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[Z06] Do headers make sense for a bolt on only C6Z?

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Old Jan 13, 2008 | 10:35 PM
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Default Do headers make sense for a bolt on only C6Z?

why are some guys making as much or more power with a simple tune and cold air intake as those who have CAI,tune,and headers?

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Old Jan 13, 2008 | 10:43 PM
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ARH Headers: Let the force be with you!
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Old Jan 13, 2008 | 11:02 PM
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Originally Posted by OneSickZ06
ARH Headers: Let the force be with you!
they are nice headers for sure. i used to have a set.

my point is, when some can make the same or even a little higher power without headers and as those with headers on the same dyno, you gotta ask if the $1800 set of headers is worth it
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Old Jan 13, 2008 | 11:40 PM
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Originally Posted by 427Z
they are nice headers for sure. i used to have a set.

my point is, when some can make the same or even a little higher power without headers and as those with headers on the same dyno, you gotta ask if the $1800 set of headers is worth it
Top end numbers can be debatable. Mid range power increase can't. The headers really bring on the yank down low and mid range which is where you drive the car. This with a tune and CAI is a nice package.

Howard
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Old Jan 14, 2008 | 12:20 AM
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In order to take full advantage of the header you should get the intake ported, head work, and cam.
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Old Jan 14, 2008 | 12:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Redline Motorsports
Top end numbers can be debatable. Mid range power increase can't. The headers really bring on the yank down low and mid range which is where you drive the car. This with a tune and CAI is a nice package.

Howard
This is correct with respect to the mid-range. I noticed about an equal increase from the headers and the tune. Intake helps as well. Difference in sound and power is VERY NOTICEABLE from stock. My long tubes with Cats are LGMs as is teh tuning. The intake is K & N.

This is a controversial subject as you will discover when you do a search. Most of the naysayers are those that do not want to pop for the $1600 plus install for the headers. Get ready for a lot of "this dyno" vs. "that dyno" stuff and then make your own decision.

Headers are not Smog-certified in some states, so act in accordance with the laws of your state.
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Old Jan 14, 2008 | 01:18 AM
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Originally Posted by asian-winkie
In order to take full advantage of the header you should get the intake ported, head work, and cam.
Since the LS7 head is already one of the most sophisiticated in production, what gains would you look for in head work?
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Old Jan 14, 2008 | 01:35 AM
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We have installed close to 25 sets of headers on the LS7 and they all made big torque in the sweet spot. Not one didn't gain any power. Typical TQ with a tune is about 450-460. Headers get you to 478-485 and its through the curve. Yes a ported intake and TB brings the power up a bit. No real debate about this. We are doing a 06 and 08 this week. If I think about it I'll post the gains stock vs tune vs. headers. We have been baselining, tuning and then header install and fine tuning. This way the information is more conclusive. After 25+ cars you start seeing a pattern!

Howard
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Old Jan 14, 2008 | 04:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Gary2KC5
Since the LS7 head is already one of the most sophisiticated in production, what gains would you look for in head work?
IMHO I have disagree. Not that its bad intake. But pretty outdated technology. Most manufactures have switch to variable intake system. I think the next engine should incorperate variable intake manifold, direct injection, and varible cam. We should see minimum of 15-20% in fuel economy and another 50hp.

The reason you want all those thing done is simple. Bigger intake more power.
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Old Jan 14, 2008 | 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by 427Z
why are some guys making as much or more power with a simple tune and cold air intake as those who have CAI,tune,and headers?


make sure you're comparing from the same dyno, and hoepfully same weather type conditions. That alone can account for head scratcher type results we sometimes see on the forums. I have a stock exhaust manifold/cat c6z that makes about 485/453 at HPP dyno with cai, ported ls7 intake/tb and pat sparks (qmac) tune. But I have no doubt if I added headers, the mid range will pick up fairly dramatically. Probably not alot of top end hp increase (maybe 10-12...), but surely more around town tq yanking capability.
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Old Jan 14, 2008 | 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by 427Z
they are nice headers for sure. i used to have a set.

my point is, when some can make the same or even a little higher power without headers and as those with headers on the same dyno, you gotta ask if the $1800 set of headers is worth it
That is a good point you are making. For somebody in this situation, they should consider:

How long to you plan on keeping your car?
A possibility of some or more warranty loss?
Will there be more engine mods in the future?

Even if you could get that extra 15-25 (assuming, or better curve in power), one should consider all factors...

I did, to point of no return
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Old Jan 14, 2008 | 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by BLU-BY-U
make sure you're comparing from the same dyno, and hoepfully same weather type conditions. That alone can account for head scratcher type results we sometimes see on the forums.
There are many different factors that can affect your dyno numbers. But as far as the headers go, you may get a gain out of them just from slapping them on but you are wasting your money if you do not go the extra mile to get a Tune. And then, different tuners can get different numbers.

For the sake of keeping everything civil, it may be better if no name brands are mentioned, else there is another riot on the C6Z06 forum.
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Old Jan 14, 2008 | 02:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Redline Motorsports
We have installed close to 25 sets of headers on the LS7 and they all made big torque in the sweet spot. Not one didn't gain any power. Typical TQ with a tune is about 450-460. Headers get you to 478-485 and its through the curve. Yes a ported intake and TB brings the power up a bit. No real debate about this. We are doing a 06 and 08 this week. If I think about it I'll post the gains stock vs tune vs. headers. We have been baselining, tuning and then header install and fine tuning. This way the information is more conclusive. After 25+ cars you start seeing a pattern!

Howard
thanks guys for all your comments. Howard, it would be awesome if you could post your results on the 06 and 08. btw, you didnt mention an air filter, do you not use a CAI?

TIA
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Old Jan 14, 2008 | 02:32 PM
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Default What about weight???

Isn't there somewhere around a 30lb weight reduction when you go to headers and the associated aftermarket cats???
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Old Jan 14, 2008 | 02:40 PM
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Originally Posted by MTIRC6Z
Isn't there somewhere around a 30lb weight reduction when you go to headers and the associated aftermarket cats???
BIG weight reduction--30lbs sounds about right. The much lighter materials for the headers (and much less mass) is probably why with headers and high-flow CATS you will get some resonance/drone below 2000 rpms on easy throttle roll-ons.

When you compare the pieces side-by-side, you will see the difference.
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Old Jan 14, 2008 | 02:42 PM
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Check back through the archives, most guys were only getting 3 to 4 HP for a stock Z, it didn't matter which headers they were using. Something to be said for the factory exhaust system.

Now if your going to add some mods like a cam, I would be doing headers, had LG's on my C5Z and you could really feel the difference but I will wait for headers on my C6Z until the cam goes in.
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Old Jan 14, 2008 | 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by RoHo
Check back through the archives, most guys were only getting 3 to 4 HP for a stock Z, it didn't matter which headers they were using. Something to be said for the factory exhaust system.

Now if your going to add some mods like a cam, I would be doing headers, had LG's on my C5Z and you could really feel the difference but I will wait for headers on my C6Z until the cam goes in.
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Old Jan 14, 2008 | 04:03 PM
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Originally Posted by El Puto
Yes, only 3 to 4 PEAK hp, but the midrange torque was still up around 15 ft lbs compared to stock manifolds.
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