SPDKLZ1

Thanks for the assistance everyone. Now I'm thinking of leaving the stock x-pipe and purchasing the Billy Boat headers that bolt right up to the stock
​ system, saving me about a grand over an ARH system. I know AR is the "gold standard" but that's a lot of paper saved! If anyone has a good reason to talk me out of it, please do. 2013 ZO6

Thanks, Jesse

MTPZ06

Nope, if you're good with running cat-less, then I'd probably do the same. Are you leaving some HP on the table...perhaps. But that $1K could make up that HP and then some elsewhere.

SPDKLZ1

MTPZ06

That's right...you have the secondary cats in your mid-pipe. Just make sure the B&B's in fact bolt up to the 12/13 mid-pipe, as there is a slight difference in lengths between 06-11 and 12-13 mid pipes. I never looked to see if B&B made an adjustment for that.

SPDKLZ1

Yeah, I'll call Billy Boat tomorrow if they're open. Hopefully they'll work. They, Southern Car Parts, and others advertise fitment for 06-13 and in the description talk about bolting right up to the stock system.

MTPZ06

Yeah, but they wont work for all years unless B&B made an adjustment.

Below is an aftermarket mid-pipe (Akra) for the 06-11 models trying to mate up to a 2012 C6Z. You can see the OE '12 Cats/Manifolds extend further back than the 06-11's. What does this mean for you? you'll have about a 1.5"-2" gap between the B&B's and your mid-pipe if B&B didn't adjust for this. Now can a muffler shop cut/weld to extend the necks on your mid-pipe...yes, easily. Either way, wouldn't worry to much. Might just be some light fab work and a couple extra bucks, rather than a straight bolt on. Nothing to lose sleep over IMO...

SPDKLZ1

Thanks for the picture MTP. Hopefully they have adjusted for the difference by now or I would think there would be a lot of unhappy people out there. As you say tho, not a huge deal!

Unreal

Rather run some Hinson, or JBA headers with X than B&B.

meinersk

Stock throttle body going to hold you back with ported msd....102 way bigger then ported stock..i just bought 102 nw for 400 dollars here....dont pay for stock tb port...they prob wont port much anyway..

SPDKLZ1

Thanks

SPDKLZ1

Decisions decisions. I guess I'll post a WTB thread on here for a 102mm TB.

MTPZ06

If you consider JBA, which is a good alternative to some of the higher priced brands...check out Maryland Speeds website for the pricing I've ever seen on them.

SPDKLZ1

Can you elaborate/explain your reasoning?

SPDKLZ1

I appreciate the price tip, but I just learned JBA is made of 409 stainless steel. No thanks! And I have zero desire to coat my headers.

MTPZ06

They have an uncoated 304 setup for the C6Z as well...but yes, it's more expensive.

SPDKLZ1

Ok. I guess I'm just confused with unreal's helpful comment about going with Hinson or JBA. Others may also chime in and say they'd rather stick with stock than go aftermarket. It doesnt really help my decision much.

I like the fact the Billy Boats are 304 SS, they can bolt right up to my x-pipe, and are $800-1000 cheaper than the leading aftermarket header systems. I'm totally fine leaving 3-4 hp on the table with the BB over AR or Kooks. Like MTP said, I'll have extra cash to get a 102mm tb or something else and still have money in my pocket. Your thoughts, MTP?

outhouse

Your only talking 3-4 HP difference between ported stock and 102, and you can port your TB pretty easily in a few hours.


My ported stock TB on a ported MSD does just fine.

Unreal

Never been impressed with B&B stuff. You can get headers/x-pipe for same price as B&B that outperform them so why mess with the B&B stuff.

Ported TB is fine. 102 is worth 4-7hp.

MTPZ06

I think B&B makes nice stuff...but yes, a tad pricey. As for the Hinson LT's, I haven't seen a lot of reviews and/or builds. Look decent...I believe the mid-pipe is mild steel to keep the cost down. If it's me, I go B&B...but opinions may vary.

SPDKLZ1

Thanks for your input gentleman. First mod ordered! BTR Stage 2 cam on a Cam Motion 8620 stick.