For black friday I decided to go ahead and order a set of headers for my Z06. I had a set of cheap Speed Engineering headers on my old C5, and while I did have a few minor issues with those, the overall quality of them was not bad at all. Anyways, the cheap, beat up old C5 got cheap headers. Now it's only right that the much nicer and more expensive C7Z gets a nice set. So after much research, the forum swayed me into picking up the ARH Headers.

I got them today, and I'm not exactly excited about them. The headers themselves seem like pretty decent quality, but one of them has a dent in one of the primarys, right by the collector. I'm not 100% sure this is a defect though? Maybe it's intentional for fitment with the 2" primarys? It's a bit hard to see in the pictures, but if you look closely you can see where the bottom primary is dented in right at the collector. The real concern I have is with the X-pipe. The welds and everything are just god awful. The pictures below do not do it justice. I looked inside and literally said "What the ****..?" It's hard to tell, but it is extremely jagged, and quite unsymmetrical. It looks like the two pipes had the crossover port cut into them separately and then were sloppily welded together, but it looks like they weren't perfectly lined up before they were welded. Also, the O2 sensor bung threads on the X-pipe are jacked up. The X-pipe just all around seems very crude and unfinished. I'm sure technically they would work just fine, I just know that the X-pipe that came with the $450 Speed Engineering headers looked so much better than this. For $2000 I kinda expected better

If anyone who has also had a set of ARH headers could pitch in their thoughts. How did yours look compared to these? Is the dent on the primary on the passenger side normal? Am I being too picky or should I contact LMPerformace, who I ordered them from? Or maybe go directly to ARH? If the dent on the primary is normal, I may ask if it's possible to just exchange the X-pipe.

​​​​​​Looking into the X-pipe

 

I have a set of 2” ARH long tubes and that doesn’t look normal. I didnt have the dent and dont remember it looking that restricted at the merge.

 

I have ARH, I am very picky and they are well made. The dent on the passenger side just forward of the collector is for clearance issues. The picture of the X-pipe welding does not look good, mine did not look like that. Maybe it just the picture, can post another pic.

 

I would contact ARH and speak with them. If that is the weld that in joining the pipes at the X then its no big deal at all. It is not there for flow, just to even the exhaust pulses out as they pass each other. The dents look like jig/bending marks. If you're not happy, ARH is a stand up company and will work with you to assist.

 

Damn, I just ordered a set. Hope mine come in good

 

Hope they do as well. However, I can say that ARH has reached out to me and is making it right. They told me that with some of their models they are purposely dented for fitment reasons, especially with the 2" primarys. However, he is checking into that just to double check that these specific headers are in fact supposed to be dented, and if not they will be taking care of it. The X-pipe he agreed was an issue, and it sounds like they will be taking care of that also.

So far, it sounds like they take care of their customers.

 

I have used ARH on several vehicles, including my C7 ZR1. I have NEVER had an issue with them. I would've contacted Sal at ARH before posting something publicly and given him a chance to square it away. I have no doubt ARH would have taken care of any problems, real or perceived..

 

I have mid-length ARH headers with high flow cats and overall happy with the quality of the build and fitment. The only issue I had was the flange came loose multiple times after heat cycles and caused a bad/loud leak.

 

I've seen this happen with overtightening the flanges unevenly. They both have to be tightened equally and not with all your might. 36-40ft lbs is plenty.

 

Give ARH a call and they'll make it right. This day an age companies are running behind and that probably slipped past qc.

 

Perfect timing on this thread...I’m seriously considering getting a set. Who do you buy them through - Summit Racing? It also sounds like you guys are doing your own install. I can’t do that so what should I expect my local Corvette shop to quote me?

 

Why not take your concerns up with the vendor? Just curious since that's where I'd have started. Good luck, in any event.

 

I got a set of 2” for my z06 and I have the same dent, I’m still running then since they shouldn’t impede with performance.

 

following , I myself am interested in a set of 2 inch arh headers

 

I got the headers coated and finally got around to installing them..... and woowww. These headers are worth every penny. They went in without any drama or any major friction points. And they fit like a glove with good clearance all around, which is incredible considering they are 2” headers.

but the dent is there to clear the starter. Gives your about a 1/4in clearance.

Tip - install the headers and leave the passenger side loose, then attach the x pipe. I used a trusty swiffer to hold things in place.

 

didnt realize a swiffer is an automotive tool! lol
i do have mine in my garage come to think about it, i knew here was a reason.
nice looking install

 

I just installed the headers but the x pipe dont fit? Did I do something wrong? Was I suppposed to leave a header loose? I already buttoned them up? Need Help Thanks

 

3+ years old

 

@corvet786c
Yes you need to leave everything loose till you get everything installed and then start tightening up starting at the header flanges bolts working your way back aligning and tightening as you go . Pay particular attention to the alignment of the x pipe and mufflers so you don't end up with rattles. Also make sure you secure the o2 sensor wires

Dave

 

I use a pry bar to slightly flex the header and the x-pipe slides into place.