Which header?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 394
Likes: 58
From: lancaster MA
Which header?
Can't decide which brand to choose: LG or ARH. Would also consider Pfadt if they made them for the LS6/Z06.
The LG's, from the pictures I've seen, look like they have less bending/curves and would flow smoother/better. I'd probably use the 'Street' series, w/cats. Does anyone have experience with both brands and if you do, could you give the pro's and con's of each? Is one harder than the other, in terms of installation?
The LG's, from the pictures I've seen, look like they have less bending/curves and would flow smoother/better. I'd probably use the 'Street' series, w/cats. Does anyone have experience with both brands and if you do, could you give the pro's and con's of each? Is one harder than the other, in terms of installation?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
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But if the OP is dead set on the two, you really can't go wrong either way. I have heard that ARH is the easier install - most shops charge less for the ARH install.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 394
Likes: 58
From: lancaster MA
feeder82 - Did you install them? If so, how long did it take and what did you have to remove to fit them?
NukeC5 - Will the Pfadts allow use of the stock H-pipe, like on the C6's?
NukeC5 - Will the Pfadts allow use of the stock H-pipe, like on the C6's?
Last edited by zeke2u; Jul 16, 2013 at 02:15 PM. Reason: want to add a question
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 403
From: Portland OR
With the exception of shorties, all the aftermarket headers use an X pipe setup.
Also, between the various 4-1 headers, there probably isn't going to be a huge difference in the power or torque curves. I don't recall any direct comparrisons of the various manufacturers offering on the same car.....that would take forever to do and a lot of $$$.
I believe the Phadt Try-Y is going to stand out in the HP/TQ department.
Ron
Also, between the various 4-1 headers, there probably isn't going to be a huge difference in the power or torque curves. I don't recall any direct comparrisons of the various manufacturers offering on the same car.....that would take forever to do and a lot of $$$.
I believe the Phadt Try-Y is going to stand out in the HP/TQ department.
Ron
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 394
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From: lancaster MA
Ron - If I'm not mistaken, the TS&P is a long-tube and allows the use of the stock H-pipe. After cutting the flange on the stock H-pipe, they're joined together with SS band-clamps. Also, I believe (IIRC) the Pfadt Tri-Y, for the C6, will actually bolt right up to the stock H-pipe. I haven't seen any pictures of the Pfadt for the C5's - I'm hoping that it, too, can be bolted to the stock H-pipe. Although, I've been a fan of those Random Technology cat's since my Saab turbo days. The Phadts look like they're also going to stand-out in the weld quality - they're unbelievable, a work of art, almost.
Last edited by zeke2u; Jul 16, 2013 at 03:11 PM. Reason: add comments/grammar
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
I have run both Tri-Y (QTP) and 4 to 1 and done dyno's on both. My opinion is wait for the Pfadt Tri-Y's if you are buying new. GM stock manifolds are a Tri-Y design, I think because GM knew something 
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
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I called Pfadt yesterday and they said that they are currently in the process of building c5 headers. Now that the Camaro line is done, the c5 has their full attention, they said a few weeks and they will offer a pre-sale
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: lancaster MA
That's good news - I was wrong above: it's the Pfadt Tri-Y for the Camaro that allows "Direct connection to factory X-Pipe and after market Cat-backs". The C5 will probably need the X-pipe, like the C6.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 298
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From: Churchville 18966 Pennsylvania
I'm looking too for sometime in the near future. probably a winter project. And since its a my garage install, the 2 things on the "Most important" list are 1. Is it going to improve performance( at least somewhat, not just add noise) and 2. ease of install as mentioned above. The ARHs were said above to be easier and if shops generally charge less to install, that says something. What does actually need to come off? Just the starter?
Thanks Guys!
Thanks Guys!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
I'm looking too for sometime in the near future. probably a winter project. And since its a my garage install, the 2 things on the "Most important" list are 1. Is it going to improve performance( at least somewhat, not just add noise) and 2. ease of install as mentioned above. The ARHs were said above to be easier and if shops generally charge less to install, that says something. What does actually need to come off? Just the starter?
Thanks Guys!
Thanks Guys!
Driver's side:
Alternator
Ground strap
Coils/plugs/plug wires/valve cover
Your nemesis on the driver's side is the steering shaft. I wiggled mine on without disconnecting.
Passenger's side:
Oil dipstick
coils/plugs/plug wires/valve cover
starter
For me, I probably could have gotten away with not removing some (starter for instance) but in most cases I'd rather just take ten minutes to remove something rather than spend ten minutes heaving and prying to get something to fit around it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 394
Likes: 58
From: lancaster MA
Yes, thanks hamhead and Rx7Rob.
Smooth - As I'll be installing my own, also, ease of installation is high on the priority list. From what I've read, the LG's seem to require both the starter and alternator removal. I haven't heard about what requires removal with the ARH's. However, Pfadts are promoting their headers on their design, as well as the performance. From what I've read about the C6 versions, they bolt right up without removing much except for the stock manifolds. It's beginning to look like I'll delay the purchase a few weeks until the Pfadts are offered - unless someone can add to the discussion and convince me to go a different route.
Smooth - As I'll be installing my own, also, ease of installation is high on the priority list. From what I've read, the LG's seem to require both the starter and alternator removal. I haven't heard about what requires removal with the ARH's. However, Pfadts are promoting their headers on their design, as well as the performance. From what I've read about the C6 versions, they bolt right up without removing much except for the stock manifolds. It's beginning to look like I'll delay the purchase a few weeks until the Pfadts are offered - unless someone can add to the discussion and convince me to go a different route.
Last edited by zeke2u; Jul 16, 2013 at 06:28 PM. Reason: grammar
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,532
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From: pueblo co
I went with the Lg street setup ..I thought there were pretty easy to install...the only think I don't like is the clamps they send..for what you pay for the set they could include a better exhaust clamp...but aside from that I love my setup