AFE headers? Anyone seeing real gains?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 10,709
Likes: 7,102
From: Fulshear, TX
I have 'em...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...port-cats.html
Tri-Y design, excellent gains under the curve, especially mid-range. Fitment was spot-on perfect. They include new hardware and OEM gaskets for a simple bolt-on install.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...port-cats.html
Tri-Y design, excellent gains under the curve, especially mid-range. Fitment was spot-on perfect. They include new hardware and OEM gaskets for a simple bolt-on install.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 145
Likes: 56
From: Republic of Texas
I ordered these in April and the delivery date kept getting pushed back, so I just cancelled last week.
Many say the gains are minimal on the dyno. It seems like this may only be worth the time and money if you do other engine work, with a tune. The stock tune pulls timing around 210 degrees (from what I've read here), so any real gains could be lost.
That's the main reason I decided to cancel. I decided on a cat-back to go with my sport cats, mainly to reduce weight and possibly gain a few ponies.
I know Kracka loves his, but I don't think headers alone are worth it.
Many say the gains are minimal on the dyno. It seems like this may only be worth the time and money if you do other engine work, with a tune. The stock tune pulls timing around 210 degrees (from what I've read here), so any real gains could be lost.
That's the main reason I decided to cancel. I decided on a cat-back to go with my sport cats, mainly to reduce weight and possibly gain a few ponies.
I know Kracka loves his, but I don't think headers alone are worth it.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 738
Likes: 116
From: Marysville Wa.
I’ve decided to go with ARH headers. With nice midrange gains dyno proven up to 37hp mid range, and 17hp peak. Thanks for everyone pitching in info. I’ve always been able to get great information from this forum! 🍻
Last edited by captainbob; Aug 6, 2024 at 06:18 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,266
Likes: 549
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 738
Likes: 116
From: Marysville Wa.
If you are installing a FI unit ie; supercharger headers will definitely improve hp, and performance. If you purchase the right headers. I’m impressed with the east coast headers comparing side by side to factory. I’ll post some pics to show the differences. The wider collectors w spikes will provide better flow.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Purveyor of Common Sense
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,166
Likes: 628
From: Chicago Suburbs IL
St. Jude Donor '19
I agree. I have Paragon's equal length headers, Soler ported TB, ported IM, and Attack blue filter and other than some better throttle response, most likely from the Soler TB, I really can't feel much of a difference. It does add a little more deep sound to the exhaust. Didn't run any faster at the strip either compared to stock C8's. I do have stock cats and NPP exhaust. I've seen a video from ARH saying the stock cats are pretty good, and they saw no measurable gains with aftermarket cats with their headers.
Last edited by C7Me; Aug 19, 2024 at 12:12 PM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 392
Likes: 583
From: Philly
As someone with dozens of dyno pulls and about a hundred timeslips (as well as the quickest and fastest untuned NA LT2) I can safely say this; a proper header like ARH 100% makes a difference. It's true gains are hard to make on this platform, but they are there. You may only pick up a tenth here and there but a tenth is a car length at the end of the day.
I have done zero muffler testing but their is weight savings there.
I have tested 400 cell Gesi cats (4.5in face) and saw minimal gain on the dyno and zero difference of gain measuring 1/8 to 1/4 speed and e.t. at the dragstrip. Aftermarket cats and purely for sound, I have them only for that reason.
I have done zero muffler testing but their is weight savings there.
I have tested 400 cell Gesi cats (4.5in face) and saw minimal gain on the dyno and zero difference of gain measuring 1/8 to 1/4 speed and e.t. at the dragstrip. Aftermarket cats and purely for sound, I have them only for that reason.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,052
Likes: 889
From: Tampa Florida
Yeah, spot on Snowblind. I was thinking the same, about one tenth better for ARHs. And that's about 15 rwhp that they are speaking of on some dynos. But it seems like some people are expecting a miracle for just headers alone and no other supporting mods. ARHs, AFE Headers and Paragon headers are on my list because they are the only ones proven at the track and have dyno results.
Last edited by Fore58; Aug 16, 2024 at 08:53 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 738
Likes: 116
From: Marysville Wa.
Apparently my mechanic is the first to install the Magnuson supercharger kit in Wa. I believe he is having discussions about being a licensed installer for Magnuson. Everything is going well. Hopefully on the Dyno next week, and running a test run on the 1/4 strip next Friday.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 738
Likes: 116
From: Marysville Wa.
supposed to be bigger midrange gains, then top end. 30-35 mid, and 18-20 top end. I prefer the larger mid gains..
Last edited by captainbob; Aug 16, 2024 at 11:03 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 239
From: Colorado
I have 'em...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...port-cats.html
Tri-Y design, excellent gains under the curve, especially mid-range. Fitment was spot-on perfect. They include new hardware and OEM gaskets for a simple bolt-on install.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...port-cats.html
Tri-Y design, excellent gains under the curve, especially mid-range. Fitment was spot-on perfect. They include new hardware and OEM gaskets for a simple bolt-on install.