LG or Kooks Headers
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 114
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
LG or Kooks Headers
I know this topic has been covered before (I've read it...), but this is with a twist.
I have come across a set of used LG 1-3/4" headers WITH catless X-pipe for $800. They are aged (but in good shape) and I would "need" to have them re-coated (personal preference). So ~$1000
Flip side, I can buy a set of brand new coated 1-3/4" Kooks for ~$1200 (but no X-pipe).
My budget is ~$1000 (can swing the $1200 but that's the limit of what I feel is reasonable). Which brings me to my ultimate question: "Do I buy the used LG headers/X-pipe or get the Kooks and run a stock H-pipe?"
I have come across a set of used LG 1-3/4" headers WITH catless X-pipe for $800. They are aged (but in good shape) and I would "need" to have them re-coated (personal preference). So ~$1000
Flip side, I can buy a set of brand new coated 1-3/4" Kooks for ~$1200 (but no X-pipe).
My budget is ~$1000 (can swing the $1200 but that's the limit of what I feel is reasonable). Which brings me to my ultimate question: "Do I buy the used LG headers/X-pipe or get the Kooks and run a stock H-pipe?"
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 402
Likes: 4
From: Nassau
I don’t know how much of a rush you’re in but I just bought a set of kooks headers with catless X pipe new still in the box in the marketplace forum here for under $1200 shipped. At the same time there was another set new in the box for sale on the forum for $1200 shipped. It seems they do pop up from time to time for about that price.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 114
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
I don’t know how much of a rush you’re in but I just bought a set of kooks headers with catless X pipe new still in the box in the marketplace forum here for under $1200 shipped. At the same time there was another set new in the box for sale on the forum for $1200 shipped. It seems they do pop up from time to time for about that price.
I'm not in any hurry. Headers (and a set of Z06 mufflers) are on my to-do list, but if it happens this year or next, no big deal.
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
well it will be a full 3" system to the axle back and the x sounds better in my opinion... if you buy the headers alone you are going to have to pay an exhaust shop to hack up your stock h-pipe and try to make it work or fab up something else that will bolt to those headers so you will be out some more money going that route... the complete system will look cleaner and be an easier install in my opinion
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
Whatever you do, definitely get a complete system! Ease of installation, better flow, and better sound, without having to pay someone to chop up your stock H pipe. Both are great brands, you aren't going to choose wrong with either.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,725
Likes: 149
From: chicago area IL.
i've had both LG and Kooks, to be honest the LG was a nice fit and finish i had leaking with the Kooks set when i installed them thought it was my fault but had the car to RPM trans they took them off to work on my car reinstalled them an still leaked
LG was the best i've had on my corvettes out of LG, Kooks & Texas Speed (the worst TSP)
LG was the best i've had on my corvettes out of LG, Kooks & Texas Speed (the worst TSP)
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski