C7 Tech/Performance Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Direct fit headers

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 11, 2020 | 04:42 PM
  #1  
cstapp99's Avatar
cstapp99
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 409
Likes: 91
Default Direct fit headers

I've tried searching but no luck. I'm researching headers and it seems like there are now a few options for sets that will bolt up to the factory mid pipe. I know the ARH mid-length will work, but it also looks like Billy Boat FCOR-0655 and Corsa long tubes will bolt up to the factory mid-pipe.

My thought process is that both of those companies sell mid pipes that will bolt up to the factory manifold system. So if their mid pipes are geometrically the same as the OE mid pipe, their headers should bold up to the OE mid.

Can anyone confirm?

Thanks
Reply
Old May 11, 2020 | 07:47 PM
  #2  
Internets_Ninja's Avatar
Internets_Ninja
Safety Car
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,476
From: South Florida
Default

No long tube system will BOLT up to the factory mid pipe. ARH Mids or AFE Catpipes are the only option that I know of if you wish to retain your factory bolt in mid pipe. Any Longtubes that say they attach to the factory midpipe require cutting the midpipe. Long tube systems always come with their own midpipe that replaces the factory midpipe and bolts up to the factory catback.
Reply
Old May 11, 2020 | 08:22 PM
  #3  
cstapp99's Avatar
cstapp99
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 409
Likes: 91
Default

Originally Posted by Internets_Ninja
No long tube system will BOLT up to the factory mid pipe. ARH Mids or AFE Catpipes are the only option that I know of if you wish to retain your factory bolt in mid pipe. Any Longtubes that say they attach to the factory midpipe require cutting the midpipe. Long tube systems always come with their own midpipe that replaces the factory midpipe and bolts up to the factory catback.
I appreciate the feedback, but I’m really hoping to connect with someone who’s used either the Corsa or BBE headers. If the mid pipes from these companies will bolt up to the factory manifolds and down pipes without modifications, and it seems they will, there’s no reason to think the flip side wouldn’t work also.

Last edited by cstapp99; May 11, 2020 at 08:22 PM.
Reply
Old May 12, 2020 | 12:11 AM
  #4  
Avanti's Avatar
Avanti
Race Director
25 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,941
Likes: 6,743
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
Default

Why not simply ask the manufacturers of interest?
Reply
Old May 12, 2020 | 08:22 AM
  #5  
cstapp99's Avatar
cstapp99
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 409
Likes: 91
Default

Originally Posted by Avanti
Why not simply ask the manufacturers of interest?
I do plan to call them, but most times when you call them you end up with someone on the other end of the phone who has no experience actually installing the products in a real world application. I”m hoping someone can discuss issues such as fit and ground clearance.
Reply
Old May 12, 2020 | 09:35 AM
  #6  
Internets_Ninja's Avatar
Internets_Ninja
Safety Car
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,476
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by cstapp99
I appreciate the feedback, but I’m really hoping to connect with someone who’s used either the Corsa or BBE headers. If the mid pipes from these companies will bolt up to the factory manifolds and down pipes without modifications, and it seems they will, there’s no reason to think the flip side wouldn’t work also.

Long Tube headers will not bolt up to the factory mid pipe so your thinking is incorrect. I've stated fact whether you like it or not. ARH MID-LENGTH Headers will bolt to the factory mid pipe. Long Tubes simple end up being longer than the factory manifolds plus cat pipes. I've tuned and modified numerous C7's, my information is accurate.
Reply
Old May 12, 2020 | 09:49 AM
  #7  
cstapp99's Avatar
cstapp99
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 409
Likes: 91
Default

Originally Posted by Internets_Ninja
Long Tube headers will not bolt up to the factory mid pipe so your thinking is incorrect. I've stated fact whether you like it or not. ARH MID-LENGTH Headers will bolt to the factory mid pipe. Long Tubes simple end up being longer than the factory manifolds plus cat pipes. I've tuned and modified numerous C7's, my information is accurate.
OK Ninja. Someone should probably tell the thousands of people who have purchased the Corsa and Borla X-pipe and bolted it right up to their factory manifold pipes...but whatever you say. Thanks for the "help."
Reply
Old May 12, 2020 | 09:51 AM
  #8  
Internets_Ninja's Avatar
Internets_Ninja
Safety Car
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,476
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by cstapp99
OK Ninja. Someone should probably tell the thousands of people who have purchased the Corsa and Borla X-pipe and bolted it right up to their factory manifold pipes...but whatever you say. Thanks for the "help."

I didn't say the Borla 60457 or Corsa Double Helix X pipe won't bolt up to the factory Manifold and primary cats. I've done that mod to Corvettes as well. But these aftermarket X pipes that bolt up to the factory manifolds are NOT the same X pipe that is sold with Long Tube headers. You specifically asked if their Long Tube headers would bolt to the factory mid pipe and they absolutely will not. The mid/X pipe that comes with Corsa Long tubes, OR ANY LONG TUBE system, is not the same X pipe that Borla, Corsa, AWE etc sell to replace the factory mid pipe which deletes the secondary cats. Actually, you can't even buy these anymore as Borla and Corsa discontinued them and I think AWE stopped production as well.


You can keep searching for the answer you want to hear but you will find that I am 100% correct. Good luck and hopefully you will accept the truth someday.

Last edited by Internets_Ninja; May 12, 2020 at 09:57 AM.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-6

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
Old May 12, 2020 | 11:07 AM
  #9  
cstapp99's Avatar
cstapp99
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 409
Likes: 91
Default

I've spoken to both Corsa and Billy Boat this morning. I failed to get the name of the Corsa rep. The gentleman I spoke to at BBE was Bill (maybe Mr. Boat himself, not sure.) I'll do my best to quote exactly what was said. The purpose of this post is not to try and engage in any argument but rather to help other people who may happen upon this post later in search of the same info I was.

Corsa:
Q: Will your long-tube headers part #16004 bolt up to the factory mid pipe with no modifications?
A: Yes, those headers were built to mate directly to our X pipe, but our X pipe is dimensionally the same as the factory mid pipe, so they will mate up fine.

Billy Boat:
Q: Will your long-tube headers part #FCOR-0655 bolt up to the factory mid pipe with no modificaitons?
A: Yes, those headers are made to bolt up to the factory mid pipe.

Follow up Q: Are there any issues with ground clearance with these headers?
A: No, they are a tri-Y design and are tucked up nicely inside the tunnel.

Last edited by cstapp99; May 12, 2020 at 11:08 AM.
Reply
Old May 12, 2020 | 03:45 PM
  #10  
Internets_Ninja's Avatar
Internets_Ninja
Safety Car
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,476
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by cstapp99
I've spoken to both Corsa and Billy Boat this morning. I failed to get the name of the Corsa rep. The gentleman I spoke to at BBE was Bill (maybe Mr. Boat himself, not sure.) I'll do my best to quote exactly what was said. The purpose of this post is not to try and engage in any argument but rather to help other people who may happen upon this post later in search of the same info I was.

Corsa:
Q: Will your long-tube headers part #16004 bolt up to the factory mid pipe with no modifications?
A: Yes, those headers were built to mate directly to our X pipe, but our X pipe is dimensionally the same as the factory mid pipe, so they will mate up fine.

Billy Boat:
Q: Will your long-tube headers part #FCOR-0655 bolt up to the factory mid pipe with no modificaitons?
A: Yes, those headers are made to bolt up to the factory mid pipe.

Follow up Q: Are there any issues with ground clearance with these headers?
A: No, they are a tri-Y design and are tucked up nicely inside the tunnel.

You know what, I stand corrected. Sorta. I don't consider these true long tube systems even though they are marketed that way. ARH, Kooks, TSP have longer primaries and would never match up to the stock mid pipe. These manufactures(Corsa/BB) do claim these "long tubes" bolt up to factory spec xpipes though. I wish they would advertise their primary length though. Either must be shorter than true long tubes and/or drop down lower than a typical long tube system.

TBH though, I still think there is some trickery by the manufactures. I have read some sites that say they will bolt up to a Corsa Xpipe or an OEM x pipe with adapters. And Billy boat says it removes the CATS which there are 4. 2 of those CATs are in the X pipe. So these words make me think you have to cut the OEM xpipe after the cats and use band clamps with adapters to mate either one of these headers to the OEM or OEM dimension X pipe.

Dimension-ally speaking, and true long tube systems will be too long for OEM Xpipe. But if you find out something for certain, by all means please post it. This is a place for information and I support the correct info even if it means I am wrong from time to time.

Last edited by Internets_Ninja; May 12, 2020 at 03:51 PM.
Reply
Old May 12, 2020 | 05:13 PM
  #11  
RogerRamjet21's Avatar
RogerRamjet21
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 650
Likes: 219
From: Lake Worth FL
Default

Originally Posted by Internets_Ninja
You know what, I stand corrected. Sorta. I don't consider these true long tube systems even though they are marketed that way. ARH, Kooks, TSP have longer primaries and would never match up to the stock mid pipe. These manufactures(Corsa/BB) do claim these "long tubes" bolt up to factory spec xpipes though. I wish they would advertise their primary length though. Either must be shorter than true long tubes and/or drop down lower than a typical long tube system.

TBH though, I still think there is some trickery by the manufactures. I have read some sites that say they will bolt up to a Corsa Xpipe or an OEM x pipe with adapters. And Billy boat says it removes the CATS which there are 4. 2 of those CATs are in the X pipe. So these words make me think you have to cut the OEM xpipe after the cats and use band clamps with adapters to mate either one of these headers to the OEM or OEM dimension X pipe.

Dimension-ally speaking, and true long tube systems will be too long for OEM Xpipe. But if you find out something for certain, by all means please post it. This is a place for information and I support the correct info even if it means I am wrong from time to time.
I looked up the Corsa system above on a few seller sites and they have this text: "Only Fits Corsa X-pipes".
True long tube headers will not fit the stock x without modification.
Reply
Old May 12, 2020 | 06:14 PM
  #12  
cstapp99's Avatar
cstapp99
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 409
Likes: 91
Default

Originally Posted by RogerRamjet21
I looked up the Corsa system above on a few seller sites and they have this text: "Only Fits Corsa X-pipes".
True long tube headers will not fit the stock x without modification.
Roger, if in doubt, call them. I suppose they'll tell you exactly what they told me. You can't believe everything you read on the internet. The fact remains that the Corsa X pipe is dimensionally the same as the OEM X pipe.

Regardless, I decided go with the full ARH system after all the research. I liked the cost savings of the "mid length" systems, but ultimately I decided to do it right.
Reply
Old May 12, 2020 | 07:39 PM
  #13  
RogerRamjet21's Avatar
RogerRamjet21
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 650
Likes: 219
From: Lake Worth FL
Default

Originally Posted by cstapp99
Roger, if in doubt, call them. I suppose they'll tell you exactly what they told me. You can't believe everything you read on the internet. The fact remains that the Corsa X pipe is dimensionally the same as the OEM X pipe.

Regardless, I decided go with the full ARH system after all the research. I liked the cost savings of the "mid length" systems, but ultimately I decided to do it right.
If they fit the stock x, they are mid length. You will see when you receive the ARH X that it is shorter than the stock unit. They can call them long tube if they want, but check the difference for yourself. You can't always believe what you read on the internet you know (or what some companies will tell you).
Reply
Old May 13, 2020 | 10:39 AM
  #14  
Internets_Ninja's Avatar
Internets_Ninja
Safety Car
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,476
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by cstapp99
Roger, if in doubt, call them. I suppose they'll tell you exactly what they told me. You can't believe everything you read on the internet. The fact remains that the Corsa X pipe is dimensionally the same as the OEM X pipe.

Regardless, I decided go with the full ARH system after all the research. I liked the cost savings of the "mid length" systems, but ultimately I decided to do it right.
Congrats, that is actually the best choice you could have made.

Originally Posted by RogerRamjet21
If they fit the stock x, they are mid length. You will see when you receive the ARH X that it is shorter than the stock unit. They can call them long tube if they want, but check the difference for yourself. You can't always believe what you read on the internet you know (or what some companies will tell you).
These companies that say "Bolt on Long Tubes" are almost certainly requiring you to cut your factory midpipe after the secondary CATs. And since they connect with slip fit and band clamps they call it "bolt on". Otherwise there is NO WAY they are actually Long Tubes.

Last edited by Internets_Ninja; May 13, 2020 at 10:39 AM.
Reply
Old May 13, 2020 | 01:38 PM
  #15  
MerakiAutoworks's Avatar
MerakiAutoworks
Supporting Vendor
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 81,873
Likes: 717
From: Orange County, CA
Default

Let us know if you want pricing on the ARH or the Corsa, we've sold Corsa #16004 to stock and aftermarket midpipes so I know they work.

-Josh
Reply
Old May 13, 2020 | 03:54 PM
  #16  
Internets_Ninja's Avatar
Internets_Ninja
Safety Car
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,476
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by MerakiAutoworks
Let us know if you want pricing on the ARH or the Corsa, we've sold Corsa #16004 to stock and aftermarket midpipes so I know they work.

-Josh
Does the stock midpipe require cutting?
Reply
Old May 13, 2020 | 08:41 PM
  #17  
MerakiAutoworks's Avatar
MerakiAutoworks
Supporting Vendor
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 81,873
Likes: 717
From: Orange County, CA
Default

Originally Posted by Internets_Ninja
Does the stock midpipe require cutting?
It would not.

-Josh
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Direct fit headers

Old May 29, 2020 | 08:56 PM
  #18  
cstapp99's Avatar
cstapp99
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 409
Likes: 91
Default

Originally Posted by Internets_Ninja
You know what, I stand corrected. Sorta. I don't consider these true long tube systems even though they are marketed that way. ARH, Kooks, TSP have longer primaries and would never match up to the stock mid pipe. These manufactures(Corsa/BB) do claim these "long tubes" bolt up to factory spec xpipes though. I wish they would advertise their primary length though. Either must be shorter than true long tubes and/or drop down lower than a typical long tube system.

TBH though, I still think there is some trickery by the manufactures. I have read some sites that say they will bolt up to a Corsa Xpipe or an OEM x pipe with adapters. And Billy boat says it removes the CATS which there are 4. 2 of those CATs are in the X pipe. So these words make me think you have to cut the OEM xpipe after the cats and use band clamps with adapters to mate either one of these headers to the OEM or OEM dimension X pipe.

Dimension-ally speaking, and true long tube systems will be too long for OEM Xpipe. But if you find out something for certain, by all means please post it. This is a place for information and I support the correct info even if it means I am wrong from time to time.
So I pray this doesn’t come across as me being argumentative. That’s not my intent at all, but I realize how valuable these forums are for people like me searching for good and reliable information. My ARH long tube system came in today. After looking at the system, it’s not fair at all to say that any system that is designed to bolt directly to the factory mid pipe should be considered a mid-length header. In fact, the primaries on the ARH headers are not quite as long as those on the Corsa or BBE headers. I say that because the collectors for the ARH system are closer to the engine than the collectors will be for any system designed to mate up to the factory mid pipe.

So for anyone considering a decent set of headers that will allow you to use your factory X pipe with the secondary cats in place, don’t worry about the Corsa 16004 or the BBE equivalent being mid-length headers. Their primaries are every bit as long if not longer than top-tier systems like ARH. Ive attached a photo of the factory manifold/cat pipe section compared to the ARH primary section for reference.


Reply
Old May 30, 2020 | 02:06 PM
  #19  
Internets_Ninja's Avatar
Internets_Ninja
Safety Car
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,476
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by cstapp99
So I pray this doesn’t come across as me being argumentative. That’s not my intent at all, but I realize how valuable these forums are for people like me searching for good and reliable information. My ARH long tube system came in today. After looking at the system, it’s not fair at all to say that any system that is designed to bolt directly to the factory mid pipe should be considered a mid-length header. In fact, the primaries on the ARH headers are not quite as long as those on the Corsa or BBE headers. I say that because the collectors for the ARH system are closer to the engine than the collectors will be for any system designed to mate up to the factory mid pipe.

So for anyone considering a decent set of headers that will allow you to use your factory X pipe with the secondary cats in place, don’t worry about the Corsa 16004 or the BBE equivalent being mid-length headers. Their primaries are every bit as long if not longer than top-tier systems like ARH. Ive attached a photo of the factory manifold/cat pipe section compared to the ARH primary section for reference.

Thank you for confirming. I can admit when wrong and appreciate that I learned something new today.
Reply
Old May 30, 2020 | 04:08 PM
  #20  
RogerRamjet21's Avatar
RogerRamjet21
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 650
Likes: 219
From: Lake Worth FL
Default

Originally Posted by Internets_Ninja
Thank you for confirming. I can admit when wrong and appreciate that I learned something new today.
I'm with you, didn't think these were a thing, but learned that they are. Thanks to the OP for updating the thread!
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:08 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-1
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE