aFe Pfadt headers
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 899
Likes: 209
From: Louisville KY
aFe Pfadt headers
I have not really done much with my 2008 C6 since I initially modified it in 2009 and am thinking about taking it another step. In 2009 I installed a Kooks 1 3/4 header system with cats, Milled the heads .022, did a high performance Serti valve job, used .010 thinner head gaskets, had the stock intake & TB ported, installed a spinmonster spec cam & valve train, installed a 10% UD balancer/pulley assembly, retained the stock dual mode mufflers.
I noticed recently that aFe has started offering the Pfadt headers again. I want to know if anyone did any back to back testing with this Pfadt tri-y system to compare the results to the other major Mfgs systems. If aFe is producing the same quality product as the original Pfadt system the build quality should be top notch. In addition to considering this product I am considering replacing the heads and in take manifold. I know it would be simpler to bolt a supercharger on but I like NA cars and am looking for suggestions.
I noticed recently that aFe has started offering the Pfadt headers again. I want to know if anyone did any back to back testing with this Pfadt tri-y system to compare the results to the other major Mfgs systems. If aFe is producing the same quality product as the original Pfadt system the build quality should be top notch. In addition to considering this product I am considering replacing the heads and in take manifold. I know it would be simpler to bolt a supercharger on but I like NA cars and am looking for suggestions.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,755
Likes: 190
From: Baton Rouge LA
St. Jude Donor '14, '16
I have not really done much with my 2008 C6 since I initially modified it in 2009 and am thinking about taking it another step. In 2009 I installed a Kooks 1 3/4 header system with cats, Milled the heads .022, did a high performance Serti valve job, used .010 thinner head gaskets, had the stock intake & TB ported, installed a spinmonster spec cam & valve train, installed a 10% UD balancer/pulley assembly, retained the stock dual mode mufflers.
I noticed recently that aFe has started offering the Pfadt headers again. I want to know if anyone did any back to back testing with this Pfadt tri-y system to compare the results to the other major Mfgs systems. If aFe is producing the same quality product as the original Pfadt system the build quality should be top notch. In addition to considering this product I am considering replacing the heads and in take manifold. I know it would be simpler to bolt a supercharger on but I like NA cars and am looking for suggestions.
I noticed recently that aFe has started offering the Pfadt headers again. I want to know if anyone did any back to back testing with this Pfadt tri-y system to compare the results to the other major Mfgs systems. If aFe is producing the same quality product as the original Pfadt system the build quality should be top notch. In addition to considering this product I am considering replacing the heads and in take manifold. I know it would be simpler to bolt a supercharger on but I like NA cars and am looking for suggestions.
Maybe you could get some trick flow heads or small bore ls7 heads if you're really dying to spend money on them.
Another option to keep yourself N/A and happy is to build yourself a stroker
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 876
Likes: 116
From: HOMESTEAD FL
If you already have a set of headers installed and everything is in good working order, I agree that it would not be worth the time or effort to swap them...
With that said, I installed the PFADT headers on my 2011 GS and they fit like a glove. They are truly a work of art both out and when installed. So in my opinion they are worth every penny and would be the better choice IF you where going from stock to Headers.
One feature I like about the TRI-Y is the fact that they are NOT as bulky at the bottom where the 4into1 headers merge. This means more clearance from the ground with the Tri-Ys over the 4 into 1 collectors. Less chance of a crushed or dented pipe from a bottom out... Again, this is mostly my opinion and I believe although the PFADT headers would give you an advantage the power gains would be minimal and not worth swapping out an existing set of headers.
Spend the money on a ATI Superdamper instead!
SPEED SAFE, NICK
With that said, I installed the PFADT headers on my 2011 GS and they fit like a glove. They are truly a work of art both out and when installed. So in my opinion they are worth every penny and would be the better choice IF you where going from stock to Headers.
One feature I like about the TRI-Y is the fact that they are NOT as bulky at the bottom where the 4into1 headers merge. This means more clearance from the ground with the Tri-Ys over the 4 into 1 collectors. Less chance of a crushed or dented pipe from a bottom out... Again, this is mostly my opinion and I believe although the PFADT headers would give you an advantage the power gains would be minimal and not worth swapping out an existing set of headers.
Spend the money on a ATI Superdamper instead!
SPEED SAFE, NICK
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 8,434
Likes: 411
From: Texas
What is your hp level currently?
Your upgrade options are sorry of limited as far as bang for the buck. The Vararam manifold, flex fuel conversion, 418 ci engine, Mamo TF heads, 1 7/8" headers, gears, etc...
Your upgrade options are sorry of limited as far as bang for the buck. The Vararam manifold, flex fuel conversion, 418 ci engine, Mamo TF heads, 1 7/8" headers, gears, etc...
Last edited by Suns_PSD; Dec 31, 2015 at 07:56 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 899
Likes: 209
From: Louisville KY
Not looking to set any records as this is strictly a street car. I would like to get to a solid 530 to 540 corrected, NA, RWHP without screwing up the decent street manners this car has. I don't drive the car a lot because of extensive travel (12,000 miles since it was modified in 2009). I suspect a set of Mamo ported TF heads and a Mamo ported Fast intake would get me there or close. I just don't know if the existing 1-3/4 Kooks headers with cats and the stock C6 dual mode mufflers will support another 40 HP.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 8,434
Likes: 411
From: Texas
The 1.75" headers are a problem for the power levels you are shooting for. The fast intake is a complete waste of money on the ls3. Vararam I'm talking about is a manifold ( similar to a fast). It's being touted as giving 25+ hp. if I had your car I would probably go to the 4 inch crank for a 418 cubic inch engine, CNC port the stock heads, and check out the Vararam manifold. All of that should give you about 50-60 horsepower but more importantly the torque and midrange will go up through the roof because of the big bore. And you should be able to do all of that for about seven grand. I have similar mods to you, and unfortunately the cost of each horsepower from here on out gets really expensive.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 8,434
Likes: 411
From: Texas
My plan is I am removing my ls7 manifolds and I am replacing them with one and seven eighths Kooks, I'm adding the Vararam manifold, I'm CNC porting the OEM heads, and we're going to do a flex fuel conversion. It should take me from my current 450 horse to somewhere around 500-510 rwhp.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 8,434
Likes: 411
From: Texas
As far as your original question about swapping headers to Pfadtd in an attempt to gain power, I believe that would be a poor use of money, you would be better off moving to a 1 7/8 Kooks headers. At the power levels you are talking about it should be good for a solid 15 extra horsepower. As far as your stock NPP even with the 2.5 inch inlet that should not be a hindrance when it's in the open position is what I have been told. Some even say the 2.5" makes more power than the 3" systems.
Last edited by Suns_PSD; Dec 31, 2015 at 10:11 PM.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 899
Likes: 209
From: Louisville KY
As far as your original question about swapping headers to Pfadtd in an attempt to gain power, I believe that would be a poor use of money, you would be better off moving to a 1 7/8 Kooks headers. At the power levels you are talking about it should be good for a solid 15 extra horsepower. As far as your stock NPP even with the 2.5 inch inlet that should not be a hindrance when it's in the open position is what I have been told. Some even say the 2.5" makes more power than the 3" systems.
Another problem is traction even at my current power level. I started out using widened 11 X 18 stock rear wheels with Nitto 555R tires which worked pretty well. When these were no longer available I bought a set of LG world sport wheels (11 X 19 rear & 10 X 18 front) and am now using Nitto Invos. Good for wear and decent traction but nowhere near the grip the Nitto 555R's had. Any suggestion on a 19" replacement that has the grip of the old 555R?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 899
Likes: 209
From: Louisville KY
My plan is I am removing my ls7 manifolds and I am replacing them with one and seven eighths Kooks, I'm adding the Vararam manifold, I'm CNC porting the OEM heads, and we're going to do a flex fuel conversion. It should take me from my current 450 horse to somewhere around 500-510 rwhp.
Edit: I stand corrected as the LG super ram is now available. Like I said I have been off the forum for quite a while.
The 416 stroker is looking more & more attractive with some supporting modifications. Need to do more research.
Last edited by jstewart; Jan 1, 2016 at 11:54 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 8,434
Likes: 411
From: Texas
Who are you going to use for CNC porting on C6 heads? I could not find anyone back in 2010 who could verify that the Fast manifold for the LS3 made any meaningful difference over a properly ported LS3 stock intake. I have not been around the forum for several years so I didn't know if anything had changed concerning the LS3 Fast.
Another problem is traction even at my current power level. I started out using widened 11 X 18 stock rear wheels with Nitto 555R tires which worked pretty well. When these were no longer available I bought a set of LG world sport wheels (11 X 19 rear & 10 X 18 front) and am now using Nitto Invos. Good for wear and decent traction but nowhere near the grip the Nitto 555R's had. Any suggestion on a 19" replacement that has the grip of the old 555R?
Another problem is traction even at my current power level. I started out using widened 11 X 18 stock rear wheels with Nitto 555R tires which worked pretty well. When these were no longer available I bought a set of LG world sport wheels (11 X 19 rear & 10 X 18 front) and am now using Nitto Invos. Good for wear and decent traction but nowhere near the grip the Nitto 555R's had. Any suggestion on a 19" replacement that has the grip of the old 555R?
I have a mini tub with 345 tires on 12.5" wheels. Use the Toyo R888s. They stick really well and will last plenty long for your mileage.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton Alberta
I have not really done much with my 2008 C6 since I initially modified it in 2009 and am thinking about taking it another step. In 2009 I installed a Kooks 1 3/4 header system with cats, Milled the heads .022, did a high performance Serti valve job, used .010 thinner head gaskets, had the stock intake & TB ported, installed a spinmonster spec cam & valve train, installed a 10% UD balancer/pulley assembly, retained the stock dual mode mufflers.
I noticed recently that aFe has started offering the Pfadt headers again. I want to know if anyone did any back to back testing with this Pfadt tri-y system to compare the results to the other major Mfgs systems. If aFe is producing the same quality product as the original Pfadt system the build quality should be top notch. In addition to considering this product I am considering replacing the heads and in take manifold. I know it would be simpler to bolt a supercharger on but I like NA cars and am looking for suggestions.
I noticed recently that aFe has started offering the Pfadt headers again. I want to know if anyone did any back to back testing with this Pfadt tri-y system to compare the results to the other major Mfgs systems. If aFe is producing the same quality product as the original Pfadt system the build quality should be top notch. In addition to considering this product I am considering replacing the heads and in take manifold. I know it would be simpler to bolt a supercharger on but I like NA cars and am looking for suggestions.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 24,035
Likes: 2,342
From: Gilbert AZ
Every single tri-y to solid 4-1 comparison I've seen gained plenty of power everywhere. Tri-ys are tuned fora specific combo/engine camshaft. On a bone stock car they can make more low end, or if you have a set built specifically for you motor/combo, otherwise I've seen ARH/Kooks gain 7-8rwhp and power everywhere over pfadts time and time again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,685
From: Southeast TX
You've reached the point where a little more power is going to cost a lot more....unless you add forced induction. Do you think you can really feel 30 or 40 more hp? It will show up on the dyno and barely noticeable at the strip. With 10psi and meth, you can skip the 5 and 600 hp levels, and go straight to 700+. That, you can notice.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 899
Likes: 209
From: Louisville KY
You've reached the point where a little more power is going to cost a lot more....unless you add forced induction. Do you think you can really feel 30 or 40 more hp? It will show up on the dyno and barely noticeable at the strip. With 10psi and meth, you can skip the 5 and 600 hp levels, and go straight to 700+. That, you can notice.
Last edited by jstewart; Apr 22, 2016 at 11:57 AM.