the thermal socks to the spark plug wires just in case...
and considerably less than 3k....
Also added an insulated tunnel plate and virtually eliminated the heat issue..
Haven't noticed any excess heat in the engine comparment, but added the thermal socks to the spark plug wires just in case...
Last edited by HiVoltge; Sep 9, 2009 at 11:25 PM. Reason: added info...
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 538
Likes: 0
From: Edmond Ok
I too went with the LG streets, hi flow cats. My difference is mine has borla stingers. Nice sound and at highway speed 70 mph (2000 rpm) it is actualy a little quiter than just the straight borla. go figure. At 1500 rpm it is noticably louder and above 85 mph sounds really nice.
I really have not notice the under hood temps being hotter. I did notice the exhaust tunnel (console area) is a bit hotter. Next mod is an insullation kit on the tunnel plate.
good luck with your decision.
I really have not notice the under hood temps being hotter. I did notice the exhaust tunnel (console area) is a bit hotter. Next mod is an insullation kit on the tunnel plate.
good luck with your decision.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,220
Likes: 17
From: San Diego California
I just complete phase #3. I have never been happier. I took the car out for a long drive in the Desert here out of San Diego. No problems the temperature never went over 199. The combination of ARH X-pipe with High flow cats and GHL motorsports billets makes the vette sound like what it is. A high performance automobile. Make sure all of your wires are clear. You will probably need to change the wire and spark plugs. Delete the rear O2 sensors and remove the wires, they just get cooked. Have a tune done and you will be a happy camper.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,398
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From: Dyer, IN
I have a stock 2003 C5 6spd. I'm thinking of 3 different options for exhaust:
1. stock headers and Cat Back GHL exhaust
2. American Racing Headers w/ High flow cats and stock exhaust w/ tune
3. american racing Headers w/ high flow cats and GHL catback exhaust w/ tune
I am leaning towards number 3 (but its a lot of money). I'm really looking for a nice sound. prices are about 1k, 2k and 3k respectively.
My only concern with the headers is that they might make the car run hotter (they are not coated).
I'd appreciate any input or recomendations.
-Mike
1. stock headers and Cat Back GHL exhaust
2. American Racing Headers w/ High flow cats and stock exhaust w/ tune
3. american racing Headers w/ high flow cats and GHL catback exhaust w/ tune
I am leaning towards number 3 (but its a lot of money). I'm really looking for a nice sound. prices are about 1k, 2k and 3k respectively.
My only concern with the headers is that they might make the car run hotter (they are not coated).
I'd appreciate any input or recomendations.
-Mike
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Allentown NJ
I just complete phase #3. I have never been happier. I took the car out for a long drive in the Desert here out of San Diego. No problems the temperature never went over 199. The combination of ARH X-pipe with High flow cats and GHL motorsports billets makes the vette sound like what it is. A high performance automobile. Make sure all of your wires are clear. You will probably need to change the wire and spark plugs. Delete the rear O2 sensors and remove the wires, they just get cooked. Have a tune done and you will be a happy camper.
So price for #3 is a bit less than 3K and comes with headers, x pipe, high flow cats, and cat back along with a good tune.
did you have the GHL cat back on without headers first? if so how did headers change the sound and how did it sound without them?
Why do wires and plugs need to be changed?
also, DID it really cook the rear O2 sensors, not sure if car would be street legal without them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,220
Likes: 17
From: San Diego California
So price for #3 is a bit less than 3K and comes with headers, x pipe, high flow cats, and cat back along with a good tune.
did you have the GHL cat back on without headers first? if so how did headers change the sound and how did it sound without them?
Why do wires and plugs need to be changed?
also, DID it really cook the rear O2 sensors, not sure if car would be street legal without them.
did you have the GHL cat back on without headers first? if so how did headers change the sound and how did it sound without them?
Why do wires and plugs need to be changed?
also, DID it really cook the rear O2 sensors, not sure if car would be street legal without them.
I put the GHL Motorsports on about 2 years ago, and just had the ARH with X-pipe installed. Then I have a tune.
The installer found the spark plugs fouled and wires were flacking apart. Since you have to take the wires off anyway, it's a good idea to replace them. It's up to you. The pipes did not cook the sensors, they cooked the wires and boots. You can hook them up. But I think you will find your tuner is going to eliminate them. You can leave them on, it's your choice really and i don't see a big problem with leaving them in.
The addition of the headers accentuated the sound of the GHL catback. It sounds nice and agressive, but not obnoxious. No drone. It sounds like a souped up car in a 70's chase movie. You'll like it!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 51
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From: Allentown NJ
So, I think I've decided on it...
Headers, high flow cats, x-pipe, 160 thermostat, GHL catback, all installed with a tune for 3k.
what do you guys think, i'm also gonna just throw a drop in K&N before tune.
Headers, high flow cats, x-pipe, 160 thermostat, GHL catback, all installed with a tune for 3k.
what do you guys think, i'm also gonna just throw a drop in K&N before tune.
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 194
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Sounds about right unless you are against used parts.
If you wait a week or two (or buy OBX off a certain auction site), you could have all of that for around $2,000.
I paid $500 for my catback borla system used (most seem to fall in this range, almost new condition), $700 new for an OBX system with hi flow cats and x pipe (A used system on the forum goes from 500-1000 it seems), and then whatever price your shop wants the t stat and tune for.
But if new parts or spending $3k really doesn't bother you much, I think thats going to give you a great power boost, and an awesome sound.
If you wait a week or two (or buy OBX off a certain auction site), you could have all of that for around $2,000.
I paid $500 for my catback borla system used (most seem to fall in this range, almost new condition), $700 new for an OBX system with hi flow cats and x pipe (A used system on the forum goes from 500-1000 it seems), and then whatever price your shop wants the t stat and tune for.
But if new parts or spending $3k really doesn't bother you much, I think thats going to give you a great power boost, and an awesome sound.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 4
From: Warrenville Il
Definitely go for option 3.
Lots of people with uncoated stainless steel longtube headers, including myself and don't have any problems with heat, so I wouldn't be concerned with it.
If your worried about the cost break it down, and do it in steps.
My order would be headers first, and have them installed.
If you can make it out to any of the large vette shows during the year, buy your exhaust at the show, and they will generally have free installation at the show as well as offering a good discount on the catback, I know this is true at the Bloomington Gold.
I would do the tune after the exhaust mods, because that is not necessary with headers and the catback.
If you don't already have a cold air intake get one too.
Good luck with your choice
Lots of people with uncoated stainless steel longtube headers, including myself and don't have any problems with heat, so I wouldn't be concerned with it.
If your worried about the cost break it down, and do it in steps.
My order would be headers first, and have them installed.
If you can make it out to any of the large vette shows during the year, buy your exhaust at the show, and they will generally have free installation at the show as well as offering a good discount on the catback, I know this is true at the Bloomington Gold.
I would do the tune after the exhaust mods, because that is not necessary with headers and the catback.
If you don't already have a cold air intake get one too.
Good luck with your choice
