dr.nick2

I would like to install a set of Header's, X-pipe with cats's,I went to the
New Kook's Facility,George (owner's son)showed me around,needless to
say,I was Impressed,not only with product,but the Fabrication and
Plant itself! George would do install for a reasonable price,and obviously
they have the experience,but I would like to do it myself.My question is
which Headers would be the easier install??P.S.I was also considering LG
Pro longtubes,but there not CARB Certified,and I don't think I'll pass
emissions. THX ED

GOOSE JR.

The Kooks are a class act as are the Bassani set upbut I have not installed the L G set.

titletaker

I think it's like comparing a 02-03-04 Z06 they're all great and really can't miss with any. Let price be your motivation, unless your pockets are deep than buy all three and try them out and let us know what you think. I have never heard a bad thing about any of the three brands. I was going through the same debate and just decided to go with Kooks complete set up which I found new for 1350 shipped with cats.

EBMR02Z

I recently installed the AR's and can't believe the difference that change alone made. They are quality craftsmanship. The install took me about 4 hours. I was taking my time, stopping to talk and stuff too. I would imagine that the others two mentioned would go just as smooth. I chose the AR's because they have only one slip-on connection and I wanted something different that the guys around here did not have.

04Z16

Just got done installing the AR here. It took about 5 hours in the cold to do it. Well almost cold, had to wait for the garage to heat up.
The fit is great and the new sound is awesome!!

MadMaxZ06

One question you should ask yourself is whether or not you want to keep your AIR tubes? If the answer is no, then of course you should find a header that does not have the AIR tube fittings. Kooks are the only headers that I know of that fabricate seperate headers (a.k.a. "race headers") without the AIR fittings. A few other manufacturers said they simply cut the AIR tubes off of the "standard" headers and then weld the hole closed. If someone knows of others "race" header manufacturers please chime in.

- Max

Pio

I'm sure the 3 brands are very close, so price should be a determining factor. I had LG's put in mine because theres something to be said about someone who races and wins with his own products.

Make sure you get your headers coated to reduce heat and keep them looking good.

jtkeller

I ordered a set of AR headers without air tubes and am waiting for them to be shipped. I'll be dissapointed if they've simply cut the air tube off and welded over the hole. I'll let you know when I get them in.

Pio

BTW - no long tube header is smog legal (CARB) because it changes the original location of the catalytic converter. But, as long as you have cats on they should pass the sniffer.

97 SC Cobra

Agreed. Mine passed with Kooks and their cats.

GoKartman

Sooo, assuming you pass the sniff test, you have to pick an inspection station that's not going to carefully inspect the components or just has poor eyes and can't see the HEADERS when looking under the hood.... How about an inspection guy who likes Vettes. I don't see how you guys can get these thing to pass, ESPECIALLY in California where all the smog inspection began and where the limits and requirements have been formulated.

I don't want to have to be changing the exhaust system back to stock every 2 yrs for the inspection. Some experience, especially from Cal residents, as how you do it??

silver_z06

I'm also looking for AR headers, where can I find them for a decent price, thanx

Cobra4B

I have Kooks race headers b/c I ditched the AIR pump and hosing and the Kooks are made w/o them. Before I had the normal Kooks but blew an air tube off at VIR running and HPDE.

Like th AR headers they only have one slip fit connection... the headers to x-pipe use a ball/socket setup w/ a flange so no leaks. The only slip fit is from the x pipe to the mid pipes.... ARs are the same.

dr.nick2

Thanks for all the reply's,I might go with Kooks,because they make em
near me,but I hear they may bring up a code,even when you install all
the emission crap?..and I live in NY(UGH!)where you have to be GREEN ...we'll see what Santa brings.

RSCAR

If you are near where they make Kooks, you are near where ARs are made. Amnityville LI. Call the Vette Drs for a price That said, the Vette Drs installed Kooks in my car 2 years ago and no codes or inspection problems. My car is also a NY car

Sigforty

I went with the LGs. There are an easy setup to install and come with everthing to get you back to the mufflers. They do have AIR tubes, but I have not heard of any LG tubes breaking off. there is a how to for installing LGs on ls1howto.com I used that and did mine in a few hours in the driveway.

jtkeller

There has been stories on here about LG's and their air tubes breaking off...

blazeone

Kook's for me

Jay's Z

Hi dr.nick2,

I have LG Pro's...I don't believe any of the LT's you have listed will be of inferior quality.

Use AIR Tube-supplied headers, hi-flow cats, and a good dyno tune and don't worry so much about the smog ****'s. Your CA brethren (and sisters...) can tell you the "good" shops in your area to take your car for mandatory emmissions checks.

I asked several members of my corvette club about vette-friendly inspection shops. Car clubs are a great resource for local information.

Bolt them on, get a tune and enjoy the improved performance and sound.

-Jay

John Shiels

If you are near Kooks you can't be far away from ARH and the Vette Doctors which have a special on now. I think you will have to jack the car up 3' to get the over the axle pipes out.