Headers, obx/kooks/lg/arh
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Headers, obx/kooks/lg/arh
Okay So I have spend a few nights looking at peoples posts and can't really find a good conclusion for what I want to do. Headers are obviously a good idea on these cars, but I'm wondering what the fit and finish of all of these products really are! I have seen a few pictures posted by other people and they claim that the OBX header flanges don't line up with the primairy tubes well at all! Is that true or has anyone ACTUALLY SEEN these headers to tell? I'm sure that the LG's and kooks are great, but at 1200-1800 they better god-damned be(it's bent pipe for christ sake! Just not sure if the extra money is REALLY worth it. I can spent 5200 bucks on a blower and put the LG header gain to shame. So Should I be buying the kooks or lg's or does OBX make a CONSISTANTLY good product that can be trusted?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,022
Likes: 18
From: Tampa FL (formerly Justinjor)
Tech Contributor
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
I just made 517whp/462wtq with my OBX headers, cam, and other bolt-ons. I'd say they do just fine.
Here are some pics of them on my car.
Since these pictures, I have replaced the rear clamps with the oem ones from the factory h pipe.
Here are some pics of them on my car.
Since these pictures, I have replaced the rear clamps with the oem ones from the factory h pipe.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,022
Likes: 18
From: Tampa FL (formerly Justinjor)
Tech Contributor
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
They didn't come with extensions. I actually found someone selling the rears for $20 and ordered fronts from Casper electronics
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Toms River NJ
You can also simply put a plug in the rear o2 bungs and remove the sensors since you should be tuning them out anyway... Jussayin
Keep an eye on the FS section as well! I ran across a Kooks LT headers, off road x-pipe, z06 mufflers, AND M2W switch for $825!! Minus the mufflers and m2w he was going to take $600 just for headers and x-pipe... If your patient you may find similiar deals!
That said, I would still consider the OBX if nothing comes up...
Keep an eye on the FS section as well! I ran across a Kooks LT headers, off road x-pipe, z06 mufflers, AND M2W switch for $825!! Minus the mufflers and m2w he was going to take $600 just for headers and x-pipe... If your patient you may find similiar deals!
That said, I would still consider the OBX if nothing comes up...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
lol I know what you are sayin:-) i plan to supercharge it with an ecs kit here soon but i want a better sounding exhaust before i do and ill need to open the exhaust up anyways. im just sick of it sounding like a prius when i floor it! i have 3500 at the moment and im thinking full exhaust and wide booty for now. id love to know what that zr6x vette that has vids floating around the net has for exhaust after the headers. it has that hollow resonating sound to it! chills! im thinking obx with stingers. speaking of stingers, doesnt obx have a version of their own? anyone run these?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,022
Likes: 18
From: Tampa FL (formerly Justinjor)
Tech Contributor
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
You can also simply put a plug in the rear o2 bungs and remove the sensors since you should be tuning them out anyway... Jussayin
Keep an eye on the FS section as well! I ran across a Kooks LT headers, off road x-pipe, z06 mufflers, AND M2W switch for $825!! Minus the mufflers and m2w he was going to take $600 just for headers and x-pipe... If your patient you may find similiar deals!
That said, I would still consider the OBX if nothing comes up...
Keep an eye on the FS section as well! I ran across a Kooks LT headers, off road x-pipe, z06 mufflers, AND M2W switch for $825!! Minus the mufflers and m2w he was going to take $600 just for headers and x-pipe... If your patient you may find similiar deals!
That said, I would still consider the OBX if nothing comes up...
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 588
Likes: 21
This has been discussed a thousand times. Fact is your taking a chance with chinese knock off headers with the OBX and the like. If they don't fit, plan on shelling out much more than the difference in price between the OBX and the Kooks or LG's etc. They cost more because they are made in the US and each unit is inspected and has a company backing them 100%. Then there's the fact that they are made from premium stainless steel.
With headers you have the possibility of poor welds, exhaust leaks, poor fit, and material quality. With that in mind I'll pay a couple hundred more knowing I can call an American Company with a solid reputation should I have a problem. As you can see, I'm not a gambler.
With headers you have the possibility of poor welds, exhaust leaks, poor fit, and material quality. With that in mind I'll pay a couple hundred more knowing I can call an American Company with a solid reputation should I have a problem. As you can see, I'm not a gambler.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,022
Likes: 18
From: Tampa FL (formerly Justinjor)
Tech Contributor
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
Are you sure the LG/ARH/Kooks etc are 100% made in America? . . .They may have been in the beginning but I don't think that is the case anymore.
I don't want to get into a heated debate on this and this topic always goes that route, I'll just leave it at that.
I don't want to get into a heated debate on this and this topic always goes that route, I'll just leave it at that.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 81
Likes: 2
From: Beaumont Texas
My OBX seemed to just fall onto the car...install was super easy, they look good, and SOTP performance gain was there for sure. I will be getting a new tune but it will be in a couple weeks...my FAST 102 is on the way to me..so post install I will get re tuned. I say save the money and put it towards other items...or even a few strippers.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 18
From: Missouri City Texas
This has been discussed a thousand times. Fact is your taking a chance with chinese knock off headers with the OBX and the like. If they don't fit, plan on shelling out much more than the difference in price between the OBX and the Kooks or LG's etc. They cost more because they are made in the US and each unit is inspected and has a company backing them 100%. Then there's the fact that they are made from premium stainless steel.
With headers you have the possibility of poor welds, exhaust leaks, poor fit, and material quality. With that in mind I'll pay a couple hundred more knowing I can call an American Company with a solid reputation should I have a problem. As you can see, I'm not a gambler.
With headers you have the possibility of poor welds, exhaust leaks, poor fit, and material quality. With that in mind I'll pay a couple hundred more knowing I can call an American Company with a solid reputation should I have a problem. As you can see, I'm not a gambler.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 588
Likes: 21
As far as 100% American made, no I can't say I'm certain, but I do know I'm supporting an American Company. That's about as far as you can get these days.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,022
Likes: 18
From: Tampa FL (formerly Justinjor)
Tech Contributor
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
Yes. There is a long thread on here about an experienced welder who went the OBX route and ended up have to reweld every weld on each header as there were readily visible leaks all over. He took excellent pictures. It is a rather lengthy thread. I'm surprised you don't remember it. Of course, that was the worst, there are several threads about the poor fit.
As far as 100% American made, no I can't say I'm certain, but I do know I'm supporting an American Company. That's about as far as you can get these days.
As far as 100% American made, no I can't say I'm certain, but I do know I'm supporting an American Company. That's about as far as you can get these days.
I know exactly what thread you're talking about. Let me see if I can dig it up. I can't remember the guys name though.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 588
Likes: 21
I havent cut a single corner on my Vette unlike I did on my Tahoe. They headaches of saving a couple dollars haunted me. Now I may be biased based on my own experiences and the few bad threads about OBX (and we all know there are 100 happy owners for each 1 unhappy owner), but I don't regret a cent that I have spent. Hell I spent $300 on the Apsis center arm console cushion, but I love that piece and admire it everytime I get in the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,599
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, Nassau County New York
FYI...
Kooks and ARH are absolutely 100% made in America, not sure about LG. That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to by OBX....
Kooks and ARH are absolutely 100% made in America, not sure about LG. That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to by OBX....
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 90
From: San Diego CA
My ARH headers are definitely made in America, great quality, and if there is ever a problem you can pick up the phone and talk to Nick (the owner) at any time ( He is a nice guy too!). Well worth the extra bucks as far as I'm concerned.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 1
From: Lake Delton (WI Dells) WI
Post pics of what they look like in 5 years. 
I took the cheap way out when I bought headers for my Firehawk. I bought Jet-Hot coated (inside AND out) steel Hooker's......now, 10 years later, they are rusting. They'll come a time when I will need to replace them, I'm sure. If I would have just went with a good quality stainless steel header from the start I would have been better off in the end.
This time around I did it right and bought ARH for my Vette.
I took the cheap way out when I bought headers for my Firehawk. I bought Jet-Hot coated (inside AND out) steel Hooker's......now, 10 years later, they are rusting. They'll come a time when I will need to replace them, I'm sure. If I would have just went with a good quality stainless steel header from the start I would have been better off in the end.
This time around I did it right and bought ARH for my Vette.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 972
Likes: 11
From: Dawsonville, GA
If you are patient, you can find a good deal here in the classifieds section. I found a complete Stainless Works system for $900. The quality and fit are perfect. 
Nothing against the Chinese stuff... I just prefer something a little more rugged and American made.
Nothing against the Chinese stuff... I just prefer something a little more rugged and American made.
Last edited by Dragracer_Art; Mar 12, 2012 at 08:52 PM.
