Headers on base C5?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Central PA
Headers on base C5?
I have a low mileage base 2004 C5 and am interested in adding headers to improve function and perhaps help it sound less tame. A previous owner added a cat-back Corsa Touring exhaust and perhaps their X-pipe (I haven't been able to verify). I spoke with a knowledgeable mechanic (referred to me by a coworker who owns several Corvettes) and he discouraged me from considering headers. He said unless I had a cam and upgraded heads, I'd see no improvement in performance or sound.
To be fair, he didn't know me except for me mentioning my coworker. He also said he wasn't interested in adding new customers (trying to retire I think) so he may have just been trying to politely decline my request for the installation. However I thought someone here might have an alternate opinion on if adding decent headers to a car like mine is a worthwhile and rewarding investment.
Thanks,
Paul
To be fair, he didn't know me except for me mentioning my coworker. He also said he wasn't interested in adding new customers (trying to retire I think) so he may have just been trying to politely decline my request for the installation. However I thought someone here might have an alternate opinion on if adding decent headers to a car like mine is a worthwhile and rewarding investment.
Thanks,
Paul
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 795
From: Espanola New Mexico
It is if you want to add headers, there is some modest improvement in performance. The one thing I will caution you on headers is you will have to protect the starter and solenoid by adding a heat shield blanket over them.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 80
Likes: 27
Headers will add noise. But nominal hp. Unless you’re going to do headers, cam, heads etc, I would just upgrade your cat back.
corsa touring is discontinued and super quiet. Maybe even quieter than stock. If you are just looking for noise upgrade to corsa extreme.
corsa touring is discontinued and super quiet. Maybe even quieter than stock. If you are just looking for noise upgrade to corsa extreme.
Last edited by Joewass65; Feb 12, 2020 at 08:34 PM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 226
From: Coast of San Mateo CA
If you dont have to worry about emissions, quality headers and X Pipe will add 10-15 RWHP & 8-12 LB'
from ~2500-6000 RPM and at least 50% more with a good tune. I used ARH 1 7/8" W/Catted X on my 99,
with Mamo Ported FAST 92 & LS2 TB made 370/370 with just those mods, Tune, and a Vara Ram Intake,
Sounded good with Borla Stingers. You will notice sound and performance with headers.
Not dramatic but definitely noticeable.
For a budget header I would look at TPS Motorsports a Vendor.
Good Luck
from ~2500-6000 RPM and at least 50% more with a good tune. I used ARH 1 7/8" W/Catted X on my 99,
with Mamo Ported FAST 92 & LS2 TB made 370/370 with just those mods, Tune, and a Vara Ram Intake,
Sounded good with Borla Stingers. You will notice sound and performance with headers.
Not dramatic but definitely noticeable.
For a budget header I would look at TPS Motorsports a Vendor.
Good Luck
Last edited by Navy Blue 210; Feb 13, 2020 at 12:31 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,304
Likes: 1,580
From: East Metro (Twin Cities) Minnesota
St. Jude Donor '21
I have a low mileage base 2004 C5 and am interested in adding headers to improve function and perhaps help it sound less tame. A previous owner added a cat-back Corsa Touring exhaust and perhaps their X-pipe (I haven't been able to verify). I spoke with a knowledgeable mechanic (referred to me by a coworker who owns several Corvettes) and he discouraged me from considering headers. He said unless I had a cam and upgraded heads, I'd see no improvement in performance or sound.
To be fair, he didn't know me except for me mentioning my coworker. He also said he wasn't interested in adding new customers (trying to retire I think) so he may have just been trying to politely decline my request for the installation. However I thought someone here might have an alternate opinion on if adding decent headers to a car like mine is a worthwhile and rewarding investment.
Thanks,
Paul
To be fair, he didn't know me except for me mentioning my coworker. He also said he wasn't interested in adding new customers (trying to retire I think) so he may have just been trying to politely decline my request for the installation. However I thought someone here might have an alternate opinion on if adding decent headers to a car like mine is a worthwhile and rewarding investment.
Thanks,
Paul
Racer
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 331
Likes: 74
From: Florida
Well the 2001+ cast iron manifolds were also slightly better flowing than the older double wall steel ones. So I agree that the 10-15rwhp from headers isn't really worth it. I'd choose heads/cam first, and maybe view headers as the last part in a max-effort situation, but probably wouldn't do them myself personally. (I do all my work myself, but a set of 243 heads would excite me more than headers if I had to choose. There's a bump in compression, flow better., with out adding extra heat to the engine bay and cooking things.)
Anyways, my advice is to consider trading mufflers for something louder if you want, consider a more open air intake (I did the 02 Z06 airbox and fog vents), cutting or hollowing the pre-cats out, X-pipe, and a tune. That'd grab you probably 15rwhp for a lot less money and possible headaches with emissions, etc.
Anyways, my advice is to consider trading mufflers for something louder if you want, consider a more open air intake (I did the 02 Z06 airbox and fog vents), cutting or hollowing the pre-cats out, X-pipe, and a tune. That'd grab you probably 15rwhp for a lot less money and possible headaches with emissions, etc.
Last edited by 02torchred; Feb 13, 2020 at 02:03 AM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Central PA
A previous owner installed an SLP Blackwing airbus so at least that part of the equation was addressed. I'll look into swapping out the mufflers for maybe the Sport? Thanks for the feedback.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,304
Likes: 1,580
From: East Metro (Twin Cities) Minnesota
St. Jude Donor '21
Well the 2001+ cast iron manifolds were also slightly better flowing than the older double wall steel ones. So I agree that the 10-15rwhp from headers isn't really worth it. I'd choose heads/cam first, and maybe view headers as the last part in a max-effort situation, but probably wouldn't do them myself personally. (I do all my work myself, but a set of 243 heads would excite me more than headers if I had to choose. There's a bump in compression, flow better., with out adding extra heat to the engine bay and cooking things.)
Anyways, my advice is to consider trading mufflers for something louder if you want, consider a more open air intake (I did the 02 Z06 airbox and fog vents), cutting or hollowing the pre-cats out, X-pipe, and a tune. That'd grab you probably 15rwhp for a lot less money and possible headaches with emissions, etc.
Anyways, my advice is to consider trading mufflers for something louder if you want, consider a more open air intake (I did the 02 Z06 airbox and fog vents), cutting or hollowing the pre-cats out, X-pipe, and a tune. That'd grab you probably 15rwhp for a lot less money and possible headaches with emissions, etc.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
When I had my 99, I was repeatedly told by "everyone" here that the shorty headers I wanted to do would "make no difference", but living in Kalifornia shorties were all I could do. I ended up with a set of B&B shorties, Flowmasters, LS6 intake, and an underdrive pulley and made 340 at the wheels without a tune.
And it also got 58 mpg at 65 instead of 33.6 it got stock.
And it also got 58 mpg at 65 instead of 33.6 it got stock.