TSP headers vs Kooks or QTP
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Teching In
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15
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TSP headers vs Kooks or QTP I'm getting ready to make the first mods to a stock 2000 Trans Am. All of this is brand new to me, so I only know what I learn as I go. One of the stickies said that for long tube headers, QTP or Kooks was the top of the line, and cost $700+.
That was 18 years ago. The guy I'm using to do the work is recommending TSP headers at $1045. How are TSP headers compared to Kooks, and is this a reasonable price?
Edit: Just saw the TSP headers for $818 straight from their site.
That was 18 years ago. The guy I'm using to do the work is recommending TSP headers at $1045. How are TSP headers compared to Kooks, and is this a reasonable price?
Edit: Just saw the TSP headers for $818 straight from their site.
I'd add American Racing Headers to the top of the line list as well. Here's one of many kooks-vs-tsp-headers discussions.
I've had Kook's, Hooker, Stainless Steel Works and Speed Engineering LS1 headers. Kook's has outstanding quality & consistently great fitment.
I've had Kook's, Hooker, Stainless Steel Works and Speed Engineering LS1 headers. Kook's has outstanding quality & consistently great fitment.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 177
From: ELSA, South TEXAS (956) 802-7700
TSP. You can pay more but not worth it in my opinion. Today I'm getting my set I have had since 2010 from Jet Hot. With money saved, you could probably get Jet Hot coated. Just a thought. With Jet Hot coating, should work even better and last me a lifetime.
most of the headers out there are kooks knock offs....that fit like CRAP....yes TSP talking about you....had TSP before and spent the $$$$$$ on kooks....worth every penny for not having to fight to get it in
I will not recommend TSP. They did their part helping on the exchanging and trying to make it right so I cant fault them there. I tried 3 sets and they would not fit my car. Tried with old rubber engine mounts, new rubbers and polys. Collectors were pointed too far up towards the floor and the Y wouldnt even slip on. My car was torn apart so dam long while I dealt with sending headers back and forth. I finally caved after the 3rd set and bought the ARH like I wanted to from the get-go. Yes, they did cost more but they fit right the first dam time and the Y pipe tucks up better than the stock **** did. Not a single piece of that piping touches my floor and I don't scrape on anything with my lowered car. Do not regret that purchase a single bit!
ETA: I bought the TSP catback with cutout back in August of '20. Had to send it back because piping was made wrong. Didnt even make it on my car!
ETA: I bought the TSP catback with cutout back in August of '20. Had to send it back because piping was made wrong. Didnt even make it on my car!
Last edited by 99Silver6.0; Sep 30, 2022 at 12:04 PM.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 370
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I found stainless 1 7/8 TSP and a rumbler exhaust for a 2002 f body from a Soldier that was being deployed new unused in a box for $450. That was 10 years ago though.
They have held up well and would definitely purchase them they are quality parts.
The muffler shop said these are not cheap thin stainless like most exhaust systems he’s seen.
not sure about filament on specific models. I used them on my 69 Chevelle. And had the muffler shop adjust the driver side kick out on those headers.
They have held up well and would definitely purchase them they are quality parts.
The muffler shop said these are not cheap thin stainless like most exhaust systems he’s seen.
not sure about filament on specific models. I used them on my 69 Chevelle. And had the muffler shop adjust the driver side kick out on those headers.
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 643
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From: Carnation, WA
I have headers made by Kooks on my LS swapped Miata. All of the clearances in that swap are super tight. Shitty headers made to loose tolerances would never have worked. I can confirm that the quality of Kooks is second to none.
They were only like $1200 for this completely custom application. Headers for a Porsche Boxster are $5000 a set. Gotta love Chevy parts prices.
They were only like $1200 for this completely custom application. Headers for a Porsche Boxster are $5000 a set. Gotta love Chevy parts prices.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 387
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My TSP's fit perfect. Mid pipe is rather low but even with the car being lowered and inch I clear speed bumps without incident.
I've purchased cheap headers and $2k headers. Never really had an issue anywhere. Guess I'm lucky.
I've purchased cheap headers and $2k headers. Never really had an issue anywhere. Guess I'm lucky.