Kooks Headers Question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix AZ
Kooks Headers Question
I have a 06 with manual tranny and was wondering what were the best bang for the buck performace gains. I have seen Kooks header offered on ebay with catalytic converters for about $1500.Is this a good deal? I was also wondering if anyone with headers has had problems with them leaking after putting them on? Do they void the factory warranty?
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Columbia SC
I installed the Kooks with their high flow cats and x-pipe about six months ago. No major install problems but you have to muscle things a bit. I retained the stock mufflers and have a fairly significant drone between 1550 and 1750 RPM - doesn't seem so bad now (I think I've either gotten used to it or I don't shift into a gear that will result in that RPM range). Don't know officially about the warranty issue (this concerned me as well) - asked several people and dealerships in my town. Some said it wouldn't be a problem yet others were more reserved. I think the bottom line is that the dealer has to "prove" that whatever is wrong is a direct result of the headers being on the car. I've had no leaks. I paid about the price you quoted. I did have them Jet Hot coated and am very happy I did that. Not so sure the underhood temps are much lower (didn't do any measurments) but they look good and will not change colors over time. There is a good install tutorial at http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2005...kooks-lead.asp you might wish to peruse. HTH
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
Likes: 406
From: Florida
Super happy with my Kooks LT (with HF cats) and stock cat-back. I am surprised to hear of drone, I have absolutely none (M6 car). Just nice quiet cruise and beautiful racing engine sounds at WOT. Sounds like a NASCAR race motor going through the gears.
I got mine brand new for $1350. You have to work the vendors a bit. Check Texas Speed, Tbyrne, or LAPD. They'll hook you up with a good price.
I got mine brand new for $1350. You have to work the vendors a bit. Check Texas Speed, Tbyrne, or LAPD. They'll hook you up with a good price.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 38,772
Likes: 621
From: Boston MA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08,'12-'13
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 360
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From: Burnsville MN
I have a 06 with manual tranny and was wondering what were the best bang for the buck performace gains. I have seen Kooks header offered on ebay with catalytic converters for about $1500.Is this a good deal? I was also wondering if anyone with headers has had problems with them leaking after putting them on? Do they void the factory warranty?
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
I have the Kooks 1 3/4" with Highflow cats with stock cat back. Had them coated by Swain Tech and they are outstanding bolt-on.
Picked up 30RWHP and about .3 ET on the 1/4 mile. You will hear alittle more valuetrain noise but it is not bad at all.
Good luck
Picked up 30RWHP and about .3 ET on the 1/4 mile. You will hear alittle more valuetrain noise but it is not bad at all.
Good luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,298
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From: Tyler TX
Nice gain"
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
From: fort lauderdale fl
30rwhp is alot to pick up with just headers.Was that on the same dyno? I gained 18rwhp from my kooks.They are to loud with the off road x and bullet exhaust,but thats the way I like it.It almost sounds like it has a small cam in it with this setup. The headers are nice,but for the same price I would buy 410s without thinking twice.Your car will feel like its picked up 50rwhp.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: Spring TX
this is similar to what i want to do next. headers and keep the stock axle-back system. no modifications when you attached them to the stock rear?
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,430
Likes: 81
From: Whidbey Island WA
With the 1 7/8 ARH units I ended up at 374 (I think, cant find the sheet but thats pretty close) after tune. The headers did not add nearly the sotp that gears did. Having done both separately I would absolutely without question do the gears first. I have the corsa's and if I work it just right I can get a slight drone while decelerating slowly off the brakes at around 1400 rpm. You almost have to try and do it to get it to do it but its there.
Member: Jr Geezer's Club
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,164
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
WTF? I have never heard anyone report anything NEAR a drone with stock cans behind LT's (???)
On another note....do the Kooks (or any brand) limit access to the oil pan drain plug or filter?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk Va
I believe what you are hearing is the exhaust gases hitting the thinner primary tube of the header. Much like a blown out exhaust manifold gasket will sound like a "TICK" vice hearing more rocker arm noise.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29,113
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From: Big Bend Country, TX
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15- '16-'17-‘18-‘19-'20-'21
NCM Lifetime Member
No problem with the Dynatech headers I had on the M6. Fixing to buy a set for the A6
