What headers are best
03-06-2024, 09:53 PM
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
What headers are best
I have a 2012 Grand Sport Callaway SC606. Looking to add headers, X pipe, cam and tune. I love Kooks and have used them in the past, but they are 9 weeks out. What other headers do you recommend or should I just wait the 9 weeks.
03-07-2024, 08:04 AM
#3
With boost, go 1-7/8" header pipes.
If NA on a LS3, then you would go 1-3/4" instead.
Understand how header collectors work to begin with,
And that the smaller tubes will have the collector scavenging faster in the lowerrpm, while the large tube headers will allow the motor to rev out higher.
So with tvs in play, it will increase the bottom end power on its own, and since pushing boost/more exhaust out on the top end, its the reason for the larger header pipes you want to run.
As for which brand, all depends on how easy you want to be able disconnect the X pipe from the headers, if you need to pull it to get to the torque tube plate and cover.
My flavor was the Pfad headers, since you used a band clamp secure system, while made pulling the X pipe a snap at a later date.
Now the back up time, and why are you installing headers to begin with.
motor already makes 606 hp with 7lbs of boost, and if your looking for more power, then re-tune will need to come into the picture since car runs in open loop at WOT and headers are going to cause the engine to run too lean at wot on the tune now.
Also increasing boost to make even more hp, may require bigger injectors, more volume fuel pump, may be all in vain in the end, unless you are just trying to increase top speed. I bring this up, since the Torque management in the car is in place so your not blistering the tires off the car breathing heavy on the gas pedal now, and without increasing the TM values, not going to gain much in instant HP to the ground.
Hell, the way the car is now, just turning off TM (increasing it values to max) would allow you to roast the tires in any gear now.
Bottom line, car is set up for power and handling balance now for road course use,and if you are increasing the power for road course use, will need to work on the handling part of the math to increase it as well, to keep the car balanced.
Plus lets face it, your start going different than the way callaway set up the car with the package to start with, will just be de-valuing it in the end if you go to sell it.
If NA on a LS3, then you would go 1-3/4" instead.
Understand how header collectors work to begin with,
And that the smaller tubes will have the collector scavenging faster in the lowerrpm, while the large tube headers will allow the motor to rev out higher.
So with tvs in play, it will increase the bottom end power on its own, and since pushing boost/more exhaust out on the top end, its the reason for the larger header pipes you want to run.
As for which brand, all depends on how easy you want to be able disconnect the X pipe from the headers, if you need to pull it to get to the torque tube plate and cover.
My flavor was the Pfad headers, since you used a band clamp secure system, while made pulling the X pipe a snap at a later date.
Now the back up time, and why are you installing headers to begin with.
motor already makes 606 hp with 7lbs of boost, and if your looking for more power, then re-tune will need to come into the picture since car runs in open loop at WOT and headers are going to cause the engine to run too lean at wot on the tune now.
Also increasing boost to make even more hp, may require bigger injectors, more volume fuel pump, may be all in vain in the end, unless you are just trying to increase top speed. I bring this up, since the Torque management in the car is in place so your not blistering the tires off the car breathing heavy on the gas pedal now, and without increasing the TM values, not going to gain much in instant HP to the ground.
Hell, the way the car is now, just turning off TM (increasing it values to max) would allow you to roast the tires in any gear now.
Bottom line, car is set up for power and handling balance now for road course use,and if you are increasing the power for road course use, will need to work on the handling part of the math to increase it as well, to keep the car balanced.
Plus lets face it, your start going different than the way callaway set up the car with the package to start with, will just be de-valuing it in the end if you go to sell it.
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bwill03z (03-19-2024)
03-07-2024, 12:37 PM
#5
Instructor
I've run Kooks on two 06 GTOs and have them on my Z06. They fit perfectly. ARH is also good, but I'm loyal to Kooks. I've heard of ARH leaking from a tuner I know.
03-07-2024, 12:44 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jan 2005
Location: Missoura Ozark's 2012 💯 4LT GS Roadster
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I had LGM longtube headers installed and dyno tuned on my C5 years ago.
https://www.lgmotorsports.com/corvet...6-exhaust.html
https://www.lgmotorsports.com/corvet...6-exhaust.html
03-07-2024, 03:24 PM
#7
Le Mans Master
The shop that did the work on my 08 vette put ARH on and they leak at all eight primaries at the heads and ARH will not replace them with a new set.....So DON'T go with ARH...I wanted Kooks but the shop is a ARH dealer.
03-07-2024, 04:25 PM
#8
Le Mans Master
Another vote for Kooks. I have them on my current C6. Have also had LG and Pfadt (AFE) on C6's. Didn't have any trouble out of the LG headers. The Pfadt headers had several fitment issues. I would have sent them back but Pfadt was in the process of going out of business when I received them. I was probably lucky to not get hosed in that deal. I was able to make them work without too much hassle.
"Wait" is a four-letter word for me. I'd have a really tough time waiting 9 weeks.
"Wait" is a four-letter word for me. I'd have a really tough time waiting 9 weeks.
03-07-2024, 04:33 PM
#9
Safety Car
There is a person who is selling a set of 1 3/4 Kooks with catted connection pipes in the For Sale section: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...trunk-mat.html
You won't give up much going with the slightly smaller primaries.
But it is worth it to wait for the Kooks.
And agree on the lack of fitment and poor quality of the ARH's. I had a set of ARH's on my GS. Had several problems with fitment and rubbing. Sold them and got a set of Kooks. Fit perfect, perfect clearance everywhere, and not a single exhaust leak. Been on my car for over 4 years now.
You won't give up much going with the slightly smaller primaries.
But it is worth it to wait for the Kooks.
And agree on the lack of fitment and poor quality of the ARH's. I had a set of ARH's on my GS. Had several problems with fitment and rubbing. Sold them and got a set of Kooks. Fit perfect, perfect clearance everywhere, and not a single exhaust leak. Been on my car for over 4 years now.
03-07-2024, 07:44 PM
#11
Le Mans Master
Make sure they are welded on the engine side of the flange...My was not.I had a muffler shop remove them and weld them like ARH should of done then put new oem gaskets on and no more leaks.Cost me another $300 bucks tho.
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PMPerformance (03-07-2024)
03-08-2024, 09:54 AM
#15
