C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Acceptable quality from Kooks?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 10:49 AM
  #1  
8850's Avatar
8850
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,131
Likes: 148
From: Sugar Land TX
Default Acceptable quality from Kooks?

(SEE POST #12)

Received a reply to my PM from GeorgeR@kooks saying "you will be fine". I had PM'ed him a pic of the collector in my new 1 7/8" Kooks header.

Do you really feel this is acceptable quality? Seems to me the cone welded off center 1/8" will create turbulance? I would have to question his reply particlarly on a heads/cam engine making over 500 HP.




I also have quite a lot of weld build up in each tube as well. And in each tube at each quadrant that the cone is welded.

Anybody else's collector look like mine? I feel the price I paid for these headers the quality should be a little better.

Might mention too that these headers should be cleaned before installing. You can scrap up a lot of metal shaving/oil mixture with one finger in every tube. Not sure this crud will pass the cats.

Last edited by 8850; Apr 17, 2007 at 08:23 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 11:43 AM
  #2  
m_LeDez's Avatar
m_LeDez
Burning Brakes
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 824
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Tx.....'05 Corvette M6 LS3 Magnuson Heartbeat
Default

pm sent
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 11:54 AM
  #3  
Axil's Avatar
Axil
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Default

Here is my $0.02.

First of all, I want to point out that Kooks does make awesome headers. I have seen a lot of dyno results with their headers and they usually provide very positive outcomes . The only header that I have seen that compares is American Racing. Both are outstanding headers.


If you are not happy with them, send'em back. Your absolutely right. Paying that kind of money, you want to get the best craftsmanship you can. Kooks is a reputable company and I sure you won't have any problems (provided of course, they are in returnable condition).

From a fluid dynamics & wave theory stand point, you are correct. The offset of the cone would create some turbulent/resistance to exhaust flow. The question is how much? Again, you are correct in that it would affect a N.A. car versus a forced induction one because fluid flow is paramount to achieving top horsepower in a N.A. car.

Bottom line.

If you are going to be doing serious racing with them where every second counts and you don’t want that in the back of your mind when loosing to someone else with an identical corvette & setup, then return them. However, if your just using the car for a daily driver and blowing the doors off of the locals, then you’ll probably be fine.

If it’s the money spent versus the quality of the product received, then return them. I am sure Kooks want all their customers to be happy with their purchases.

Best of luck and have fun!
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 12:30 PM
  #4  
crabman's Avatar
crabman
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,430
Likes: 81
From: Whidbey Island WA
Default

All the welds were ground on my ARH headers and the merge cones were properly aligned.

Hard to imagine it costing much in terms of any quantifiable loss but I have to admit it would bug me.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 01:54 PM
  #5  
8850's Avatar
8850
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,131
Likes: 148
From: Sugar Land TX
Default

Originally Posted by Axil
Here is my $0.02.

First of all, I want to point out that Kooks does make awesome headers. I have seen a lot of dyno results with their headers and they usually provide very positive outcomes . The only header that I have seen that compares is American Racing. Both are outstanding headers.


If you are not happy with them, send'em back. Your absolutely right. Paying that kind of money, you want to get the best craftsmanship you can. Kooks is a reputable company and I sure you won't have any problems (provided of course, they are in returnable condition).

From a fluid dynamics & wave theory stand point, you are correct. The offset of the cone would create some turbulent/resistance to exhaust flow. The question is how much? Again, you are correct in that it would affect a N.A. car versus a forced induction one because fluid flow is paramount to achieving top horsepower in a N.A. car.

Bottom line.

If you are going to be doing serious racing with them where every second counts and you don’t want that in the back of your mind when loosing to someone else with an identical corvette & setup, then return them. However, if your just using the car for a daily driver and blowing the doors off of the locals, then you’ll probably be fine.

If it’s the money spent versus the quality of the product received, then return them. I am sure Kooks want all their customers to be happy with their purchases.

Best of luck and have fun!
I have a new 07 Corvette that I want the best qualtiy pieces I can buy. From other posts concerning Kooks I thought they along with a couple others were quality parts.

I don't know how far I will take it hp wise. I may want to go heads and cam as I did with my 98 Camaro. I just want to start out with parts that will do the job later on and not have to start replacing what I have already bought. Been there done that with many parts.

Had George@Kooks not told me I would be alright with this poor quality I wouldn't have even posted these pics. But to tell me this is ok quality is not right.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 02:07 PM
  #6  
Flareside's Avatar
Flareside
Safety Car
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 5
From: Roxbury NJ
Default

How much power the sloppy assembly costs wouldn't even be an issue for me, something with that quality of workmanship just wouldn't get installed on my car. I'd send them back in a heartbeat.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 02:10 PM
  #7  
jdurhan's Avatar
jdurhan
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,611
Likes: 100
From: Palm Springs,Ca.
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Originally Posted by 8850
I have a new 07 Corvette that I want the best qualtiy pieces I can buy. From other posts concerning Kooks I thought they along with a couple others were quality parts.

I don't know how far I will take it hp wise. I may want to go heads and cam as I did with my 98 Camaro. I just want to start out with parts that will do the job later on and not have to start replacing what I have already bought. Been there done that with many parts.

Had George@Kooks not told me I would be alright with this poor quality I wouldn't have even posted these pics. But to tell me this is ok quality is not right.
I am looking at getting headers to, I will wait and see how this plays out before I decide.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 03:32 PM
  #8  
8850's Avatar
8850
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,131
Likes: 148
From: Sugar Land TX
Default

And these will not get installed on my car.
Originally Posted by Flareside
How much power the sloppy assembly costs wouldn't even be an issue for me, something with that quality of workmanship just wouldn't get installed on my car. I'd send them back in a heartbeat.
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 Apr 17, 2007 | 04:50 PM
  #9  
KOOKS Headers's Avatar
KOOKS Headers
Racer
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 458
Likes: 4
Default

There is no issue here at all, We stand behind our product 100%. If you are not happy please call me and I will give you a RGA # and you can send them back and I will send you another set. 1 866 586 kook ext 308 George R. We look forward to hear from you soon.Thank you sorry for the inconvenience.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 04:59 PM
  #10  
The Clevite Kid's Avatar
The Clevite Kid
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime
St. Jude 15 Year Donor
20 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 78
From: Miami FL
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16,'17,'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
Default

Excellent customer SUPPORT from a SUPPORTING Manufacturer. The Corvette Forum continues to rock.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 05:09 PM
  #11  
jdurhan's Avatar
jdurhan
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,611
Likes: 100
From: Palm Springs,Ca.
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Originally Posted by clevitekid
Excellent customer SUPPORT from a SUPPORTING Manufacturer. The Corvette Forum continues to rock.
George made the right move, he stood behind his product. Kooks are back on my list.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 05:39 PM
  #12  
8850's Avatar
8850
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,131
Likes: 148
From: Sugar Land TX
Default

Just talked to George on the phone. He is truly an asset to the racing enthusiast. He offered to send out another set of headers, no charge, with an RG ticket from UPS so I don't pay shipping. All I have to do is hand the old set to the UPS driver.

You just can't ask for better service that that. And he is even sending me a couple of T shirts for my trouble. Excellent company to do business.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 05:48 PM
  #13  
marct6444's Avatar
marct6444
Pro
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 534
Likes: 8
From: Worcester MA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
Default

George R and the rest of the guys at Kooks are first class and will take care of all there customers. I had some questions all were answered and all the stuff was shipped quick with no quality problems. Thanks to Kooks
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 06:00 PM
  #14  
AORoads's Avatar
AORoads
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Default

Thank you, George! That was the right thing to do and gives you a lot of credibility here! I applaud your action.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 06:13 PM
  #15  
Axil's Avatar
Axil
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Default

I thought that it would work out. As I mentioned, they are a great company with a great product and like most companies, want to make sure they meet or exceed their customers expectations.

Kudos to George and Kooks custom Headers

Best of luck with your modifications!
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 06:21 PM
  #16  
GM-4-LIFE's Avatar
GM-4-LIFE
Racer
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 402
Likes: 47
From: Los Angeles California
Default

George R. has been a great supporter in general and here, he proves it once again.

I would run nothing but Kooks! Nothing else comes close IMHO.

SG
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 06:27 PM
  #17  
VetVetter's Avatar
VetVetter
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 27,596
Likes: 0
From: YOU SEE ... I'M NOT CRAZY ...I'M JUST AHEAD OF THE CURVE
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Default

Originally Posted by 8850
Just talked to George on the phone. He is truly an asset to the racing enthusiast. He offered to send out another set of headers, no charge, with an RG ticket from UPS so I don't pay shipping. All I have to do is hand the old set to the UPS driver.

You just can't ask for better service that that. And he is even sending me a couple of T shirts for my trouble. Excellent company to do business.
Did the right thing.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Acceptable quality from Kooks?

Old Apr 17, 2007 | 06:53 PM
  #18  
snappy28's Avatar
snappy28
Pro
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 53
From: Sumter SC
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Default

Very commendable.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 07:07 PM
  #19  
TEXASRANGER's Avatar
TEXASRANGER
HOOK-EM HORNS
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,517
Likes: 841
From: Port Aransas, Texas Tx
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Just ordered my second set for my brother's 04 C5 vert. I love the ones on my 07 C6
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 07:12 PM
  #20  
burtonbl103's Avatar
burtonbl103
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 38,772
Likes: 621
From: Boston MA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08,'12-'13
Default

I have kooks 1 7/8 and am very happy with them
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:01 PM.

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