Somewhat disappointed in Kooks...
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..
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..
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.
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.
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 
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: IL
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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
