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What headers are good for me!?!

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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 01:02 AM
  #1  
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Default What headers are good for me!?!

I have done a search, and did not find any current topics.

This summer I would like to purchase some headers for my 2003 Z06. Thus far I have seen a few mentioned that seem to have potential. These include:
SLP, TPIS, Kooks, and FLP (feel free to add whatever is not mentioned)

What headers are you guys running? Where did you purchase them, are you satisfied, and what HP gains (RWHP and TQ if possible) did you obtain after the install?

Any help would be appreciated!

Carleton



[Modified by PepperdineZ06, 10:04 PM 4/10/2004]
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 03:37 AM
  #2  
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (PepperdineZ06)

Do a search in the archives, and you'll get all kinds of responses.

It all depends on current/future mod plans and budget! Also, go with the proven systems, versus what the latest rage is! I've been on this forum long enough to see different mods, including headers, get rave reviews, and then fall off for the next flavor of the month! But I highly recommend searching the archives...

Good luck with your decision.... :thumbs:
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 03:58 AM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (PepperdineZ06)

I have TPIS for almost two years now. Never a problem. When I had them installed, I dyno before and after but unfortunately it was before I started asking for the dyno files on floppy. I can’t find the print out at this time and I can’t remember the gains (I did the TPIS headers and Corsa exhaust at the same time anyway).
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 09:48 AM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (PepperdineZ06)

I like my FLP's, on the car for about 18K miles. They make good power and can run with/without cats as you please, plus they come with an X pipe. LGM makes a good header as well. Kooks are hard to install but a great header and value as well.

Just my .02..

Les :cheers:
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 11:10 AM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (PepperdineZ06)

I have done a search, and did not find any current topics.
Didn't search or read too hard huh :rofl:
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 11:25 AM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (PepperdineZ06)

TPIs" price wise is the best. Kooks would be my choie for the power but LG's are = but cost much more. The FLP's are very good also. :cheers: :thumbs:
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 11:39 AM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (LittleBoyBlu99)

Even after the "Tuner wars", I am still very happy with the LGM LTs. They are a bit on the expensive side but the craftmanship from Borla are outstanding. The sound and the power will not let you down. There was definately a noticable increase in the SOTP performance. The bends in the stainless steel along with the welds at the flanges were flawless. I am happy with their prouduct.

I was also interested in FLPs headers but the stories that I read about them showed a repeating problem of leaking. Also, the TPIS started to rust/oxidize after a year or two.

Bill
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 11:41 AM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (PepperdineZ06)

Have you read this CF Thread?

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=795991

Also, Godspeed's 03' Z06 baseline #'s were 363.3rwhp/349.4rwtq & after the Pro LG LT Off Road system he gained 36rwhp w/tuning and no other bolt-ons to speak of at the time. With the G5X-3 he gained another 34rwhp to the equal 427rwhp.

It amazes me that after the repeated posted facts some will not admit that LGM has the most powerful headers & camshaft on the planet.
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 12:05 PM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (Bat Boy99)

Even after the "Tuner wars", I am still very happy with the LGM LTs. They are a bit on the expensive side but the craftmanship from Borla are outstanding. The sound and the power will not let you down. There was definately a noticable increase in the SOTP performance. The bends in the stainless steel along with the welds at the flanges were flawless. I am happy with their prouduct.

I was also interested in FLPs headers but the stories that I read about them showed a repeating problem of leaking. Also, the TPIS started to rust/oxidize after a year or two.

Bill
Plus, the Pro LG LT Headers have better ground clearance than FLP LTs. :yesnod:

- Cary
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 12:08 PM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (Cary)

I hear good things about the Kooks but I'm still drawn to the LGM LT headers. Mod-wise I don't think I'll be doing any engine work anytime soon. I like the LGM system primarily because of the fit & finish & the amazingly good customer service that Lou provides. Oh & the numbers are great too. :D
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 12:08 PM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (Mean Green)

I have done a search, and did not find any current topics.


Didn't search or read too hard huh :rofl:
Hey Mean Green, I guess the Easter Bunny did not leave you anything this morning cause you seem a little grumpy lately with us lazy folks & with posting some general stuff in the Tech section. :jester

I guess that is why your "Mean" Green :lolg:

- Cary
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 12:11 PM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (Cary)

Oh, I don't know...anyone know how to remove the fuel rail covers, what about how does this exhaust sound, oh and my recent favorite, car show pics.... :skep:

Moving 20+ threads a day tends to get old ;) :D
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 12:27 PM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (Mean Green)

Oh, I don't know...anyone know how to remove the fuel rail covers, what about how does this exhaust sound, oh and my recent favorite, car show pics.... :skep:

Moving 20+ threads a day tends to get old ;) :D
I suppose this is why some police officers are not very friendly whenever they pullover someone for a trtaffic violation...it probably gets old after a while, nevertheless I always appreciate an officer with a friendly attitude.

I do appreciate your hard work & effort as a CF Moderator ...hope you keep smiling. BTW, Happy Easter and move this post to the General or Off Topic section if you like :lol:


[Modified by Cary, 11:30 AM 4/11/2004]
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 12:39 PM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (Cary)

Have you read this CF Thread?

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=795991

Also, Godspeed's 03' Z06 baseline #'s were 363.3rwhp/349.4rwtq & after the Pro LG LT Off Road system he gained 36rwhp w/tuning and no other bolt-ons to speak of at the time. With the G5X-3 he gained another 34rwhp to the equal 427rwhp.

It amazes me that after the repeated posted facts some will not admit that LGM has the most powerful headers & camshaft on the planet.
Maybe, but those are LGM's in-house numbers, and you're quickly developing a reputation of being an LGM flag-waver (BTW: that's not an insult). Neither of which are the best source for data.

I'd agree the LG's are likely ever-so-slightly better than the Kooks, but with Kooks being $500-$600 less than the LG's it's tough to justify an LG purchase, especially when the jury is out as to which header is really the most powerful. LG has the product, they just need to rejoin the market. :yesnod:


[Modified by BQuicksilver, 12:39 PM 4/11/2004]
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 12:58 PM
  #15  
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (BQuicksilver)

Thank you for all the opinion's/help everyone.

Sorry I didn't "look" hard enough Mean Green...I really did look through some old headers posts, but I have been extremely busy as of late (I know, no excuse)

Happy Easter everyone! Thanks again,

Carleton
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 06:15 PM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (PepperdineZ06)

:beatdeadhorse: With Kooks 1 3/4ths w/ cats I gained 30rwhp and 31rwtq over my stock manifolds w/ 4 cats.
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 06:49 PM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (BQuicksilver)

Have you read this CF Thread?

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=795991

Also, Godspeed's 03' Z06 baseline #'s were 363.3rwhp/349.4rwtq & after the Pro LG LT Off Road system he gained 36rwhp w/tuning and no other bolt-ons to speak of at the time. With the G5X-3 he gained another 34rwhp to the equal 427rwhp.

It amazes me that after the repeated posted facts some will not admit that LGM has the most powerful headers & camshaft on the planet.

Maybe, but those are LGM's in-house numbers, and you're quickly developing a reputation of being an LGM flag-waver (BTW: that's not an insult). Neither of which are the best source for data.

I'd agree the LG's are likely ever-so-slightly better than the Kooks, but with Kooks being $500-$600 less than the LG's it's tough to justify an LG purchase, especially when the jury is out as to which header is really the most powerful. LG has the product, they just need to rejoin the market. :yesnod:


[Modified by BQuicksilver, 12:39 PM 4/11/2004]

Well, a friend of mine has LG's, I have Kooks. He has a 2002 Z w/ported TB, Vararam, and Borla Stingers. I have 2003 Z with stock TB, K&N FIPK air intake, and stock Ti exhaust. Both cars were tuned by the same shop, his car with a final A/F of 13.2, mine with a final A/F of 12.9. He made 6 rwhp more than me, our rwtq was virtually identical. Would I have had a few more hp from leaning up a bit more? :confused: Are the LG's "more powerful?" :confused: Was the difference due to the ported TB and Stingers? :confused: Is 6 rwhp significant to 378 rwhp overall? :confused: Are you confused? :confused:

Bottom line, if you plan on doing it yourself, Kooks can be a bit more challenging (but not impossible). But I had the shop who did my tuning (ECS) do my install, so no worries on my part. Both brands of headers are excellent products. Remember, choice is a good thing. :cheers:
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 06:55 PM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (BQuicksilver)

Quicksilver, you hit it on the head. in house numbers. what bothers me is he posted a 500rwhp graph with one of his cars, yet at the sc event it was 4mph slower than another 500rwhp car. In fact, its not much faster than my 454rwhp setup. Hmm.

Whatever happened to the big dyno test between the big names?? :nopity
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 07:06 PM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (427CPE)

And for the record, I'm not anti-LGM at all. The simple fact is that if you command a $600 premium over your competition, the ball is in your court to justify (in a controlled third party setting) the extra price. I have not seen prrof that LG headers are $600 better than Kooks. :yesnod:
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Old Apr 11, 2004 | 07:19 PM
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Default Re: What headers are good for me!?! (Mean Green)

Oh, I don't know...anyone know how to remove the fuel rail covers, what about how does this exhaust sound, oh and my recent favorite, car show pics.... :skep:

Moving 20+ threads a day tends to get old ;) :D
:jester


[Modified by JEREMY77386, 12:20 AM 4/12/2004]
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