2009+ header differences?
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
2009+ header differences?
Will headers from the 2005 to 2007 fit later models?
I know A6's are different but will headers from an M6 fit an M6 car of any year, IE 2005 M6 headers fit a 2009+ M6 car?
I know A6's are different but will headers from an M6 fit an M6 car of any year, IE 2005 M6 headers fit a 2009+ M6 car?
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 732
Likes: 9
From: Saudi Arabia
Hi Spin
I'm not sure what is the difference between c6 2008 & 2009 models but just want to share with you:
I prevoiusly had kooks 1.7/8" headers on my M6 2008 c6 car...
I sold it to a friend who has 2005 C6 A4 car and it fits perfectly without any issues.
I'm not sure what is the difference between c6 2008 & 2009 models but just want to share with you:
I prevoiusly had kooks 1.7/8" headers on my M6 2008 c6 car...
I sold it to a friend who has 2005 C6 A4 car and it fits perfectly without any issues.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,502
Likes: 82
Beginning in 2009 the mid-pipe to over-the-axle pipe geometry was changed. Pre-2009 mid pipes will not bolt up to 2009+ over the axle pipes. There is also a slight change in the mid-pipe hanger geometry. The headers themselves should fit the same. But…just a couple of weeks ago I looked at a 2010 Grand Sport (dry sump car) that had just received a new set of 1 7/8 headers and the Akropovich exhaust. The owner of that car had to take a chunk out of the engine cradle on driver’s side to clearance for one of the header tubes. This was a set of top-tier American made headers and if they were wrong…they were way wrong. The owner chose to just grind the cradle for clearance rather than delay and investigate whether he had bad headers or if there was a change in the cradle. It was probably the headers but not confirmed.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 12
From: OH
Ok not to hijack your thread spin but, I think it goes along with the question I sent you..
will a z06 exhaust with borla 3in axleback work on a 09+ ls3?
Considering the cradle was changed in 09+ to the z06 cradle, I could only assume it would fit...But would not fit on pre 09 base cars correct?
will a z06 exhaust with borla 3in axleback work on a 09+ ls3?
Considering the cradle was changed in 09+ to the z06 cradle, I could only assume it would fit...But would not fit on pre 09 base cars correct?
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Beginning in 2009 the mid-pipe to over-the-axle pipe geometry was changed. Pre-2009 mid pipes will not bolt up to 2009+ over the axle pipes. There is also a slight change in the mid-pipe hanger geometry. The headers themselves should fit the same. But…just a couple of weeks ago I looked at a 2010 Grand Sport (dry sump car) that had just received a new set of 1 7/8 headers and the Akropovich exhaust. The owner of that car had to take a chunk out of the engine cradle on driver’s side to clearance for one of the header tubes. This was a set of top-tier American made headers and if they were wrong…they were way wrong. The owner chose to just grind the cradle for clearance rather than delay and investigate whether he had bad headers or if there was a change in the cradle. It was probably the headers but not confirmed.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Ok not to hijack your thread spin but, I think it goes along with the question I sent you..
will a z06 exhaust with borla 3in axleback work on a 09+ ls3?
Considering the cradle was changed in 09+ to the z06 cradle, I could only assume it would fit...But would not fit on pre 09 base cars correct?
will a z06 exhaust with borla 3in axleback work on a 09+ ls3?
Considering the cradle was changed in 09+ to the z06 cradle, I could only assume it would fit...But would not fit on pre 09 base cars correct?
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Team Owner
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From: Short Hills, NJ
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,477
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From: Dallas / Ft. Worth The Republic of TEXAS
I know for fact that the differential was upgraded in 09' to a considerably stronger unit that was bigger and thus required the exhaust change from GM. Whether the unit is identical in strength only versus being identical in material composition as well I'm not sure. Personally I could care less what it is made out of 
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,502
Likes: 82
I know for fact that the differential was upgraded in 09' to a considerably stronger unit that was bigger and thus required the exhaust change from GM. Whether the unit is identical in strength only versus being identical in material composition as well I'm not sure. Personally I could care less what it is made out of
My rear cradle looks to be aluminum by the way.
Hoped it help answer the question.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,217
Likes: 108
From: Short Hills, NJ
I know for fact that the differential was upgraded in 09' to a considerably stronger unit that was bigger and thus required the exhaust change from GM. Whether the unit is identical in strength only versus being identical in material composition as well I'm not sure. Personally I could care less what it is made out of
but I wasn't asking about the differential/carrier, I was asking about the cradle as mentioned here:
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 21
From: Placitas New Mexico
I have an 09 and bought a set of LG headers with X-pipe and cats from a previous year C6.Everything will bolt up except the (2) rear pieces. I got (2) different rear pieces from LG and it all fit.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 12
From: OH
I'm not getting a a used z06 exhaust Just a used borla stinger axleback...
I am buying new kooks 1 7/8(fits both z and ls3) with a Kooks 3in x specific to the z06...
The question is will the z axleback bolt up to this..My thinking is that it will.
Reason being...
The 09+ ls3 got the z06 cradle which means the z06 axleback should fit over the axle( if axles are indeed the same). which means the z specific x pipe should connect...
Does that make any sense????
Or do I have to get a 3in LS3 X pipe to connect the z06 axleback....Which doesn't make any sense to me..
why can't these corvettes be as easy as mustangs....This is pissing me off.
Mike
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 12
From: OH
Ok I just got a response from IPS motorsport...
If you keep it all z06 parts it will work......It will work best if you get the 09+ 3inch X.
The problem is not the axleback....It is the end of the x pipe that connects to the axleback..It is different but, not enough to make a difference and they will still be able to connect.
SOOOOO
For everyone that will do a z06 exhaust on an 09+LS3 It will work if you keep it all z06 parts. Per IPS motorsport.
I now have to begin a rogaine treatment bc I have pulled many hairs over this question.
and thanks to IPS motorsports for great customer service!!!
If you keep it all z06 parts it will work......It will work best if you get the 09+ 3inch X.
The problem is not the axleback....It is the end of the x pipe that connects to the axleback..It is different but, not enough to make a difference and they will still be able to connect.
SOOOOO
For everyone that will do a z06 exhaust on an 09+LS3 It will work if you keep it all z06 parts. Per IPS motorsport.
I now have to begin a rogaine treatment bc I have pulled many hairs over this question.
and thanks to IPS motorsports for great customer service!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 823
Likes: 0
From: Seguin Texas
Never heard that before. Is this true? if it was, it would be big news around here for differential upgrades. Im calling BS. Flame on.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 42
From: Dallas / Ft. Worth The Republic of TEXAS
As far as the Z06 exhaust it will fit on an M6 but on the A6 it is very, very tight and will likely rub in some spots
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 496
Likes: 14
From: Phoenix AZ
Now when you go to replacing the x-pipe you will run into an issue in 2009 as GM changed the routing at the rear where it connects to the axle hoops as someone already described earlier.
I hope this helps and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions.
www.bbexhaust.com
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Billy Boat Exhaust
David Merkel
Marketing Dir.
Billy Boat Exhaust
