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Headers and Loudness

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Old Nov 3, 2004 | 01:50 PM
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Default Headers and Loudness

I have a 2004 ZO6 with no engine mods other than a CAI. I am wanting to get headers installed but am concerned about how much louder it will be. Anybody have any comments on this? Anybody near Atlanta that could let me hear their car? I don't mind louder, I just don't want to not hear my radio, conversation, etc. Eventually, I would like to get a S/C and figured that this was the first step...

Feedback very much appreciated!

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Old Nov 3, 2004 | 04:37 PM
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They will definitely change the exhaust note, but will not make your car that much louder.
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Old Nov 3, 2004 | 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by C5JONNY
They will definitely change the exhaust note, but will not make your car that much louder.
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Old Nov 3, 2004 | 04:57 PM
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my opinion... different designs will have different sound qualities. i've read that LGs are louder than Kooks in general. For some thats a plus or minus depending on what you want.

also, whatever LT you go with, if your goal is to keep noise increase to minimum... keep the stock Ti pipes. Aftermarkets sound different with various headers but I believe all sound much louder than the Ti pipes.

In my experience, the Kooks 1 3/4 with factory Ti pipes sound marginally louder than factory under normal conditions which i love. At WOT it sounds like a beast.

Good luck.
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Old Nov 3, 2004 | 05:22 PM
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Originally Posted by don527
my opinion... different designs will have different sound qualities. i've read that LGs are louder than Kooks in general. For some thats a plus or minus depending on what you want.

also, whatever LT you go with, if your goal is to keep noise increase to minimum... keep the stock Ti pipes. Aftermarkets sound different with various headers but I believe all sound much louder than the Ti pipes.

In my experience, the Kooks 1 3/4 with factory Ti pipes sound marginally louder than factory under normal conditions which i love. At WOT it sounds like a beast.

Good luck.

I chose Kooks, and I can tell you from personal experience that my car has the same or actually less exhaust noise on cruising. I attribute this to the deeper tone. On cruising, it is barely audible.

Now if you put your foot into it, that is an entirely different story.
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Old Nov 3, 2004 | 07:13 PM
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I installed a complete StainlessWorks system (SS headers to SS tips)on my 02 ZO6. I am very sensitive to TOO much noise and did not want a system that would rurin the interior quite!

Well, the Stainless Works 3" mid section with X pipe and the Stainless works mufflers sound wicked!!! They even impressed the wife and she WILL NOT drive in a loud car!!!


The system is not as loud as it is throaty and deep! It screams at WOT!

I am very happy with the sound and even more pleased with the new found HP/TQ!!!!

Bill C
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Old Nov 4, 2004 | 01:21 AM
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Headers will change tone and resonance peaks.
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Old Nov 4, 2004 | 07:13 PM
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Deeper sound is fine. More "Growl" at WOT is not a problem and will probably be enjoyed. I also plan on keeping my stock Ti exhaust.
I just don't want my exhaust note produced by the headers overpowering everything else going on with the car!!!
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Old Nov 4, 2004 | 07:20 PM
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I agree with the above comments. With intake, headers and one of the milder exhausts, my car was not much louder than stock. Once I added heads/cam, now that was a different story.
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Old Nov 4, 2004 | 09:38 PM
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I guess I will find out how loud my vert will sound after I install TPIS Longtube headers with X-pipe, and no cats coupled up to the SLP Loudmouths!!
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Old Nov 4, 2004 | 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by J's 1998 Pace Car
I guess I will find out how loud my vert will sound after I install TPIS Longtube headers with X-pipe, and no cats coupled up to the SLP Loudmouths!!
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Old Nov 4, 2004 | 10:21 PM
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Maybe I will post sound clips!!! Get your earplugs ready,LOL!!
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Old Nov 5, 2004 | 12:52 AM
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In my experience, long tube headers will make the car louder at WOT, but quieter at idle.
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Old Nov 5, 2004 | 11:14 AM
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I have Corsa Indy Pro mufflers on before the LGM LTs and they sounded find. After the LTs, the sound was loud enough to effect the tides and attract way too much attention for my liking. I think they were around 98dbs at cold start and 120 at WOT.



Dumped the Corsas and installed stock Ti mufflers and the world once again let's me drive on without too much notice.

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Old Nov 5, 2004 | 11:53 AM
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I am not one to like extra attention!
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