Used Headers Help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 121
Likes: 4
From: San Marcos CA
Used Headers Help
I found a good deal on a pair of American Racing headers local to me and I’m asking if anyone has had good or bad experiences with used headers? Any areas of significance that I should really take my time to inspect? I’m aware that headers get pretty hot in the car and some people report deformities from said heat. How can I spot these? Thank you again!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 139
Likes: 45
Other than a basic visual for corrosion and damage. Check as best you can for any deformation on the mid pipe flange's and the engine mounting side, (bring something long and flat). Is the seller including the mid pipe/Catalyst section? Look at ARH pictures to see what it should appear to be.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 121
Likes: 4
From: San Marcos CA
Just picked them up, looked pretty darn good from my inspection. They are 2003 c5 corvette AR 1 3/4” headers. Picked them up for 900$ from a dealership who bought the car and took these off to sell it. Lmk your guys thoughts.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 121
Likes: 4
From: San Marcos CA
thank you for your help, would you think that blemish is something serious? I saw it too but didn’t think much of it. I know these get hot so sometimes carbon builds up.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 139
Likes: 45
Hard to tell from the picture, I doubt it's anything serious that would cause issues. Could be where something melted onto it or maybe someone dented it to clearance it for install. If you are worried about heat you cant always have them coated.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 121
Likes: 4
From: San Marcos CA
