All,

I'm on the fence between the Kooks and Supermaxx systems (please don't turn this into a "get the LG's thread") . I've received some input via this thread http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...3&page=2&pp=15 but there seems to be conflicting information as to whether the Kooks tucks up tight or not. Any additional ground clearance information on either of these systems is appreciated.

TIA,

 

Besides ground clearance, you may also want to verify clearance to the steering shaft and the header tube and the tunnel coverand O2 sensors. There have been some issues in the past relative to these two locations.

 

I can only comment on my experience between the Stainless Works and the Kooks. The SWs for whatever reason were a little higher at the collector and have a different type of connection to the collector than the Kooks. The SW's were maybe 1/2" higher than the Kooks there and the RT cats didn't have a heat shield that surrounded the cat, just on top. I was able to get a jack under the collector and with the clamps loose I was able to 'persuade' the headers to go up a little more, maybe another 1/2". The Kooks have stainless flanges that surround the collector and cat mating ends. The collector and cats are 3" and with this flange grow to about 4" at that point. This is a better clamp because the mating surfaces are forced together by theses flanges and not held with clamps as the SW's are. What I would like to see would be a slip-fit like the SW's and a 3" band clamp applied to the mating ends. The Kooks make more power and that is what I feel is what makes these headers a better performance choice. For fitment and ease of install, the SW's were better. Also, the SW's are 304 stainless and 3" all the way to the catbacks. The Kooks are aluminized mild steel and 2 1/2" from the xpipe to the catbacks. So from a long term reliability standpoint the SW's will outlast the Kooks from the xpipe back. BTW, the 2 1/2" rear pipes are probably not a hindrance as most on here will attest to seeing torque loss from going with a larger mid-section, at least with stock cubed motors.

 

I just did a Kooks (headers, Cats and X-pipe) install and ground clearance was not a problem at all. They tucked right up in there. I also had no steering clearence or sensor clearance problems. But, I will admit they are tight in there.

I also did a TPIS header install recently with the Random Tech Cats and X-pipe (Slip Fit). I don't have dyno results so can't speak to performance but loved the sound of both, with the Kooks having a little more throaty sound.

I will say the TPIS were much easier to install. WIth the Kooks I had to remove the Starter, remove the Alt Bracket (removed the power steering pulley and pump), removed the spark plugs and valve covers, and disconnected the steering shaft. I also had to jack the engine up. With the TPIS i did not have to remove the starter, alt bracket, or jack up the engine.

Maybe there are easier ways then what I encountered. IT wasn't that bad though. Just took a little more doing!

 

I thought the 1-7/8th Kooks were 3 inch going back to the catback?

 

I installed a set of 1 7/8" Kooks, x-pipe, and off road pipe (no cats) about 2 months ago, adn mine were a full 3" up to the flange mating to the cat backs. Just prior to the flange they necked down to 2 1/2".

Don't know if the cat version has a similar setup or not.

Steve

 

Same here.Fit and ground clearance was perfect

 

I'm going to start to install my Kook's tonight with every intention of documenting the crap out of it. I will post my experience when I get it all organized. FYI...I never installed headers before, I am critical and **** as all hell.

 

The last set of Kooks we installed fit really well under the car. I don't think you'll have any issues with ground clearances

 

I have never had any clearance issues of any kind with my Kooks. You can get the Kooks with 3" all the way to the cat back.

 

Great!!! I can't wait to hear of your experience. I am **** as well, and trying to figure out which brand to get. I like the Kooks, but the installation seem too laborious compared to others.

 

So, you can blow us all away with your header experience?