Kooks Headers vs American Racing Headers
07-07-2013, 12:58 PM
#102
I have a used set of jet-hot headers and Y-pipe but I don't want to even install them on my 2000 WS6 T/A. I have been reading everything I can find online regarding which header is best for these cars. I believe that I'm gonna go with the ARH's w/off-road Y-pipe along with some qtp electric cutout's. Where is the best vendor to use for this purchase? TIA.
07-10-2013, 06:01 PM
#105
I love my arh headers. My buddy had kooks 1-3/4 and his had issues with the steering rack. I'm sure kooks are great quality as well but I have no complaints with arh. and the best thing is after readin that kooks and many other designs needed the motor mounts removed to install them the arhs slid in with just a push
07-13-2013, 02:35 PM
#109
My two cents...
ARH is probably a slightly better header.
But Kooks makes the best overall system for the F-Body. Exhaust port to exhaust tip, the Kooks system is unmatched. If you ever plan to run the Kooks TDs, then Kooks Headers are worth it.
And before anyone says the price is prohibitive... the ARH system with Y-Pipe and a catback like the Borla is just as expensive as the Kooks system.
To me, there is no question what I would buy. And if you are considering ARH or Kooks, stainless and quality matter. So the catback has to meet those as well (Magnaflow at the lower end, with Borla or GMMG at the midrange or Corsa being the upper end).
ARH is probably a slightly better header.
But Kooks makes the best overall system for the F-Body. Exhaust port to exhaust tip, the Kooks system is unmatched. If you ever plan to run the Kooks TDs, then Kooks Headers are worth it.
And before anyone says the price is prohibitive... the ARH system with Y-Pipe and a catback like the Borla is just as expensive as the Kooks system.
To me, there is no question what I would buy. And if you are considering ARH or Kooks, stainless and quality matter. So the catback has to meet those as well (Magnaflow at the lower end, with Borla or GMMG at the midrange or Corsa being the upper end).
07-15-2013, 12:31 AM
#112
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I put Kooks headers, y pipe with their new green cats on my 2009 E-Force Silverado. First experience with them and the install was flawless. The headers would have bolted right up to the factory y pipe and the header and y-pipe would have bolted up directly to the cat back. God bless the cats. They don't throw that annoying lean bank code. I'm happy!
Last edited by Brian Hoss; 07-15-2013 at 11:38 AM.
07-15-2013, 09:44 AM
#114
This is actually the sole reason I did not go with Kooks.
I am still trying to resolve some header or y-pipe touching to metal with them -- hoping I don't need to replace the new rubber motor mounts w/poly ones...
ARH says I should not have to, we will see...
I am still trying to resolve some header or y-pipe touching to metal with them -- hoping I don't need to replace the new rubber motor mounts w/poly ones...
ARH says I should not have to, we will see...
07-15-2013, 08:09 PM
#116
Too many compromises IMHO with true duals from Kooks on F-Body -- I made the decision a while ago not to go that route, plus the Fays2 Watts Link reportedly may not work with it which was another deal killer for me.
Sam Strano agrees:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/14415082-post41.html
If I want true duals, I will buy a 5th Gen Camaro...
Sam Strano agrees:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/14415082-post41.html
If I want true duals, I will buy a 5th Gen Camaro...
Last edited by libertyforall1776; 07-15-2013 at 08:21 PM.
07-15-2013, 09:28 PM
#117
What compromise is that? That you can't run a Watts link?
I wouldn't run any other system on these cars. They have the worst exhaust that chokes out any power. And they sound horrid half the time.
This sounds great, doesn't lose power, and isn't really any heavier. Yes, it's two pipes, but only a couple of feet in the intermediate pipe where it has two vs a y-pipe/catback's one pipe. That weight is offset by the catback's actual muffler (unless it's a loudmouth).
I wouldn't run any other system on these cars. They have the worst exhaust that chokes out any power. And they sound horrid half the time.
This sounds great, doesn't lose power, and isn't really any heavier. Yes, it's two pipes, but only a couple of feet in the intermediate pipe where it has two vs a y-pipe/catback's one pipe. That weight is offset by the catback's actual muffler (unless it's a loudmouth).
07-15-2013, 10:16 PM
#118
Yes, Watts Link could be an issue, have to add both a Driveshaft Safety Loop & Panhard Rod Relocation Kit, and the cars are not made for duals, so how many clanks against the body due to tight fitment? Besides, dual 3 in. pipe is way overkill on most F-Bodies.
Worst exhaust? My SS sounds great and flows well with my ARH stepped headers and cat'd ypipe with noweeds diverter and SLP dual dual. No complaints.
I still want someone from Kooks to explain why they cannot engineer a proper y-pipe merge!
Worst exhaust? My SS sounds great and flows well with my ARH stepped headers and cat'd ypipe with noweeds diverter and SLP dual dual. No complaints.
I still want someone from Kooks to explain why they cannot engineer a proper y-pipe merge!
What compromise is that? That you can't run a Watts link?
I wouldn't run any other system on these cars. They have the worst exhaust that chokes out any power. And they sound horrid half the time.
This sounds great, doesn't lose power, and isn't really any heavier. Yes, it's two pipes, but only a couple of feet in the intermediate pipe where it has two vs a y-pipe/catback's one pipe. That weight is offset by the catback's actual muffler (unless it's a loudmouth).
I wouldn't run any other system on these cars. They have the worst exhaust that chokes out any power. And they sound horrid half the time.
This sounds great, doesn't lose power, and isn't really any heavier. Yes, it's two pipes, but only a couple of feet in the intermediate pipe where it has two vs a y-pipe/catback's one pipe. That weight is offset by the catback's actual muffler (unless it's a loudmouth).
