Kooks Headers vs American Racing Headers
Great, so when are you going to work with them on their Y-Pipe merge too??
We worked with Kooks on the revised design..it should match or exceed most anything on the market. Everyone will have their brand preference like Nike vs. Reebok, and you can't go wrong with either. With Kooks however, if you call us...we can either do free coating if you pay the website price...or give you a deal that will make them signifigantly cheaper. So basically we can create a lot of value if you get Kooks.
It's not about the price -- they are already pricey -- it's the overall engineering seems lacks on that Y-merge. Because why focus on fixing just one piece of the puzzle, when clearly the Kooks merge is a poor design?
To me, if the company cannot get the Y-Pipe done right, I have to question my desire to choose their headers. Any product should be constantly refined over time, since nothing is perfect, and some less perfect than others...
If they do not go with the Kooks Y-Pipe, then what are people going with instead to mesh up with Kooks headers?
To me, if the company cannot get the Y-Pipe done right, I have to question my desire to choose their headers. Any product should be constantly refined over time, since nothing is perfect, and some less perfect than others...
If they do not go with the Kooks Y-Pipe, then what are people going with instead to mesh up with Kooks headers?
Last edited by libertyforall1776; Jul 27, 2010 at 11:49 PM.
Is there a reason people don't even consider the Edelbrock headers and Y?I used them and picked up ground clearance and saw power gains everywhere. They fit great and are 1 3/4 -17/8 step. They're available in stainless and with removable merge collectors for primary length tuning.
I have a buddy (that's a total douchebag) using them on a xxx cid LSx engine in his camaro.He's using Edelbrock headers and is puttin over 9000bfwhp to the tire on a mustang dyno.
I have a buddy (that's a total douchebag) using them on a xxx cid LSx engine in his camaro.He's using Edelbrock headers and is puttin over 9000bfwhp to the tire on a mustang dyno.
Last edited by Cheatin' Chad; Jul 30, 2010 at 08:04 PM.
A lot of people buy the Kooks Y-pipe as it is. The design is fine..and similar to what is on a lot of what is on the market. Matter of fact, most users will be hard pressed to find a difference outside the margin of error on a dyno between a y-pipe or headers that have a merge collector vs. ones that do not. On a street car it just does not matter.
I know in the industry there this the tendancy to add more features and try and one up one another. The problem is at some point it reaches a point of deminishing returns and higher prices.
I have customers making tremendous power through Kooks Y-pipe as it sits. I could easily pressure Kooks into redesigning their Y-pipe..however it would add between $50-$100 and cost and not really change the end experiance for the customer. If your buying based on a bulleted list of features you may be happy to spend the money to have every feature. However if your concerned about value it is not worthwhile. If I had customers asking my why Kooks does not have the merge on their Y-pipe I would be begging Kooks to fix it. However, I never have people ask this. They buy the Kooks Y-pipe as is, and are fine with it.
I know in the industry there this the tendancy to add more features and try and one up one another. The problem is at some point it reaches a point of deminishing returns and higher prices.
I have customers making tremendous power through Kooks Y-pipe as it sits. I could easily pressure Kooks into redesigning their Y-pipe..however it would add between $50-$100 and cost and not really change the end experiance for the customer. If your buying based on a bulleted list of features you may be happy to spend the money to have every feature. However if your concerned about value it is not worthwhile. If I had customers asking my why Kooks does not have the merge on their Y-pipe I would be begging Kooks to fix it. However, I never have people ask this. They buy the Kooks Y-pipe as is, and are fine with it.
Because why focus on fixing just one piece of the puzzle, when clearly the Kooks merge is a poor design?
To me, if the company cannot get the Y-Pipe done right, I have to question my desire to choose their headers. Any product should be constantly refined over time, since nothing is perfect, and some less perfect than others...
If they do not go with the Kooks Y-Pipe, then what are people going with instead to mesh up with Kooks headers?
To me, if the company cannot get the Y-Pipe done right, I have to question my desire to choose their headers. Any product should be constantly refined over time, since nothing is perfect, and some less perfect than others...
If they do not go with the Kooks Y-Pipe, then what are people going with instead to mesh up with Kooks headers?
Really? Just slamming the 2 pipes together is a good design, and the related slower flow, plus the annoying rasp and drone at 2000-2300 rpm?!
Speed Inc. also says a component of the rasp/drone has to do with Y-Pipe design/merges.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/7248595-post9.html
Ok, I am asking. I am holding off on pulling the trigger, since I think the Kooks Y is in need of attention after reading the above thread, and others.
Speed Inc. also says a component of the rasp/drone has to do with Y-Pipe design/merges.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/7248595-post9.html
Ok, I am asking. I am holding off on pulling the trigger, since I think the Kooks Y is in need of attention after reading the above thread, and others.
A lot of people buy the Kooks Y-pipe as it is. The design is fine..and similar to what is on a lot of what is on the market. Matter of fact, most users will be hard pressed to find a difference outside the margin of error on a dyno between a y-pipe or headers that have a merge collector vs. ones that do not. On a street car it just does not matter.
I know in the industry there this the tendancy to add more features and try and one up one another. The problem is at some point it reaches a point of deminishing returns and higher prices.
I have customers making tremendous power through Kooks Y-pipe as it sits. I could easily pressure Kooks into redesigning their Y-pipe..however it would add between $50-$100 and cost and not really change the end experiance for the customer. If your buying based on a bulleted list of features you may be happy to spend the money to have every feature. However if your concerned about value it is not worthwhile. If I had customers asking my why Kooks does not have the merge on their Y-pipe I would be begging Kooks to fix it. However, I never have people ask this. They buy the Kooks Y-pipe as is, and are fine with it.
I know in the industry there this the tendancy to add more features and try and one up one another. The problem is at some point it reaches a point of deminishing returns and higher prices.
I have customers making tremendous power through Kooks Y-pipe as it sits. I could easily pressure Kooks into redesigning their Y-pipe..however it would add between $50-$100 and cost and not really change the end experiance for the customer. If your buying based on a bulleted list of features you may be happy to spend the money to have every feature. However if your concerned about value it is not worthwhile. If I had customers asking my why Kooks does not have the merge on their Y-pipe I would be begging Kooks to fix it. However, I never have people ask this. They buy the Kooks Y-pipe as is, and are fine with it.
Really? Just slamming the 2 pipes together is a good design, and the related slower flow, plus the annoying rasp and drone at 2000-2300 rpm?!
Speed Inc. also says a component of the rasp/drone has to do with Y-Pipe design/merges.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/7248595-post9.html
Ok, I am asking. I am holding off on pulling the trigger, since I think the Kooks Y is in need of attention after reading the above thread, and others.
Speed Inc. also says a component of the rasp/drone has to do with Y-Pipe design/merges.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/7248595-post9.html
Ok, I am asking. I am holding off on pulling the trigger, since I think the Kooks Y is in need of attention after reading the above thread, and others.
i have built many y pipes using the flowmaster merge (SMOOTHEST TRANSISTION ON THE MARKET) and it doesnt help
only the muffler or cats will help with that
the kooks might look like 2 pipes slammed together, but i would be willing to bet the power difference is next to nothing because its already flowing more than adequate as is, so smoother transition is not the bottleneck
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My brother and I replaced the Pacesetter ORY on his 02 SS (that matched the Jet Hot Longtubes to the factory option SLP Dual Dual Catback on the car) with one of the new design Texas Speed ORYs and noticed a tremendous difference in the sound. There is significantly less rasp.
I know the Pacesetter ORY has probably the worst merge of any aftermarket Y-pipe out there. And with the beautiful merge on the TSP ORY, it was a no-brainer that the exhaust note would change.
Take this for what you will, but to me, this clearly shows there is a difference in sound between a Flowmaster style merge and the "slam the two pipes together" type merge. I don't see how anyone can say "it doesn't help".
I know the Pacesetter ORY has probably the worst merge of any aftermarket Y-pipe out there. And with the beautiful merge on the TSP ORY, it was a no-brainer that the exhaust note would change.
Take this for what you will, but to me, this clearly shows there is a difference in sound between a Flowmaster style merge and the "slam the two pipes together" type merge. I don't see how anyone can say "it doesn't help".
I don't see why everyone is hating on the Kooks y-pipe. I have Kooks LTs with the Kooks y-pipe WITH CATS and I'm making 360 rwhp and 375 ft lbs. That's with a computer tune, not a dyno tune. I'd say that's pretty damn good. Don't see how I could get any more power without switching to true duals.
I installed a 4" flowmaster merge into my Kooks y-pipe. Definitely took a bit with 90 degree mandrel bends and all. I don't have any real world testing with it but I don't doubt I got an improvement. The car idles alot smoother now and really roars.
When I saw my buddies mufflex Y for his third gen with the flowmaster merge I had to have it. I wouldn't want header primaries to merge together like that, so why would I want it in my y pipe?
If you want a flowmaster merge in your y pipe just install one.
When I saw my buddies mufflex Y for his third gen with the flowmaster merge I had to have it. I wouldn't want header primaries to merge together like that, so why would I want it in my y pipe?
If you want a flowmaster merge in your y pipe just install one.
Did you click the link?! The issue with the Y was related to 500 RWHP...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/7248595-post9.html
Also, on a related note, you don't need all that much to get to 375, here's one route, of many:
http://www.slponline.com/view_produc...A&BIG=28030A-1
https://ls1tech.com/forums/7248595-post9.html
Also, on a related note, you don't need all that much to get to 375, here's one route, of many:
http://www.slponline.com/view_produc...A&BIG=28030A-1
I don't see why everyone is hating on the Kooks y-pipe. I have Kooks LTs with the Kooks y-pipe WITH CATS and I'm making 360 rwhp and 375 ft lbs. That's with a computer tune, not a dyno tune. I'd say that's pretty damn good. Don't see how I could get any more power without switching to true duals.
I had Kooks and never had a problem. 1 7/8ths. I have ARHs now because of a great deal for another car and it comes down to what one prefers. I had duals and the Y pipe set up. I did do the flomaster for just piece of mind. Both are better than my first set of headers(SLP) old design.
Also, on a related note, you don't need all that much to get to 375, here's one route, of many:
http://www.slponline.com/view_produc...A&BIG=28030A-1
http://www.slponline.com/view_produc...A&BIG=28030A-1
My friend has QTPs and their y pipe has the Flowmaster merge and it's raspy as sh#t. As Maryland Speed said you won't notice any power difference anyway. (waits for Chocotaco to tell me I'm wrong)
Im leaning towards arh, but im considering keeping my qtp y and making it fit. (sounds like great cust service, but the site has no pictures of the product.. kind of lame.)
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Winner/Rapid City, SD
a y pipe design will not get rid of that rasp, i dont care who says it will
i have built many y pipes using the flowmaster merge (SMOOTHEST TRANSISTION ON THE MARKET) and it doesnt help
only the muffler or cats will help with that
the kooks might look like 2 pipes slammed together, but i would be willing to bet the power difference is next to nothing because its already flowing more than adequate as is, so smoother transition is not the bottleneck
i have built many y pipes using the flowmaster merge (SMOOTHEST TRANSISTION ON THE MARKET) and it doesnt help
only the muffler or cats will help with that
the kooks might look like 2 pipes slammed together, but i would be willing to bet the power difference is next to nothing because its already flowing more than adequate as is, so smoother transition is not the bottleneck
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From: Hometown:Mount Carmel, IL Current: Las Vegas, NV
great thread. I appreciate everyone's input. I'm still yet to make my decision but this was full of info...a little dick measuring and bashing, but good info was in there. Thanks to the vendors for their inputs.