I have been doing alot of reading about headers lately as I will be buying a new system soon. The LG's are probably the most hyped. The look very sleek and post good numbers, maybe the best numbers of all but...
$ 1,900 before shipping is not good.
The Kooks post good nubers as well but according to owner testimony they are a real PINTA to install, in fact many say the engine has to be unbolted and jacked up to get them in. Price roughly $1,500
Now, the Supermaxx, they look almost identical to the LG's, very smooth and claim numbewrs right with the LG's although I have yet to see a dyno chart on them. Also $ 1,500
Has anyone had any experience or heard anything about the Supermaxx system ?
Thanks for any feedback,
jg :steering:


[Modified by James G, 10:22 PM 3/12/2004]

 

The LG's are definetly worth it. They are a little higher but in my opininon you get what you pay for, and I don't mean to sound like the others aren't any good.

 

FWIW I love my Kooks, had them thrown in during the re-ring, and got 30 rwhp un-tuned!

 

It would be great to see more tests on 2002and up Z06s with all three header setups as our gains will not be as high as the LS1 guys.

Great Numbers Cobra4B! Do you think any of it was from the re-ring or alll from the Kooks?

 

i run the lg's.i did research also,kooks a PITA to install,supermaxx[similar,but not] have a issue with the way the o2's point[o2's hitting tunnel],lg's bolt and go.the lg headers won.like it was stated above.you get what you pay for.

 

Kooks are not a PITA to install unless you have no clue what you are doing and have never installed headers before.

It literally took about 15 extra mins to install my Kooks than the 3 other header systems I have had on my car.

To answer you original question, the best headers will depend on what you plan to do with your car. If you just want to do intake and exhaust, the LGs might be the best choice. They will probably make a little more low end power than the Kooks because of the longer primaries and are lighter than the similarly designed Dynatech.

I chose Kooks for my car because I already have more low end power than I need and wanted maximum peak hp and Kooks has a 1 7/8 primary option which no one else besides Cartek has.

One day I am going to take Lou up on his offer and do a back to back on my car with the 1 7/8 Kooks and then the LGs because he believes the LGs are just as good for top end power on bigger motors.





[Modified by kumar75150, 4:42 PM 3/12/2004]

 

Boy has this been beaten to death :smash: :lol: :rolleyes:

 

I know but everytime I post that I get flamed for not helping people.

I think I am just going to save my replies on my computer and just cut and paste everytime this thread comes up. :smash:

 

I wasn't referring to you, but to the overall subject in general :lol:


[Modified by EuG, 5:54 PM 3/12/2004]

 

I know. I was agreeing with you.

 

The search function is awesome.
I cannot image making a parts decision or addressing a problem that popped up as a result of a parts decision without the internet & more specifically the forum.
Without it I would probably be running the wrong cam with an aluminum Holly intake while waiting for my 90mil t-body to fall from the sky so i could use the FAST intake (that would be) collecting dust in the garage.

 

As for my gains... I think it was all headers/cats becuase my pre-headers and pre-rering dyno was 341 which is right in line for an '01 w/ a vortex and stingers. The '01's had four cats and now I only have 2 hi-flow ones. :cheers:

 

Just got my kooks Wed., took it for a good spin Fri., and you can actally feel the torque rolling in!!!!

 

I will have before/after numbers for the Dynatech Supermaxx headers within the next 2 weeks.

 

Love my LG LongTubes!
As far as I'm concerned, the superior quality & proven performance are worth the difference in cost!




[Modified by Z06-JIM, 7:42 PM 3/12/2004]

 

I've never installed headers before I did my Kooks. It took me 4 1/2 hours in my garage, on jack stands, by myself. I did jack the motor, two bolts and up it went. I don't have dyno numbers yet but by the seat of the pants they feel good. I like them

 

If you add the feature found in the LG to the supermax the price will be very close if not the same.
I've seen the supermax, it's a nice unit. I got the LGs myself...

 

i tested tpis... lg long tubes...cartek 1 7/8 and kooks headers

kooks are on my car

that should tell you who out performed who

 

Data/Graphics to substantiate your claim would certainly be appreciated by all.
Without data, I can only conclude there isn't enough data to conclude which is truly the most powerful header, if its one of these at all.

If I had to GUESS, as there is no known published data comparing the same car that I know of, the Kook's would make more power. The longer header length will only decrease the rpm at which max power is made, at least in theory.

:rant:
Data I do have:
- LG Has a stainless x-pipe
- LG claims an easier install (kumar disproves this)
- LGs don't fit right as per many posts. Unacceptable for diy installs.
- My Kook's leak slightly at one flange for whatever reason, front and back.
- The price is too high on both; LG's doesn't warrant the extra $$ based on current information.
- Kook's is the mfg for Kook's.
- Borla is the mfg for LG's.
- Kook's never boasts unproved claims; LG does.
- Kook's is SLOOOOWWWWW to get headers out; LG is not
- Both make your car relatively as fast as the other.
- Race Merge collectors were not invented by either mfg as far as I know.
- claiming a particular header length is the only possible one would mean you have tested shorter and longer ones. Has this really been done by either?
- Non-stainless headers are waste.
- Mr Kook is a civilized pleasing person to talk to. I'm afraid LG is too focused on his own product to discuss openly performance of other products.
- Other brands may be better; who really knows??

SOMEONE NEEDS TO INSTALL THE OTHER BRAND AND POST THE DATA SO WE CAN BE DONE WITH THIS MESS.
:rant:

 

When you get down to it hasn't just about everything been beat to death for those of you that have been on this thing for a while? Finding stuff on a search isn't easy. If this forum is to share knowledge why wouldn't we keep replying? Some of the stuff that I feel comfortable in answering I have done so a lot of times. When something has been beat and somebody like me asks a stupid question, the most helpful ones just post a link to a previous thread.