Lately I've thought about putting headers on my car (2008 coupe). As I research them, I'm a bit confused. I've tried to answer my questions with the search function, but no luck. Perhaps some of you can help.

1. What is the difference in the various LT headers? Is it just about fit and workmanship, or is one brand designed to maximize torque at a certain RPM point, where another maximizes HP at a different point, etc? In pics, they all look very similar. I've seen the close up pics of the Pfadt header welds, and they are beautiful. Is the beauty of the welds what separates Pfadt from AR, Kooks, or LG? Similarly, is the crucial difference the diameter of the tubes, or the difference from the engine block to the 4-into-1 merge, or something different?

2. I read a lot about increased underhood temps--people having melted hoses and lines and stuff after a header install. I also read a couple threads that made coating seem only "maybe" helpful. So my question is, why does no one use a heat shield like what comes on the exhaust manifold? Or what else can a person do? How big a concern is the heat? I'm tempted to try to install them myself, but one thing that keeps me from it is worrying that I'll melt a hose or something.

I appreciate any help anyone can offer me on either question--thanks.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the headers you mentioned. Other than some slight design differences they all are pretty much the same and should net you roughly the same HP gains.

I personally had the Kooks headers on my 2005 and was very happy with it. Got good gains and did not have any issues with something "melting". Mine were jet-hot coated.

 

I have had Kooks LT headers on another car I had some time back. Very happy with them Around $2500. installed( by a speed shop) No issues either.

 

It sounds, though, like Kooks = LG = AR = Pfadt. It seems like I've heard of a few fitment issues with OBX, but other than that, they all seem pretty good. If this is the case, why would anyone ever NOT go with whichever is the least expensive?

 

I have PFADT headers on my car and they are very nice. However, I think any set of headers from any brand name will do just as good. Kooks, ARH, LGs, etc.

Regarding the heat, I have found that the headers added quite a bit of heat and various wire coatings start to melt. It might not be so obvious from the engine bay, but under the car, where things like the 02 Sensor wiring goes, they got a little crisp.

During my most recent trip to the shop, they had to replace one set of wiring which was looking very poor after a few months of use. They wrapped it with thermal tape, rerouted it, so hopefully no problems moving forward.

Stuff randomly melting with no easy way to shield it has probably been my biggest frustration with headers so far. Not trying to scare you away from the headers, but just be mindful that this stuff can happen and you should request that your shop have some thermal protection during the header install.

My car runs and drives great, but because of that one melted wire, I am continually on the lookout for anything that looks a little crispy or exposed to heat and trying to wrap it.

The sound and extra power is very nice though.

 

I'd like to know too

 

You might be in luck. This seems like a good price to me for the entire package.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-p...5-shipped.html

 

Did you read that they are not legal in any State? All headers for the C6 are long tube which means the Catalytic converters must me relocated. That is not allowed per EPA rules. This mean that they should fail all smog inspections. Many members get away with it because their state doesn't do smog test or they just don't
do a visual inspection. It also could mean they don't know what their looking at.
I'm a big fan of headers and would love to have a set but living in California I can't take the risk. Good luck.

 

A lot of headers are made overseas. American Racing Headers are made here. Their workmanship is top notch. Never heard anything bad. They are worth a consideration.

 

Les, it's just the air, water, and land that we breathe drink and live on. It's not that important. Geez, what are you thinking?

 

Anyone else on difference between ARH, Kooks, LG and Pfadt? Just cost and beauty of welds? As far as I can tell they are all made in America, and from least to most expensive (LS3, catted) are SLP=LG-->ARH-->Kooks-->Pfadt. Thus, SLP or LG win?

Not knocking any brands, just trying to understand...

 

LG Pros will make the most HP. Pfadt should be close, then everyone else. Do you need to make every bit of power?

I have had my LGs (uncoated) since o8. Not one problem that I have found. Over 100,000 miles of smiles. I did put on heat socks to protect the plug wires when I changed them and the plugs last year.

LG or Pfadt would be my choice. LG would win as they are in my backyard.

 

Either get them coated or upgrade all of your heat shielding. I went for the jet coating myself.

 

There was a lot of testing that went into the design of these cars. I can rarely use the horsepower that my LS2 makes anyway, at least on the street. If things get too hot, I guess there is a risk of fire, although I haven't heard of those kinds of problems.

Something to think about. I guess I'll keep my exhaust stock.

 

Melrose would be another brand to consider. They are American made...coated inside and out.

 

stay away from LG super pro's , they are leak at every slip joint. You will be pissed if you buy them.

 

Most of the guys I know have AR's, but, most all are pretty equivilant. However, one key to the heat is get them ceramic coated. It does help.

 

the OBX I installed on my car fit perfectly and are a quality part with great looking welds and high flow cats that I paid approximately 1/3 the cost of others.with the money I saved on the purchase of them I purchased a new ported Fast 102 and made twice the horsepower gain for less than the cost of other headers alone.

 

I completely believe you, and I'm definitely not knocking your choice. I only note that on this and other forums like the camaro forums, there were a few who were disatisfied with fitment. I've never heard anyone dissatisfied with, for example, Kooks, Phadt, or ARH. Until Speedraider's post above, I had never heard even a single negative comment about LGs, either.

I did read that the earlier OBX had fewer problems than the more recently produced ones. Have you had yours for a while?

I see the VetteDoctors offer a pretty good deal on ARH, installed and tuned. That may be the way to go.

 

First, be aware of the pros and cons of long tube headers. If your car is subject to any state inspection or emissions testing realize that removing or altering the OEM cats is a violation of federal law. Long tube headers may cause your car to fail an inspection. Performance modifying your car may also void major aspects of your factory or extended warranty (if any).

There are several decent brands of headers IMO....LG Motorsports, Kooks and American Racing headers are by far the most popular. For my money I had to have LG Pro long tube headers and I also opted to have them coated. I've got a fully built Lingenfelter motor in my car and I've raced the car for 6+ years....I've never had any problems related to the LG Pro headers. IMO LG Pro headers are the best you can get and it's worth spending the money to have them coated. Here's an old picture from when they were installed:



Good luck whatever you decide on!