I have a 2007 Z51 A6 Coupe and I really wanted to buy a set of headers, which ones are the best? This is going to be my only performance mod, other then a Dyno Tune.

 

Best is a relative term...

Most of the ink on the forum has been for LG, American Racing and Kooks. I am leaning to LG - for no more logical reason than Lou is a racer and I want to support his operation.

 

You'll find as many opinions as there are members. As previously stated, you have to answer the question, "Best for what?". Sounds like you are just looking for a good cruiser if you plan no other mods but a tune. In that case, if you have the bucks, the LG's are known to work best with an unmodified engine and to produce more torque in the driving range. Wth that question answered, I would also say that all of the top long tube headers and high flow cat systems probably produce HP and torque that is close enough that it won't make any noticeable difference between the brands SOTP feel. One will feel like another. Most people can't notice a difference of 10 HP in a 400 HP car. That is one-fortieth of the total power. Most of the top LT headers will be within 10 HP of each other. The same goes for torque. You may hear differently but SOTP is so much influenced by emotion, sound and beliefs that it's not reproducible on controlled testing. Knowing this, I decided that my needs were to keep my wallet as fat as possible, therefore, I ordered a set Dynatech Supermaxx headers and cats from forum vendor TByrne who is offering a 10% discount off of list over this holiday. Dynatech recently reduced their price on C6 header kits to match the price of American Racing headers, so these two are among the cheapest of the quality T304 stainless LT systems. With 10% off, the set comes to $1350. Shipping is $40. That makes the set cost hundreds less than the LG's. It comes with absolutely everything you need for the install, like the LG's. During the early months of the 2005 C6, there was a problem with some installers leaving the hydraulic clutch hose too close to the header tubes and there were two or three incidents of fire with the Dynatech. Dynatech fixed it by including a special bracket to move the clutch hose away from the header tubes. As far as I know, there have been no further incidents. Some people on this forum still hold this against the company. If this makes you nervous, look at the American Racing headers. If you can find them for 10% off the list price, it will work out to the same price as the Dynatechs. These are the new "hot thing" in headers on this forum right now. Finally, if a few hundred bucks doesn't mean that much to you, get the LGs. Nobody has had much of anything bad to say about them except their competitors. They fit and they work, but then again, so do the others. There are a lot of Kooks fans here too, but i've seen some people b*tch about sloppy welding with the Kooks. The Kooks are more expensive than the Dynatech and the American Racing, but less than the LGs.

 

Just bought a set of American Racing long tubes the other day. Haven't installed them yet, doing it on Sunday. A lot of people recommended that I get those.

Brian

 

My vote is for Dynatech Supermaxx, in the car over a year with no problems. Fit and finish is great, ALL parts needed were included, no chasing bolts or brackets during the install. $1399 delivered a year ago. I'll match dyno #'s with any other header within 2% HP or TQ anyplace on the RPM range.

Research and read old posts on Dyno's, with matching mods most are within 2% of each other.

 

I just installed a set of LG Pro Long Tubes minus the cat. I did a write up about it over in the tech section. Cliff Notes Version: LG Pro's will definitely put a grin on your face!!!

 

Good product and good service

 

I have the Kooks w/hfc and x pipe and am very pleased!! The Borla Stingers really set it off

 

I have the same it made a niceeeee difference with the torque and rpm range..

 

LG Motorsports Pro Long Tubes

 

For my money, I'll go with the LG Pro long tube headers. I just returned from 21st Century Muscle Cars in North Dallas. Besides replacing my stock engine with the Lingenfelter 403 package, I installed LG Pro long tube headers with high/flow cats. I had the headers coated and I also opted to install the Elite Engineering tunnel plate (which I would also recommend if you install long tube headers).

There are many good brands. You might want to visit some of the manufacturer's web sites.

 

Will all headers cause the engine light to turn on? Will it pass smog or void warrenty?

 

Regarding throwing codes, some peole have had great luck in not having seen any, others see codes immediately. Problems are caused by the cats being farther away from the engine (or none in off-road setups), no rear O2 sensors etc. A tuner can make these go away though.

To the best of my knowledge, NO header meets smog/emissions standards, but depending on your setup (cats etc) you can pass sniffer tests, but will fail a visual test

 

Check the C6 Tech forum, there are some good threads there with much useful info.

 

Lots of INFO

 

KOOKS! The #1 choice of most of the top racers. Excellent craftsmanship with superior design and flow characteristics. My choice hands down!