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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?
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 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.
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
"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.
"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 ...!
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
When comparing headers, make sure you look at the welds. You want 100% welded connections everywhere...NOT stitch welding like American Racing Headers.
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!!!
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