Generation III External Engine LS1 | LS6 | Bolt-Ons | Intakes | Exhaust | Ignition | Accessories
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Somewhat disappointed in Kooks...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-25-2011, 10:29 AM
  #1  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
W es 6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Somewhat disappointed in Kooks...

I finally got my Kooks headers in this weekend. I bought them because of everything I had read by people saying they install so easily, no issues, etc. I was replacing a rusted-out set of Hedman headers with these Kooks 1-3/4".

1) I had an easier time installing/uninstalling the Hedman headers than the Kooks. The Kooks actually had less room/clearance once installed.

2) On the driver's side header flange, the forward-most bolt hole was approx. 1/16" offset. I was unable to install the bolt without cross-threading it into the head. So, I had to remove the header, elongate the hole, and reinstall the header to get it to fit correctly. For anyone who has ever done headers, you know how difficult the driver's side can be. Because of this quality control issue, I had to remove the header and then reinstall it a second time, after I modified it. Not exactly what comes to mind when you think of the price-tag that is associated with Kooks.

Bottom line: If I had to do it over, I would have gone with TSP stainless or shelled out just a little bit more for some nice ARH. I guess sometimes you don't get what you pay for..
Old 12-25-2011, 10:43 AM
  #2  
Teching In
iTrader: (1)
 
Leaky T-Tops's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: jacksonville, nc
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

its got to be a hit or miss thing, cause 1 7/8 fit perfect, snug of course but did not have any of the problems you did. must be because they're in such demand right now cause of the time of year it is, they're probly just getting them done as quick as possible haha, and fcking some up on the way out the door.
Old 12-25-2011, 11:30 AM
  #3  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
mike c.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: mi
Posts: 4,033
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

I had the 1 3/4 and now the 1 7/8 and each piece was perfect. I don't use their y pipe but the headser are great.
Old 12-25-2011, 12:41 PM
  #4  
Staging Lane
 
revtech101's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Newark, CA
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Question, did you put in all the bolts before torqing them? Sometimes you have to put in a thread or two only before tightening them all down.
Old 12-25-2011, 02:02 PM
  #5  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (3)
 
spy2520's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Waldorf, MD
Posts: 3,513
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

My 1 7/8s were perfect. So much clearance it was actually a bitch holding them in place while the car was on a lift AND have someone start the bolts. Then again i got an aftermarket k-member.
Old 12-25-2011, 05:58 PM
  #6  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
W es 6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I installed every bolt before torquing; when I installed the first bolt before the rest, none of the other bolts would even thread. When I went from back to front, everything went in perfectly except for this first bolt. All these responses are examples of why I bought Kooks in the first place. I guess my set were just 1 in a million lol. Oh well; they're in now and no leaks that I can tell
Old 12-25-2011, 06:02 PM
  #7  
Banned
 
02ws.sik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: IL
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I took off my old manifolds, plugs, air pump, air hose and installed kooks lt in about 2 and a half hours. This was on a lift. Mine fit great. The back plug on the driver sides a *****. It took like 10 min to get it in.
Old 12-25-2011, 06:09 PM
  #8  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
W es 6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Oh yeah, I forgot to add: after elongating the hole, I reinstalled the driver's side header from the top. Just removed the coil packs and disconnected the fuel lines and it went right in. I can't vouch for the passenger side, but the driver's side header will go in from the top. Just thought I'd share that tidbit for anybody who wants to try something different.
Old 12-25-2011, 07:02 PM
  #9  
TECH Addict
iTrader: (7)
 
BrntWS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Land of the FOID
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts

Default

Id have to say your definately in the minority. Kooks didnt get the reputation they have for a high quality product for nothing.
Old 12-25-2011, 11:44 PM
  #10  
That's MISTER MODERATOR
iTrader: (9)
 
Paul Bell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NYC
Posts: 7,585
Received 42 Likes on 36 Posts

Default

I would imagine Kooks as well as most header shops get their flanges in bulk from a outside stamping vendor. Although the odds are probably very low, there can be some variation.
Old 12-25-2011, 11:58 PM
  #11  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (3)
 
wws699's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Issaquah, Wa
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

Bummer that happened "BUT" "1/16" is about 2 RCH's.

I"LL GIVE YOU $200 bucks for those POS Kooks, you will be much happier with the TSP's
Old 12-26-2011, 07:34 AM
  #12  
Staging Lane
iTrader: (2)
 
J1D2warrior's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Ive installed probably 12 sets of Kooks and they have all fit perfectly.

I have them on my C5 and will be buying a set for my 2000 SS soon.

I swear by them and always recommended them to my customers.

I hate you had an issue but I would definately say its not the norm.
Old 12-26-2011, 07:45 AM
  #13  
Captain Double Post
iTrader: (2)
 
BOBS99SS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Elyria Ohio
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

very out of the norm, kooks are top notch, in fit and quality,i think i would have contacted them before bashing them online, honest sometimes even the best have issues , im sure they would have helped you out in any way if ya contacted them
Old 12-26-2011, 05:28 PM
  #14  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
ULTIMATEORANGESS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: eatontown,nj
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 15 Posts

Default

i dont have 1 /7/8ths but i have had kooks for almost 7 yrs with no problems.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:37 AM.