Which Headers To Buy--Poll

[dozlert]

Hey folks...want to order some headers but all the new options make it difficult to decide. I would like a pair that is easy to install but makes good power. Nearly all are the same price (+/- $200). I will probably get the 1 3/4 Long tubes and use the original exhaust (catback will come later). Help me out here.

[dozlert]

I believe Tbyrne has all of these 10% off right now. I am not sure what additional parts that need to be purchased but I am assuming the O2 Sensor 12" Extension Harness for $44.99 and a gasket $18.99 are a couple.

[jfulcher]

The Kooks come with the gaskets, you just need 2 12" O2 extensions for the front.

[IBM/M6]

"Be sure when you order they are in stock and not the backorder bullshit...."

Ditto on that one


Kooks here . Do not know #'s and dont really care to as as of now . Need a good tune sometime soon as car is getting around 12mpg but that could just be my
foot being over excited . I like the way they fit , sound and of course the difference in the way car pulls .

[Rob]

Dynatech :)

[Urassis Dragon]

Dynatech Supermaxx...Has everything included for install. I did buy two each of the 12" O2 extension harness to give a little more freedom to the wiring harness.

[dozlert]

Hey Doz.....Kooks or the SW LT's.....both high quality and FIT the damn car....are you doing the cats? Be sure when you order they are in stock and not the backorder bullshit....


Yes...I will do the cats. I will make sure they are in stock. BTW, Talked to FIS...they said it was 2-week timeframe for them to get the headers. I may get my tune through them or MTI before I head up North. I may also buy the headers and try to put them on myself (that way I am not tempted to get a h/c package while i am in their shop). The 12 MPG...wow...probably comes from the head/cam...I would think CAI/Header improves MPG or, it could be that twitchy right appendage that keeps bumping the gas pedal. :gr_jest:

[speed_demon_freak]

I want to avoid the headers that have the least ground clearance.

From what I read SW's are the best but hang the lowest?

[Rob]

I want to avoid the headers that have the least ground clearance.

From what I read SW's are the best but hang the lowest?Here's a shot of mine with the camera on the ground.

http://users.adelphia.net/~tta1387/Ground%20Cleara nce.jpg

[speed_demon_freak]

That looks good. Now if I can only see a pic of SW and Kooks from the same angle.



Did you notice a big performace gain from the headers?


Thanks for the Pic.

[Rob]

Did you notice a big performace gain from the headers?

Thanks for the Pic.I noticed a big difference. And that was being untuned. Any of the long tubes will probably be the same power wise. But it is something you definitely feel right away.

[WOmbat]

I say Dynatechs but only because that's what I have. I bought them a couple of months ago when TByrne was having the awesome sale on them and only just installed them this weekend. Still a little damp to enjoy them fully here, but the sound is very cool.

[Enginerd]

Dynatech LTs and Cats here...very pleased. High quality pieces.

[FlyinGTP]

I just bought a set of kooks. From what i've seen of all the header choices they appear to be the best set of headers avaliable for a gto as of right now. I have long teeth from slp's stuff as my gtp headers were ok but the coating failed(i'm not the only one) in less then six months and the fitment wasn't super great until i modified the rear header some.

[drburns]

I highly recommend the Dynatechs. I'm very pleased with the performance, fit and finish, and installation. You don't need to disconnect the steering shaft with the Dynatechs, so the install is a little easier. I got mine for an unbelievable price from TByrne, so the decision was easy. I would go with either of the Kooks, Dynatech, SW based on whichever is cheapest. If installation is an issue, get the Dynatechs.

[speed_demon_freak]

My thing is if I buy heads/cam and headers I need a place to install them. I would like to know if LS1 Speed would install parts that I didnt buy from them.


Thanks for all the info on the headers guys. I'm thinking after I pay my taxes I will start to mod the car.

Thanks again.

[TrakDay]

I am sure if you bought from them you might get a better deal on the install or vice versa. Most shops will owrk with customers to gain the business. I would imagine they have some form of price match. Good luck and do it all! Heads/Cam/headers! why slack if you can afford it, I know I wouldnt

[jfulcher]

My thing is if I buy heads/cam and headers I need a place to install them. I would like to know if LS1 Speed would install parts that I didnt buy from them.


Thanks for all the info on the headers guys. I'm thinking after I pay my taxes I will start to mod the car.

Thanks again.

LS1 Speed *will* give you the best prices around. They'll match or beat just about anyones price. As far as the Kooks - they weren't in stock but only took 5 days to arrive at my door as they ship them direct from Kooks. The important thing is that Kooks has them in stock - which LS1 Speed verified for me.

[alstainlesswork]

Hi Guys

Stainless Works headers have the best ground clearance we could possibly do with a 3" collector.

There are a couple of differences with our headers-they may seem like they cost a little more, but our also have:

1 3/4" tuned length primary tubes
cnc laser cut 3/8" thick head flanges
Hand Tig Welded
Lifetime Warranty
Random Tech converters
True 3" collectors with 3" lead pipes that will bolt up to the factory flange. We also include studs which mimic the factory converter or off road pipe mounts.

Our headers were also used by MTI on their 455 CID GTO that made 570 RWHP and on GM's orange "Woodward Cruise" GTO.

We also back our product with a lifetime warranty.

Thanks
Al Noe
Stainless Works

[mistermike]

I can vouch for the S/W stuff first hand. Build quality is as good as it gets. No decent LT header is going to make appreciably more power than any other. It's about quality and longevity. S/W is the only header manufacture to support our site, and AFIAK is the only one to actually buy a GTO to get the exhaust right.

[Adam4356]

Stainless works is a great header. Designed and dyno tested on a GTO. 100% good steel and no cheap convertors.

All prices equal i would do business with SW. Great sponsor of this site, worked hard to get us headers first, and some of the best customer service i've worked with.

[viper99ta]

I've got pics on my site of the Stainless Works headers and ground clearance. Awesome headers, fantastic shop too!

http://junior.apk.net/~viper/car.htm

http://junior.apk.net/~viper/pics.htm

http://junior.apk.net/~viper/PICT0014.JPG

[IBMgoat]

I just purchased the Dynatech headers yesterday, so I hope they are good. Baught them because when I researched on them I read that they were easier to install. Dont know if anyone can confirm this, but I read a few people that said that they did not have to fully remove the power steering lines or the steering shaft bolt, but just had to loosen the points where the lines mounted and move the rack.

Figured I would just post in this thread instead of making a new one. But if anyone can post the install differences between header brands, and especially how hard the Dynatech install is, I would really appreciate it :)

Thanks,

Brian

[mistermike]

I can't concieve of any single piece header being any different to install than any other. There just aren't any real options for routing the primaries. Do any of these headers use a slip joint at the collector? That might make install easier, but they are prone to leak and throw off the O2 sensors.

[Barbados04]

Saw a GTO with the SW headers on and they hang down a little low for me..

[swmn]

I was thinking i was going to end up with LTs someday. before you go sinking a grand in some tubing i encourage you to stop by your local Barnes and Noble or equivalent bookstore.

Check the current Pontiac Enthusiast (it might be the current GM High Tech Performance, but i am pretty sure it is the PE). One or the other of those two, this month, did a install of shorties with pre dyno runs, post install dynos runs, and then with a tune after the install.

While the gains are perhaps not as impressive as what you can get with long tubes, I was plesantly suprised. The other nice thing about the shorty set they did install was they left the factory cats in place. I am not sure how many other states have emissions laws as draconian as North Carolina... but at least worth a look before you spend folding money with a comma in the amount.

S

[EDC]

I've got pics on my site of the Stainless Works headers and ground clearance. Awesome headers, fantastic shop too!

http://junior.apk.net/~viper/car.htm

http://junior.apk.net/~viper/pics.htm

http://junior.apk.net/~viper/PICT0014.JPG

Boy, that's a familiar looking car...

"there goes the neighborhood"

:D

Ed

[dozlert]

Thanks gents...all good advice!

[CSiJason]

The other nice thing about the shorty set they did install was they left the factory cats in place. I am not sure how many other states have emissions laws as draconian as North Carolina... but at least worth a look before you spend folding money with a comma in the amount.

S

The factory cats on the 05's is the real choak point... It necks down to roughly 1.75" OD just past the flange on the converter housings. The outlet is much larger however.

As far as I care, I want something that will be fairly easy to install with no permanent modification to my car necessary (cutting, welding, etc) and something that will last. Plus I whatever I buy MUST fit the LS2 05's properly. (Not that their was much change in the fit from year to year.)

[jfulcher]

Kooks are rating pretty well considering only a few of us have them installed in comparison to the SWs.. I think the fittiment of the Kooks makes them the best GTO header on the market right now (haven't seen anyone with SLP LTs yet)

[Bob]

Hey Al at SW... have you shipped the headers or are you making them as ordered? I bought a set from Tom at LS1Speed when he had the GP and I'm wondering when to expect them.

Both of you support this site so I'm supporting you...

Thanks,
Bob

[alstainlesswork]

Hi Bob

Thanks for your support. We are building them to order and i expect to be able to ship them to Speed Inc in 2-3 weeks.

Thanks
Al Noe
Stainless Works

[alstainlesswork]

As far as the questions of fitment for our headers vs. Kooks:

The only things I know about the two products are what we did to get headers to market.

We (Stainless Works) bought a GTO and developed the headers and several exhaust systems. We dynod them, drove our shop car for nearly 3,000 miles before selling the car. We never, ever, drug the headers or exhaust system, and had zero durability issues. We also never set any PCM codes.

I can't and won't comment on another companies product, except that we use a slip joint because they don't leak. And if people are worried about ground clearance, then a flanged connection at the header will only decrease ground clearance. If you look on our website at the GTO pictures:

http://www.stainlessworks.net/gto_headers__exhaust .htm

You will see that we cannot bring the converters or the header collectors up any higher-if we would they would hit the floor when the motor twisted. We also wanted to use the same style mount as the OEM to mount the catalytic converter so that all the weight of the exhaust would not hang on the headers.

We also, as far as I know, are the only manufacturer to use random technology converters, and back our products with a lifetime warranty. We also have had our products used on the MTI 455 GTO that made 570RWHP and on GM's orange Woodward cruise GTO.

Thanks for your support!

Al Noe
Stainless Works

[KrayeZ8]

I dropped my GTO off today to have the SLP LT's installed. I heard them on my parts guy's Goat and they sound awesome. He's running a LS1 Speed CAI then the LT's w/cats through a Loudmouth. They look sweet too and clear fairly well with no permanent modifications.

[CMNTMXR57]

Another SW owner here.

As to ground clearance, I have no issues here. Getting the car on and off the trailer was an issue for me. I have problems with the Camaro and it's long tubes if one of the clamps is positioned wrong, but not a problem with the GTO. SO I wouldn't worry too much about it unless you're planning on going rock crawling with the car.

[DGOAT]

I dropped my GTO off today to have the SLP LT's installed. I heard them on my parts guy's Goat and they sound awesome. He's running a LS1 Speed CAI then the LT's w/cats through a Loudmouth. They look sweet too and clear fairly well with no permanent modifications.
Awsome man. Iam very interested in SLP LTs since I have the loudmouth. Please post sounds clips when you get a chance.

[Barbados04]

Just ordered my Kooks yesterday and still have not decided on the catback as of yet. Will get the dyno and tune numbers once installed. The baseline will be with a New Era CAI.

[dozlert]

Just ordered my Kooks yesterday and still have not decided on the catback as of yet. Will get the dyno and tune numbers once installed. The baseline will be with a New Era CAI.


If you install the headers without the catback, let us know how it feels or your perceived changes when you do the catback and/or dynotune. I am interested. Thanks BB.

[jfulcher]

I'll let you know this soon too - I dyno'd with just headers & CAI last night.. Numbers are in the dyno section.. Catback is in the garage.. just have to get off my a-- and go install it.. :D

[dozlert]

I'll let you know this soon too - I dyno'd with just headers & CAI last night.. Numbers are in the dyno section.. Catback is in the garage.. just have to get off my a-- and go install it.. :D


J,

Not bad without a tune! I know me...I would be out there until 0300 installing the catback. Let em know if there is a noticeable difference. Are you planning on a tune after all the installs?

[dozlert]

I just purchased the Dynatech headers yesterday, so I hope they are good. Baught them because when I researched on them I read that they were easier to install. Dont know if anyone can confirm this, but I read a few people that said that they did not have to fully remove the power steering lines or the steering shaft bolt, but just had to loosen the points where the lines mounted and move the rack.

Figured I would just post in this thread instead of making a new one. But if anyone can post the install differences between header brands, and especially how hard the Dynatech install is, I would really appreciate it :)

Thanks,

Brian

Thanks. Did you install them yourself? Did you have to loosen the engine mount and elevate it? Were the instructions clear?

[nick@kooks]

You might bottom out the Kook's if your name is Bo and Luke Duke and your being chased by Roscoe all over Hazzard County. Of course you'll need to do a bonafide 50ft. jump that'll have you crash land into total obliteration of your car. Your Kook's headers might bottom out then. LOL Nick

[gto_in_nc]

Ooo!!! Nick, quick question for you! What's the distance between the merge collector and the cat on your 1.75" headers?

[GotGTO]

I just purchased a set of Dynatechs from New Era Performance. Get this, 1169.00 Shipped from Indiana to California. We discussed the need for O2 extensions. He stated Dynatech's do not need them. I purchased the headers after I was told they would ship today and I would have them by next Thursday.

I followed up reviewing posts here on members installs. Seems everyone that installed them required 4"-6" of extension on the front O2's. I Emailed Mike at New Era back with a link to the post which showed the need. He said he'd call me back. HE DID! He told me they would be in the box along with gaskets, header bolts, mounts and everything else required to complete the job. Headers with the complete install kit.

Called and talked to an engineer at Dynatech. Explained the find on LS1GTO with link and no promises, but I believe header kits from here on out will include O2 extensions due to this site.

I have not recieved nor installed these but as far as customer service from both Mike at New Era and Dynatech goes A+++.

Ahhh, refreshing change from the norm.

Kelly

[MakeAJudge]

New GTO owner here so forgive my learning curve. I read article in High Performance Pontiac mag March/April 05 on page 40 regarding installation of JBA headers (jbaheaders.com) on 04 GTO. Direct bolt up to OEM exhaust system and gave 30 HP jump/34 lbs of torque (wow.. is this correct?) Full install featured in article with pics.
Have JBA headers been discussed here in this thread under another name?
Anyone bought and installed a set of JBA for 05 if available? I havent checked thier site yet but looking for choices of 05 headers.

[dozlert]

No...they were not discussed in this thread. They were discussed here: http://ls2gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9574&highlight=jba

[anmracing]

Ok one question... Does the Steering shaft have to be disconnected when installing the Kooks vs the Dynatechs????? They seem to be the same style....

I'm still contemplating which one to get, but I think I'm leaning towards the Kooks. I have a $50.00 Gift Certificate just burning a hole in my pocket.....

Thanks again Tom.....

Andrew

[dozlert]

Lucky bastard! LOL. Better order while they have the 10% off for their President's Day sale.

[anmracing]

I had to rub it in..... LOL :gr_jest:

10% and 50 bucks off?!?!?!? Kooks are getting ordered Monday!!!!

[dozlert]

I have had my Kooks on for about a year and a half...I love them! It not only let's me get a lead on the stock 04s (haven't raced an 05 yet) but it's sound differentiates my car from all the others at the stoplight. Just FYI. :)

[06LS2GTO]

The Kooks come with the gaskets, you just need 2 12" O2 extensions for the front.
My Kooks came with the extensions.

[Mr. Furley]

American Racing Headers

[Black04A4]

I've got the Dynatechs and couldn't be happier with the quality and fit. I can't really comment on any of the other brands, but I have seen alot of threads on fitment issues with the Kooks.

[svede1212]

i'll put in a thumbs up for SLPs. the price difference gets bigger when you consider that the SLPs come coated. that will add nearly $300 (with shipping) to the others.

[lonniebud]

If you decide to go with SW LT's let me know. I have a set of random tech high-flow cats that I never installed. I'll sell them to you for $225 shipped which would save you a couple hundred bucks....

[V8KILLR]

I just purchased a set of Dynatechs from New Era Performance. Get this, 1169.00 Shipped from Indiana to California. We discussed the need for O2 extensions. He stated Dynatech's do not need them. I purchased the headers after I was told they would ship today and I would have them by next Thursday.

I followed up reviewing posts here on members installs. Seems everyone that installed them required 4"-6" of extension on the front O2's. I Emailed Mike at New Era back with a link to the post which showed the need. He said he'd call me back. HE DID! He told me they would be in the box along with gaskets, header bolts, mounts and everything else required to complete the job. Headers with the complete install kit.

Called and talked to an engineer at Dynatech. Explained the find on LS1GTO with link and no promises, but I believe header kits from here on out will include O2 extensions due to this site.

I have not recieved nor installed these but as far as customer service from both Mike at New Era and Dynatech goes A+++.

Ahhh, refreshing change from the norm.

Kelly

Kelly,
How did you get that price? I just checked their site and their listing 1495.95.

Thanks,
Jason

[Jbss71]

American Racing Headersdid you ever get them on? half of mine are here lol ( boxing bobo) and i start my install monday night

[maybelooking]

I have SLPs.

The headers are great quality. The fit is great. The install was simple (except for undoing the steering shaft but I assume you have to do that with all of them) But ................

the fitment of the midpipes and cats was horrible. very big PITA to get everything lined up correctly.

[06LS2GTO]

I've got the Dynatechs and couldn't be happier with the quality and fit. I can't really comment on any of the other brands, but I have seen alot of threads on fitment issues with the Kooks.
I just installed a set of Kooks alone, and had no fitment issues. You do have to disconnect the steering shaft, but you do not have to raise the left side of the engine as is suggested. It would definately give you more room, but not necessary.

[gonepostal]

I had a topic on headers last week, its a TOUGH choice, we are lucky to have at least 3 quality headers available for us. I will be ordering KOOKS after a very long thought process. But if you notice, which ever brand another board member chooses, 95% of the buyers will stand behind the headers they chose. I'm sure whichever one you choose,you wont regret it,just find a price that makes you feel you got a good deal.

goodluck

[dozlert]

I had a topic on headers last week, its a TOUGH choice, we are lucky to have at least 3 quality headers available for us. I will be ordering KOOKS after a very long thought process. But if you notice, which ever brand another board member chooses, 95% of the buyers will stand behind the headers they chose. I'm sure whichever one you choose,you wont regret it,just find a price that makes you feel you got a good deal.

goodluck

You are correct...people will choose the headers they already have their mind set on or have already purchased. Kooks rule!:turbonaug

[SPDMETL]

Has anyone tried substituting a ncely radiused tube , and did you put the o2 sensors in them ?

[SPDMETL]

That last one was a response to the guy who said the cats neck down to 1.75" --weren't there " off road pipes ' or " catalytic converter test pipes " when those first came out in 1975 ?

[dozlert]

Has anyone tried substituting a ncely radiused tube , and did you put the o2 sensors in them ?


I don't understand...what do you mean by a "ncely radiused tube"?

[LS2 LightSpeed X 2]

I have kooks 1 7/8s LTs with catted mids and magnaflow catback with X pipe. I have never installed headers and a friend and I followed the directions I have attatched and had no problems. I got my Headers, midmpipes, and extensions from AZPS with shipping from AZPS for 1090.00 shipped. If you want to pm me with your e-mail. I will send you the video of the sound of mine after the install. Good luck with your choice!

http://www.wvsporttouring.com/JV/AdditionalInforma tionKooks.doc

[dozlert]

My kooks fit perfect, however I was not the installer. I am very happy with them.

[nsofokles]

voted and pm sent :ftw:

[speeddemon]

going to buy kooks here

[Fenderplayer]

no ARH in the poll?

[dozlert]

Poll was before those headers were made