What headers are best?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 35
Likes: 2
What headers are best?
So i have a 2008 Vette, auto. Im trying to put on some headers. Which do u guys recommend and where can i buy them? Like a trust worthy online store. Brand too plz? Thank u in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
When you ask for "best headers", it needs to include at least a few qualifications, such as materials, workmanship, ease of installation, fit, price, and a few others. Then you need to decide what primary tube size is best for the anticipated build, if you require cats, and what mufflers you desire.
But the first and most important thing before you start on the mod journey, is to define the reason you want to do it and the desired end point that you hope will fit your budget.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 100
From: Nova Scotia
Kooks and ARH seem to be the top 2, really can't go wrong wither either one. I decided on ARH because there were a few things I liked better about them, and I've been happy with them. If you do a search you could read for days
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 876
Likes: 116
From: HOMESTEAD FL
The Phadt headers are tough to beat as far as design, quality, fit and finish... the welds are amazing also.
Yes I am biased because I do have them on my GS however I looked at all of them before I made the plunge. The Tri-Y design in theory improves exhaust flow and also makes for nice clean fitment with no clearance issued. I also love the Vban clamps over the bolt clamps the other systems use. No matter what you chose, I highly recommend adding v-bands to them.
I have NOT done any back to back testing so I dont know they perform any better... Like most people I just assume they do.
SPEED SAFE, NICK
Yes I am biased because I do have them on my GS however I looked at all of them before I made the plunge. The Tri-Y design in theory improves exhaust flow and also makes for nice clean fitment with no clearance issued. I also love the Vban clamps over the bolt clamps the other systems use. No matter what you chose, I highly recommend adding v-bands to them.
I have NOT done any back to back testing so I dont know they perform any better... Like most people I just assume they do.
SPEED SAFE, NICK
Last edited by AIR_RAM; Nov 28, 2020 at 07:28 AM.
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,669
Likes: 1,849
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
I do recommend ARH. I had a set of AR headers and I had two problems with fitment. The passenger side header was so close to the frame pinch weld that I had to hammer the crap out of the flange to bend it out of the way for enough clearance (ARH even says this in their instructions). Sorry but if I have to cut or hammer on my car for your parts to fit, you did not do a good job designing your headers.
Second problem with ARH was that the transmission cooling lines on the passenger side touched the headers. I had to bend the lines a bit and even then they were still very close.
With my current Kooks, they fit perfect with no modifications to my car and there was plenty of clearance for everything. They are just better.
I would even recommend Pfadt over ARH. While I have never owned a set, the Pfadt tri-y's are works of art and the V-band connection they use for the header to mid-pipe connection is just awesome.
Second problem with ARH was that the transmission cooling lines on the passenger side touched the headers. I had to bend the lines a bit and even then they were still very close.
With my current Kooks, they fit perfect with no modifications to my car and there was plenty of clearance for everything. They are just better.
I would even recommend Pfadt over ARH. While I have never owned a set, the Pfadt tri-y's are works of art and the V-band connection they use for the header to mid-pipe connection is just awesome.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,685
From: Southeast TX
While I do admit the Pfadt AFE headers are very pretty, mine weren't a perfect fit by any means. I had to reposition one of the O2 sensor bungs and the clearance with the steering shaft was VERY close on the driver's side. Some had to "clearance" their primaries in that spot. I didn't have to take a hammer to a very pretty set of headers, but did have to weld on another O2 bung. I'm sure they've fixed those issues. This was from headers built in late 2013. About the time Pfadt went **** up. I actually felt fortunate that I even received the headers with all that was going on around that company.
Also, I don't think their 4/2/1 header design is the best power wise over a traditional 4/1 header design on a boosted LS. Maybe fine on a milder build. I have Kooks now on my current heads/cam build. Very happy with the power and fitment.
'
Also, I don't think their 4/2/1 header design is the best power wise over a traditional 4/1 header design on a boosted LS. Maybe fine on a milder build. I have Kooks now on my current heads/cam build. Very happy with the power and fitment.
'
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 215
From: Dallas, Tx
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 971
Likes: 235
From: Whitesburg Kentucky
I do recommend ARH. I had a set of AR headers and I had two problems with fitment. The passenger side header was so close to the frame pinch weld that I had to hammer the crap out of the flange to bend it out of the way for enough clearance (ARH even says this in their instructions). Sorry but if I have to cut or hammer on my car for your parts to fit, you did not do a good job designing your headers.
Second problem with ARH was that the transmission cooling lines on the passenger side touched the headers. I had to bend the lines a bit and even then they were still very close.
With my current Kooks, they fit perfect with no modifications to my car and there was plenty of clearance for everything. They are just better.
I would even recommend Pfadt over ARH. While I have never owned a set, the Pfadt tri-y's are works of art and the V-band connection they use for the header to mid-pipe connection is just awesome.
Second problem with ARH was that the transmission cooling lines on the passenger side touched the headers. I had to bend the lines a bit and even then they were still very close.
With my current Kooks, they fit perfect with no modifications to my car and there was plenty of clearance for everything. They are just better.
I would even recommend Pfadt over ARH. While I have never owned a set, the Pfadt tri-y's are works of art and the V-band connection they use for the header to mid-pipe connection is just awesome.
Last edited by Last 1; Nov 29, 2020 at 05:32 AM.
CF Community Team
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2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Kooks or American Racing Headers
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
My Pfadt headers are 7 1/2 years old, and other than discoloration from heat, they still look new (no rust, corrosion or leaks)
Attachment 48332920
Attachment 48332920
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 810
Likes: 188
From: andover mn
I have ARH on mine 1 7/8th, Had the starter wrapped when the headers were put on because they were close enough to the starter to make me think about problems. No issues since putting them on [2013] I think. Was going to put Phadts on but they were going through money problems when I was going to order them and not available when I needed them.
