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Do different headers sound different?

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Old Oct 6, 2025 | 03:23 PM
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Default Do different headers sound different?

Say you have 3 Corvettes, red of course, let's say base C6s, and you replaced the exhaust system. Borla S-Type II 3" mufflers. 3" mid pipes, cats, all identical, but different brand headers. Kooks, AR, whatever. All of the headers are 2" X 3" long tubes.

Could a person discern a difference of the sound? Not necessarily which was which brand, but consistently identify A from B from C.

Last edited by SteveJewels; Oct 7, 2025 at 08:16 PM.
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Old Oct 6, 2025 | 05:36 PM
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I seriously doubt it.
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Old Oct 7, 2025 | 08:00 AM
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I suggest doing some research on header diameter, 2" is too large unless you want to lose low end torque.
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Old Oct 7, 2025 | 09:25 AM
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Keeping all variables the same, I also seriously doubt you'd be able to tell a difference between brands.

I also agree with Robert, unless you have F/I and/or are making big power, 2in are too big.

Feel free to give me a shout to discuss and/or for pricing on a set

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Old Oct 7, 2025 | 08:20 PM
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@FORZAMOTORWORKS

What size headers do you recommend for 1,000 WHP?
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Old Oct 8, 2025 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by SteveJewels
@FORZAMOTORWORKS

What size headers do you recommend for 1,000 WHP?
Usually 2in over 800ish
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Old Oct 8, 2025 | 12:42 PM
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I doubt it unless one was 1 3/4" and one was 2". I did notice a significant sound difference on my c5 between headers and an offroad h pipe, then switching to an offroad x pipe with the same catback.
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Old Oct 8, 2025 | 02:02 PM
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I changed exhaust on my C5 and afterward I added headers. Not difference in sound at all.
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Old Oct 8, 2025 | 05:02 PM
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I went from a Tri Y setup with much smaller primaries to a 2" longtube and it really didn't change the sound at all. My cats made it sound smoother with no cackle though.
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