Headers - Yes? No?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 560
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From: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Headers - Yes? No?
I have a 2016 Z51 M7. Will be installing a Magnuson Heartbeat 2300 supercharger this spring. Should be plenty of power for me and I am unlikely to do any further power modifications. My question is whether I should install headers along with the Maggie blower?
I understand that there will be a small power gain with headers but I am interested in learning how they might help keep the engine running cooler or more efficiently. Basically, I would like to know what are the benefits of headers on a supercharged Z51? Also, how do they affect the exhaust sound and NPP operation.
If I do go the header route it will be 1 7/8" ARH long tubes with cats.
Any thoughts would be appreciated - thanks!
I understand that there will be a small power gain with headers but I am interested in learning how they might help keep the engine running cooler or more efficiently. Basically, I would like to know what are the benefits of headers on a supercharged Z51? Also, how do they affect the exhaust sound and NPP operation.
If I do go the header route it will be 1 7/8" ARH long tubes with cats.
Any thoughts would be appreciated - thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,959
Likes: 2,641
From: Texas Hill Country
Headers make more power but the main deciding factor is your tolerance to noise. They are quite a bit louder and I never put headers on my daily driver but I always put headers on my non-daily drivers.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 407
From: Greer, SC
There may be a minor HP gain with your planned setup. The only reason I chose LT's because I like the sound of LT headers. To some, they are too loud. Don't expect a HP increase you can feel. The C7 stock manifold flow much better than C6 exhaust manifolds.
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,511
Likes: 22
From: Southern MD
LuckyGuy, running your Magnuson Heartbeat through your factory cats handicaps the power you could be making. The factory cats are restrictive as-is, add a blower to the mix and its even more air being pushed through them -- just bottles up the flow.
The car will be louder/deeper with the LT's but you can hook it up to your NPP and keep that functional.
Lastly, the tune from Magnuson isn't set up for supercharger plus longtubes/hfc's, so keep that in mind when tuning. Depending on how much boost you plan to run, bigger injectors may be in play as well.
The car will be louder/deeper with the LT's but you can hook it up to your NPP and keep that functional.
Lastly, the tune from Magnuson isn't set up for supercharger plus longtubes/hfc's, so keep that in mind when tuning. Depending on how much boost you plan to run, bigger injectors may be in play as well.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 495
Likes: 50
Headers will add hp and tq. Typically you will lose approximately a pound of boost with the addition of headers that will be less strain on the internals but net you a power increase even with less boost. The best part of them is the sound. Most exhaust systems for the C7 are high priced (way over priced if you ask me) especially if you keep the NPP functionality. The beauty of headers is they will net you more hp than a aftermarket exhaust and you can keep your npp. Dollar per hp they might not be the best mod but the sound of American muscle they release is priceless.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 2
I have an ECS supercharger with Kooks headers and X pipe with green cats,we left it stock from the cats back. I just returned from the Rolex in Daytona about a 400 mile trip each way. I love the sound when you get on it and it was not at all annoying on the trip. My NPP still functions as stock but is not required to keep the noise at an acceptable level
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Cruising
Joined: Jan 2016
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I have an ECS supercharger with Kooks headers and X pipe with green cats,we left it stock from the cats back. I just returned from the Rolex in Daytona about a 400 mile trip each way. I love the sound when you get on it and it was not at all annoying on the trip. My NPP still functions as stock but is not required to keep the noise at an acceptable level
the cutout still function well like a brand new one ?
i have some problem with the cutout i dont know if its programming issue or a fuse !
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 233
I have an ECS supercharger with Kooks headers and X pipe with green cats,we left it stock from the cats back. I just returned from the Rolex in Daytona about a 400 mile trip each way. I love the sound when you get on it and it was not at all annoying on the trip. My NPP still functions as stock but is not required to keep the noise at an acceptable level
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 80
Likes: 17
From: Fort Worth Texas
I have the Magnuson on C7 with 1 7/8" TSP headers and catted x-pipe, coupled with the NPP and love the performance and sound. No issues with overheating, which was a big part of my reason for the long tube headers and enables me to get all the performance the Magnuson provides. Common sense tells me that forcing all that air into the engine is going to be compromised if it can't free flow thru the headers. One last thought- I'm probably in the upper tier in age on this forum and I think the aggressive sound from the headers matches the car's performance. Also, surprisingly mild tone for highway driving.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 2
I am letting up on the gas and the revs drop.
Pete
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 2
Pete
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,959
Likes: 2,641
From: Texas Hill Country
Fuel is in exhaust fumes so.....yes.
BTW, I bet my paycheck there are plenty of cars in NC without cats.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exhaust_gas
Fuel is in exhaust fumes so.....yes.
BTW, I bet my paycheck there are plenty of cars in NC without cats.
Fuel is in exhaust fumes so.....yes.
BTW, I bet my paycheck there are plenty of cars in NC without cats.
Pete
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,959
Likes: 2,641
From: Texas Hill Country
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 43
Likes: 3
im having alot of work done on my 16 2lt. i went with tsp longtubes and catless x pipe. i was told not to worry about inspections AT ALL. its all in the custom tune. has anyone been told the same? I live in texas.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,959
Likes: 2,641
From: Texas Hill Country
depends on the county. some are visual and some just make sure there is no CEL.