C6 Corvette General Discussion General C6 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Feral Industries

Best Headers?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 28, 2017 | 10:17 PM
  #1  
jost6453's Avatar
jost6453
Thread Starter
Drifting
Supporting Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 267
Default Best Headers?

Who has the best coated headers and cross pipe for an '11 GS? Do headers increase the noise level coming through the firewall/floor....or is it mostly a change in the exhaust note?
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2017 | 10:34 PM
  #2  
Can'tHave2MuchHP's Avatar
Can'tHave2MuchHP
Pro
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 580
Likes: 153
From: Grosse Pointe, MI
Default

Mostly exhaust note...

Top brands are definitely American Racing Headers (ARH) and Kooks. They'll run you $1800-$2100 depending on how you option them. Few others are used but Stainless Works, Dynatech, and Texas Speed.

If you want top of the line, ARH or Kooks.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2017 | 11:02 PM
  #3  
zzjakect's Avatar
zzjakect
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 613
Likes: 103
From: Farmington Arkansas
Default

I would vote for LG. Great sound and perfect fit.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 04:15 AM
  #4  
jaybee924's Avatar
jaybee924
Burning Brakes
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 110
From: Chattanooga TN
Default

If you have to have Cats I would suggest looking at Hinson Headers. They are 1 7/8 headers, if you need cats they come with an H pipe but if you don't have to have the cats it comes with an X pipe. I think you will just have to buy the gasket and bolts if I'm not mistaking but that's $50 if you get some good header bolts and GM gaskets. The catted setup will put you back about $1050 (not counting bolts and gasket) The headers are stainless and ceramic coated the rest is alumized steel. Next cheapest will be Texas Speed but they only have off road setup (no cats), after that will be LG and the highest will be American Racing Headers (ARH) and KooKs.

Yes it does make it louder and make the exhaust sound more deeper. If you do headers and you want to cut down on temps at the console you can look at getting a Z cool tunnel insulator over lay that sticks to tunnel brace or you can buy a new thicker tunnel brace or get you the thicker tunnel brace with the insulation but they a a lot more expensive. Hope that can help you out.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 09:01 AM
  #5  
Dcasole's Avatar
Dcasole
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 8,672
Likes: 2,726
From: Atlanta GA
Default

Originally Posted by zzjakect
I would vote for LG. Great sound and perfect fit.


Fit perfect no ground clearance issues ....sound great

Dave
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 10:52 AM
  #6  
Not So Fast's Avatar
Not So Fast
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 7,001
Likes: 988
From: lake havasu city arizona
Default

You'll get many opinions Dennis, mainly saying the "ones I have are the best"
Which ever you decide on I would give Branden at Maryland Speed a call (a real phone call) for his pricing, I couldn't have been happier
NSF
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 10:59 AM
  #7  
Turbo6TA's Avatar
Turbo6TA
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
Likes: 3,150
From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

Pfadt / aFe

304 Stainless Long Tube Headers with X-Pipe and Cats (1 7/8" Tubes)

$ 1,994

https://www.coloradospeed.com/header...e5o96hp5rrlgo1


Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 11:12 AM
  #8  
WideVette's Avatar
WideVette
Racer
 
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 262
Likes: 33
From: Midwest
Default

"You'll get many opinions Dennis, mainly saying the "ones I have are the best"

Agree. What I can say, LG's on mine are perfect fit and reasonably priced (also recommend Maryland Speed for pricing).

My set-up with only bolt-ons tuned at 423/434 rwhp/tq.

Regardless of dyno interpretation, one fact is indisputable: torque numbers surpassed HP. The car is a torque monster with LG headers, whether fully attributable or not.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 11:34 AM
  #9  
Dcasole's Avatar
Dcasole
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 8,672
Likes: 2,726
From: Atlanta GA
Default

Originally Posted by WideVette
"You'll get many opinions Dennis, mainly saying the "ones I have are the best"

Agree. What I can say, LG's on mine are perfect fit and reasonably priced (also recommend Maryland Speed for pricing).

My set-up with only bolt-ons tuned at 423/434 rwhp/tq.

Regardless of dyno interpretation, one fact is indisputable: torque numbers surpassed HP. The car is a torque monster with LG headers, whether fully attributable or not.

And Wildvettes is also a GREAT vendor to consider ...!
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 11:50 AM
  #10  
jost6453's Avatar
jost6453
Thread Starter
Drifting
Supporting Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 267
Default

Originally Posted by Not So Fast
You'll get many opinions Dennis, mainly saying the "ones I have are the best"
Which ever you decide on I would give Branden at Maryland Speed a call (a real phone call) for his pricing, I couldn't have been happier
NSF

Yep, I figured there would be many different preferences .... but also thought there would be a couple clear favorites. Guess not. I'll need to do more research. I thought I wanted 'coated' SS, but I'm not seeing the manufactures offering that as an option.

Thanks to all for your input. -DJ
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 12:44 PM
  #11  
Not So Fast's Avatar
Not So Fast
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 7,001
Likes: 988
From: lake havasu city arizona
Default

Originally Posted by Dcasole

And Wildvettes is also a GREAT vendor to consider ...!
Yep I forgot, Damian has good prices also, nice guy

NSF PS Since you wanted brands I will say that the
Kooks fit very well (non coated, 1 3/4" Catted to my NPP)
Good rep
Everything needed for the install is included, everything!!!
Stage 8 locking fasteners also.
Pipe bands are of good quality.
I also purchased
MSD Super wires
DEI spark plug boots
New plugs
ThermoTec Cool-It tunnel shield cover (it did lower the console temps)
Car is LOUDER, and faster !!
Dave told me and he was right
NSF

Last edited by Not So Fast; Jun 29, 2017 at 12:51 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 12:49 PM
  #12  
jaybee924's Avatar
jaybee924
Burning Brakes
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 110
From: Chattanooga TN
Default

Originally Posted by Not So Fast
You'll get many opinions Dennis, mainly saying the "ones I have are the best"
Which ever you decide on I would give Branden at Maryland Speed a call (a real phone call) for his pricing, I couldn't have been happier
NSF
I did this about 2 weeks ago and got a deal out of this world on the KooKs headers with catted X-Pipe and Halltech cold air intake!!! I highly suggest calling Branden or if your on Maryland Speed site they my have a pop up chat window about the Flash sale, if your ready to buy now. Which that will be the price at the time not a tomorrow or later price.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 12:54 PM
  #13  
jaybee924's Avatar
jaybee924
Burning Brakes
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 110
From: Chattanooga TN
Default

Originally Posted by jost6453
Yep, I figured there would be many different preferences .... but also thought there would be a couple clear favorites. Guess not. I'll need to do more research. I thought I wanted 'coated' SS, but I'm not seeing the manufactures offering that as an option.

Thanks to all for your input. -DJ

Call Maryland and chat with branden. Most of the time they have a free coating special on their headers but if you have any questions or what you want Call Maryland and talk with Branden he has all sorts of options!!!
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 01:12 PM
  #14  
Corvette_Ed's Avatar
Corvette_Ed
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,758
Likes: 3,277
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Default

Originally Posted by corvettes4ever
Mostly exhaust note...

Top brands are definitely American Racing Headers (ARH) and Kooks. They'll run you $1800-$2100 depending on how you option them. Few others are used but Stainless Works, Dynatech, and Texas Speed.

If you want top of the line, ARH or Kooks.
You forgot LG long tubes.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 02:43 PM
  #15  
Ronald Koch Jr.'s Avatar
Ronald Koch Jr.
Instructor
 
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 139
Likes: 13
Default

I went with ARH headers along with hi flow cats, cam and Halltech CAI. Well made and good fit. Tons of compliments on the sound. Lots of torque.

Ron
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 02:50 PM
  #16  
bdanyluk's Avatar
bdanyluk
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,400
Likes: 39
From: Atlanta Georgia
Default

LG Super-Pro.

When comparing headers, make sure you look at the welds. You want 100% welded connections everywhere...NOT stitch welding like American Racing Headers.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 02:56 PM
  #17  
jaybee924's Avatar
jaybee924
Burning Brakes
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 110
From: Chattanooga TN
Default

Originally Posted by Not So Fast
Yep I forgot, Damian has good prices also, nice guy

NSF PS Since you wanted brands I will say that the
Kooks fit very well (non coated, 1 3/4" Catted to my NPP)
Good rep
Everything needed for the install is included, everything!!!
Stage 8 locking fasteners also.
Pipe bands are of good quality.
I also purchased
MSD Super wires
DEI spark plug boots
New plugs
ThermoTec Cool-It tunnel shield cover (it did lower the console temps)
Car is LOUDER, and faster !!
Dave told me and he was right
NSF
Hey Need for Speed, Do you have any pulls or clips of your car idling or reving with the Headers and NPP setup? I plan on going with what you have listed and a cam also. I have the NPP with the Muffler Mod but just curious about drone and how it sounds!!!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Best Headers?

Old Jun 29, 2017 | 03:00 PM
  #18  
bdanyluk's Avatar
bdanyluk
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,400
Likes: 39
From: Atlanta Georgia
Default

Here are some videos. LG 1-7/8" headers, NPP mufflers.


Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 03:01 PM
  #19  
MarylandSpeed's Avatar
0MarylandSpeed
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,511
Likes: 22
From: Southern MD
Default

Originally Posted by corvettes4ever
Mostly exhaust note...

Top brands are definitely American Racing Headers (ARH) and Kooks. They'll run you $1800-$2100 depending on how you option them. Few others are used but Stainless Works, Dynatech, and Texas Speed.

If you want top of the line, ARH or Kooks.
They don't cost this much if you call us 443-730-9428
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 03:14 PM
  #20  
jaybee924's Avatar
jaybee924
Burning Brakes
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 110
From: Chattanooga TN
Default

Originally Posted by MarylandSpeed
They don't cost this much if you call us 443-730-9428
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:57 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE