Kooks Headers vs American Racing Headers
07-16-2013, 07:21 PM
#125
04-22-2014, 07:37 PM
#126
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I know this is an old post but I have ran across it a couple of times now so I figured I would add my experience.
I ordered a Set of Kooks Headers that took over two months to show up. I also ordered a Catted Y-pipe to go with the setup. I called Kooks directly and asked them if they would be able to leave the final pipe at 3 inches and the customer service rep told me it would have to be a "custom" piece and would cost an additional $400.
The pipe downsizes to fit with stock axle back exhaust. I asked if they could just leave the 3 inch pipe and not add the downsize after that. He again said it would have to be a custom pipe at additional cost and I would have to order directly through them and not threw a vendor.
I asked them to leave material off of the Y-pipe and they wanted to charge me extra for it. When the Y-pipe finally shows up (I ordered it over two weeks ago and it hasn't even shipped yet) I will have the pleasure of cutting my brand new pipe up and adding a six inch long pipe that is three inches in diameter because they could not accommodate me or work with me in any way for less then $400 above cost.
A $700 Y-pipe becomes an $1,100 Y-pipe to leave six or so inches of tube off of the pipe. If I did not already have the headers sitting on my guest bed (Which I ordered in early January and didn't show up until the middle of April) I would cancel the order and go with ARH.
Kooks has the worst customer service I have ever experienced in a parts company. They have been short and rude every time I have called and talked to them. I give them over $1,600 for some cheap exhaust parts and they can't/won't do basic modifications to accommodate a paying customer and they also do not ship in a timely manner.
So to sum this message up for everyone. I would not ever recommend Kooks to another person ever. All said and done this looks like it will take me over half a year to get a simple Exhaust upgrade done.
I ordered a Set of Kooks Headers that took over two months to show up. I also ordered a Catted Y-pipe to go with the setup. I called Kooks directly and asked them if they would be able to leave the final pipe at 3 inches and the customer service rep told me it would have to be a "custom" piece and would cost an additional $400.
The pipe downsizes to fit with stock axle back exhaust. I asked if they could just leave the 3 inch pipe and not add the downsize after that. He again said it would have to be a custom pipe at additional cost and I would have to order directly through them and not threw a vendor.
I asked them to leave material off of the Y-pipe and they wanted to charge me extra for it. When the Y-pipe finally shows up (I ordered it over two weeks ago and it hasn't even shipped yet) I will have the pleasure of cutting my brand new pipe up and adding a six inch long pipe that is three inches in diameter because they could not accommodate me or work with me in any way for less then $400 above cost.
A $700 Y-pipe becomes an $1,100 Y-pipe to leave six or so inches of tube off of the pipe. If I did not already have the headers sitting on my guest bed (Which I ordered in early January and didn't show up until the middle of April) I would cancel the order and go with ARH.
Kooks has the worst customer service I have ever experienced in a parts company. They have been short and rude every time I have called and talked to them. I give them over $1,600 for some cheap exhaust parts and they can't/won't do basic modifications to accommodate a paying customer and they also do not ship in a timely manner.
So to sum this message up for everyone. I would not ever recommend Kooks to another person ever. All said and done this looks like it will take me over half a year to get a simple Exhaust upgrade done.
04-23-2014, 09:08 AM
#129
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I have been waiting MONTHS for my parts to show up.
04-23-2014, 03:36 PM
#132
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I know this is an old post but I have ran across it a couple of times now so I figured I would add my experience.
I ordered a Set of Kooks Headers that took over two months to show up. I also ordered a Catted Y-pipe to go with the setup. I called Kooks directly and asked them if they would be able to leave the final pipe at 3 inches and the customer service rep told me it would have to be a "custom" piece and would cost an additional $400.
The pipe downsizes to fit with stock axle back exhaust. I asked if they could just leave the 3 inch pipe and not add the downsize after that. He again said it would have to be a custom pipe at additional cost and I would have to order directly through them and not threw a vendor.
I asked them to leave material off of the Y-pipe and they wanted to charge me extra for it. When the Y-pipe finally shows up (I ordered it over two weeks ago and it hasn't even shipped yet) I will have the pleasure of cutting my brand new pipe up and adding a six inch long pipe that is three inches in diameter because they could not accommodate me or work with me in any way for less then $400 above cost.
A $700 Y-pipe becomes an $1,100 Y-pipe to leave six or so inches of tube off of the pipe. If I did not already have the headers sitting on my guest bed (Which I ordered in early January and didn't show up until the middle of April) I would cancel the order and go with ARH.
Kooks has the worst customer service I have ever experienced in a parts company. They have been short and rude every time I have called and talked to them. I give them over $1,600 for some cheap exhaust parts and they can't/won't do basic modifications to accommodate a paying customer and they also do not ship in a timely manner.
So to sum this message up for everyone. I would not ever recommend Kooks to another person ever. All said and done this looks like it will take me over half a year to get a simple Exhaust upgrade done.
I ordered a Set of Kooks Headers that took over two months to show up. I also ordered a Catted Y-pipe to go with the setup. I called Kooks directly and asked them if they would be able to leave the final pipe at 3 inches and the customer service rep told me it would have to be a "custom" piece and would cost an additional $400.
The pipe downsizes to fit with stock axle back exhaust. I asked if they could just leave the 3 inch pipe and not add the downsize after that. He again said it would have to be a custom pipe at additional cost and I would have to order directly through them and not threw a vendor.
I asked them to leave material off of the Y-pipe and they wanted to charge me extra for it. When the Y-pipe finally shows up (I ordered it over two weeks ago and it hasn't even shipped yet) I will have the pleasure of cutting my brand new pipe up and adding a six inch long pipe that is three inches in diameter because they could not accommodate me or work with me in any way for less then $400 above cost.
A $700 Y-pipe becomes an $1,100 Y-pipe to leave six or so inches of tube off of the pipe. If I did not already have the headers sitting on my guest bed (Which I ordered in early January and didn't show up until the middle of April) I would cancel the order and go with ARH.
Kooks has the worst customer service I have ever experienced in a parts company. They have been short and rude every time I have called and talked to them. I give them over $1,600 for some cheap exhaust parts and they can't/won't do basic modifications to accommodate a paying customer and they also do not ship in a timely manner.
So to sum this message up for everyone. I would not ever recommend Kooks to another person ever. All said and done this looks like it will take me over half a year to get a simple Exhaust upgrade done.
Thank you
04-24-2014, 08:33 AM
#134
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We just want to clear the air on this $400 up charge. We would not charge you $400 for not wanting to reduce the pipe to the factory specs. If you wanted the system built this way, there may be an delay due to the custom nature and being a one-off build. I am in contact with Emersan to try to get to the bottom of this. If you were requesting this, you may have to purchase it directly from us, as Summit or Jegs may not have the ability to order something like this.
Since we are on the subject of Y-Pipes for 4th Gens, we recently redesigned our pipe with a TRUE merge as many of you have requested. Here are some pictures of the new piece.
Please let me know if I can get one of these ordered for you or if you have any other questions.
Since we are on the subject of Y-Pipes for 4th Gens, we recently redesigned our pipe with a TRUE merge as many of you have requested. Here are some pictures of the new piece.
Please let me know if I can get one of these ordered for you or if you have any other questions.
04-25-2014, 12:39 AM
#136
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).
04-25-2014, 12:46 AM
#137
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Borla sounds great but it's a 1000 cat back. Still would need a y pipe which would run a couple hundred bucks. I rather just up the 1200-1300 by calling Maryland speed for a deal on the kooks and eliminate a y pipe altogether plus have more horses with the true duals not to mention a better sounding ride.
04-25-2014, 01:07 AM
#138
Borla sounds great but it's a 1000 cat back. Still would need a y pipe which would run a couple hundred bucks. I rather just up the 1200-1300 by calling Maryland speed for a deal on the kooks and eliminate a y pipe altogether plus have more horses with the true duals not to mention a better sounding ride.
05-28-2014, 01:06 AM
#139
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I wouldn't dare spend a grand on corsa. I just ordered the kooks true dual exhaust system for the same price as corsa. I just couldn't see how guys spend tons of money on y pipe setups and at the end of the day it's still raspy. If I was forced to run a y pipe I'll order the sinister exhaust system for 400 bucks and be done
