DonVito89

I have an '06 base model LS2, I am shopping for headers and was wondering if anyone could help me on the recommended size tubing I would need? I'm not planning on doin a whole lot outside of headers and intake other than having the car tuned for those modifications.

Thanks a heap!
-Steven

jaybee924

1 3/4 If that's all you're going to do. You may want to get or install this also to help keep the console temps. down. You don't have to but if you do, do it while your there.

https://specialty-auto-materials.net...e-heat-shield/

Or call Fred and see about the 3 new products, great guy to work with.
https://specialty-auto-materials.net/

mikeCsix

Thanks Jay, looks like a good product. If the car is going to see any track days, I'd also upgrade the tunnel plate. Elite Engineering makes a 3/8th" version too.

Not So Fast

absolutely
NSF

HOXXOH

I agree about the 1 3/4" tube and I'd look seriously at LG Streets. It's a good quality product that'll give you power at a reasonable cost and will hook to your current 2 1/2" muffler pipes.

DonVito89

I saw those and they seemed much more reasonably priced. Does any know if the SLP products are worth while? Those are even cheaper and I'm always game for a bargain.

Suns_PSD

Because of the shape of LS2 heads they make WAY more overall power on 1.75" headers, dyno proven.

LS3s should be on 1 7/8" headers, even if stock, but the difference it pretty minor.

LS7s if stock should have at a minimum 1 7/8" headers and if getting head work/ cam etc should have 2" headers.

~ take care

paulrichy

M6 or automatic? If an automatic probly 1 3/4 would fit better, I have Hinson 1 7/8 with 3" off road x pipe on my '06 M6 base, Z06 NPP and picked up 38 rwhp and also pleased with the awesome sound. Snap, crackle, pop.

DonVito89

I have a M6. This may be a silly question but what is NPP?

mikeCsix

Optional muffler system, it has automatic cut-outs that opens the exhaust for +6 hp gain..

DonVito89

AHHH ok no mine did not come with thant and I have zero mufflers anyway at the moment. I don't believe in "too loud"

paulrichy

If you like loud then 3" exhaust is the way to go. Hinson ceramic 1 7/8, 3" aluminized offroad pipe, about $1200, we have no emission testing here in FL, you eliminate all the catalytic converters and 2 O2 sensors.

rhoyvald

and have the same setup but with Corsa extremes so on WOT is very loud (Nascar loud)

DonVito89

I checked on those Hinson headers and I think I will go that route, so thanks yall so much! Seems like a pretty decent deal for price, and performance.

How about tuning after install? I have a Vararam intake, how crucial is the tuning process afterwards, and does it have to be dyno tuned of will a flash tuner also work?

Dcasole

you will get several opinions on this topic .... almost like asking "What tires are the best " .... but
With just headers and a CAI you can go either route and get good results

Personally for convenience reasons I went with the Diablo and a custom tune from Diablow Lew and I am very happy with the results so far .

I like having the ability to go in a tweak certain settings myself without having to worry about "bricking" my ECM.

Dave

rhoyvald

I just took my car to ECS for the mail order tune - took them about 1/2hr and it was done and good to go but I live 1hr from them.

Good luck and btw there is a big difference in the quality and install effort when you compare Hinson to Kooks. I got Hinson headers with the catless x-pipe because of cost at the time but now I wish I went with Kooks.

Incalescence

I have the 1 7/8 Hinson headers and if you choose to purchase them then I would highly suggest that you order a pair of 36" 02 extensions because Hinson provides 24" which limit your routing options significantly.

JaSSon71

I got ARH 2" headers 3" catless exhaust with corsa black tip axle back car dynoed 390/377 with just that n tune nothing else

Huncle J

I have this same set up, hinson headers to catless 3" and I have the z06 npp but cant get them to fit, neither could a local muffler shop. Did they bolt right up for you?

Suns_PSD

So you are about 17 rwhp up on a stock LS3. The thing is though, what is the midrange comparison between your set up and 1 7/8" headers on a LS3?

When I was buying my headers, since I was planning on swapping out the muffler system as well I had the choice to go with either the 2.5" or the 3" system at the rear. I spoke to Corsa about it and they said that the 3" had always shown a loss in torque on their dynos until you got to REALLY big power numbers.