[gametech]

I remember paying $800 shipped for brand new, uncoated stepped headers back in 2007-2008.

Kooks is extremely proud of their stuff and it is unwarranted. I'm glad I jumped on the OBX firesale and picked up some stuff for potential future cars.

I had to jump on the $109.80 full stainless catback deal a few months ago.

 

[hadagto]

Why do you hate Capitalism and free markets? Do you want to live in a socialist/communist country with price controls? If I don't like the price of a product or can't afford it, then I don't buy it. Simple concept, yes?

I don't have kooks' headers and I don't work for them so we can rule out the fanboi comments LOL

 

[MuhThugga]

I had to jump on the $109.80 full stainless catback deal a few months ago.

I bought one just for the piping.

 

[Squag27]

It's kind of more the principal of the pricing right? Sure the cost of materials has shot up but their pricing definitely isn't matching inflation. They're just price gouging like so many others, it'll work in the long run but eventually will run out of shills willing to pay their crazy pricing. I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford the prices of Kooks if I wanted but there's no way I'd ever pay it.

 

[zech912]

It is not price gouging, if someone builds a better product, then they have a right to return on their investment, and I have the choice whether to buy it or not. That is why people who actually produce things strive to be the best. And if someone believes they can produce as great a product for less, they are free to do so. for sure, if it is possible to do so, someone will. There are many companies that produce headers. Similarly with wheels or car audio, or even cars themselves, or whatever, there are companies that produce a good product and some that produce an excellent product, and anyone is free to do better.

 

[Slightly.Above.Average]

Like the "Fat Electrician", I will bash communism every chance I can. That said, there are degrees of capitalism. Look at Domenick Vultaggio. Owner of Arizona Beverage Company. Despite all the inflation, he has refused to increase the price Arizona Tea. He's come up with ways to keep costs down even if he makes less money. Quote, "We're successful, we're debt free, we we own everything. Why have people who are having a hard time paying their rent pay more for their drink?... ...Maybe it's my little way of giving back."

I'm not saying every company needs to be ran like the Don. But I think things would be better if they were.

I wasn't aware there were hardcore fanbois of Kooks.

 

[slacker]

GTO tax grows everyday

 

[whippersnapper02]

Have you seen headlight prices? $2K for NOS.

 

[Slightly.Above.Average]

Have you seen headlight prices? $2K for NOS.

This is true and I still don't know why Spyder are the only alternative? There are so many tail light options (not saying good ones) but nothing for headlights...

 

[whippersnapper02]

This is true and I still don't know why Spyder are the only alternative? There are so many tail light options (not saying good ones) but nothing for headlights...

I only know of Depo tails. It's a 3 year car no one liked when new and GM hangs on to the rights of stuff they don't support anymore.

 

[Rich-Tripower]

This is true and I still don't know why Spyder are the only alternative? There are so many tail light options (not saying good ones) but nothing for headlights...

The market size of a 20 year old car just doesn't justify tooling up new parts for this car.

As far as Kooks is concerned, straight from their website:

Why is Kooks so expensive compared to other brands?

• Kooks products are proudly hand-crafted in the US with locally sourced 16 gauge 304 stainless steel material and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
• Kooks has been paving the way in header and exhaust manufacturing since 1962 – our expertise guarantees the best quality, sounds, and performance on the market.
• After over 60 years of perfecting our design and engineering skills, Kooks promises the best fitment on the market. Installation of Kooks products should be drama free, saving you time, extra shop fees, and frustration.
• Kooks also boasts the highest level of customer service – if you have any questions or concerns, their sales team and technicians are available for support and will respond same-day during normal business hours.

I am doubtful if many or any other header manufacturers are making their headers onshore and/or are sourcing their materials onshore. Want American made, American sourced materials: Then you have to pay for it. Their quality is top notch. The version of stainless steel used can vary widely in quality and price, not all stainless steel is equal. Entry level stainless will and can corrode for example. Don't like the price, shop elsewhere. I also suspect that Kooks has shrinking interest in buiding headers for GTO so their prices have gone up to reflect this, BUT, they will make them if someone wants them and is willing to pay their price. They probably have to set up the jigs anew each time a few orders come in or they build some for inventory.

Last JBA stuff I bought new as made in Mexico (better than China). I can't recall where the Magnaflow stuff was made. I don't have any first hand experience with any other brands of exhaust components.

 

[Mick Naughty]

Yea, just like Seibon. Used to be able to buy my Carbon creation hood for $500. Now people want $2500 for a hood with a hump in it for looks. Cool to brag about at cars and coffee though.

 

[bo06gto]

For the 5.0 a set of Kooks is running you $2600 with mids and regular cats if you go green cats you’re looking at $3400. If you don’t care about name brand 2M makes a really good product for $650 catless and $1400 catted.

The old adage “if you wanna go fast you’re gonna have to pay.” Yeah this game is going to be more expensive than ever before.

 

[hadagto]

Welders and fabricators are in short supply. Where I work, we pay welder/fabricators in the $50/hr range and it's not union work. The cost to provide insurance and other benefits makes their cost to the company in the $100/hr range. If you want more production to come back to America, you have to be willing to buy American and pay the American made cost.

Don't like the price don't buy it, but don't complain when there are no manufacturing jobs left in America.

I have a couple of friends that have made their own headers because they have the skills to do so. You know what it actually cost them more to make them themselves. The equipment to cut, bend, and weld the stainless. The cost of the stainless along with some waste material. The years it took to build the skill. The time it took to actually fabricate the headers and weld them. Way cheaper to buy kooks, but if you don't like the price try fabricating your own headers and let us know how that goes for you.

American skilled labor is expensive and goes way beyond just the hourly pay rate.

 

[Mick Naughty]

Gotta stick to the cheaper stuff. Spending more here gets me nothing in the long run. Especially the price they want for a cat back in a small size. Can spend less going custom.

 

[MuhThugga]

Yeah, made in the US only carries so far with me. When you start talking about paying 4x, 5x, or even 10x for the sake of patriotism, I'm just not seeing the value.

Kooks has gone retarded with their pricing, as have a lot of other companies. And that critical statement doesn't make me a communist.

 

[Rich-Tripower]

If you are thinking of buying anything, probably better do it now. Once the proposed tariffs kick in even offshore products will cost as much or more than onshore products.

 

[Mitch Conner]

Why do you hate Capitalism and free markets? Do you want to live in a socialist/communist country with price controls? If I don't like the price of a product or can't afford it, then I don't buy it. Simple concept, yes?

I don't have kooks' headers and I don't work for them so we can rule out the fanboi comments LOL

Why do you hate free speech?

There's nothing wrong with somebody getting on a forum and expressing their surprise over the cost of a product. To accuse them of hating capitalism and free markets is a flat out ridiculous over reaction -- and one that isn't constructive, either.

BTW, I'm firmly in the "don't like the price, don't buy it" camp. In this case the best thing to do is shop another brand or try to find a used set.

 

[hadagto]

Why do you hate free speech?

There's nothing wrong with somebody getting on a forum and expressing their surprise over the cost of a product. To accuse them of hating capitalism and free markets is a flat out ridiculous over reaction -- and one that isn't constructive, either.

BTW, I'm firmly in the "don't like the price, don't buy it" camp. In this case the best thing to do is shop another brand or try to find a used set.

lol. I never said he should be censored. Free speech I believe in fully. That doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences for speaking those things or that people who disagree don’t also have the freedom to speak on it as well to explain why they disagree or even criticize the things you say.

 

[hadagto]

Tariffs are a good thing long term even though there may be short term consequences. If companies can be more profitable producing in the USA due to lower taxes here and tariffs for producing elsewhere while selling those products here they are more likely to not continue moving jobs out of country and may even start moving some production back to the states. I’m stoked for a trump presidency.