Pontiac GTO 2004-2006 The Modern Goat

stuck on headers

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Old Dec 26, 2008 | 11:49 PM
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Default stuck on headers

i just bought my gto a few months back and have started with basic bolt ons. I have a k&n cai, and a corsa touring exhaust so in a effort to make it breathe better i need to replace the factory headers so my exhaust performs even better. So my question to everyone is which headers to get and why, and which kind do yall have, i have been told american racing headers are pretty good....or maybe even hooker headers but im just stuck on what to get so hopefully someone can help. thanks
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 12:05 AM
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American racing= great and they have the awesome spike collector....the best IMO "expensive" header

Kooks signature series stepped headers- $$$$ but great build quality and best of everything for the most part

Pacesetters- my choice- perfect fit/finish, easy install, cheapest. IMO if you don't care about sacrificing 3-5 HP up top you can buy 3 sets of these for the price of one set of kooks....just my opinion.
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 02:34 AM
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I did alot of searching when I got mine (ARH and PaceSetters were not available yet)

I really liked the idea of coated SLP's
(also seriously considered the DynaTech's too)


I went with Kooks on my GTO 1-7/8
you're not gonna find better build quality.
got mine from PFYC.com

part of the reason I went with Kooks (other than being awesome quality, fat flanges, ect) was they have great cats (not as much of a deal if youre going cattless)

you can keep your cats if you want, and go with the JBA shorties too

my roommate replaced his SLP's with Kooks Stepped headers on his 00' SS


BTW:
is yours a 2004 (LS1) or 2005/06 (LS2)?

Last edited by KrautBurner; Dec 27, 2008 at 02:40 AM.
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 02:42 AM
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as far as pacesetter:
I have heard horror stories (from import guys) about weak flanges, warping (leaking), weak welds that rust, ect...

not sure if this is an issue with the GTO headers



Edit:
are the Pacesetter's Staneless?

prettysure all the import ones were steel, that's why they didn't last
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 04:42 AM
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They are not stainless headers, but they come coated from the factory. I've had mine on a couple years as a daily driver and did a little bit of snow duty and a **** ton of rain, the pacesetters look new still. These are actually one of the better designed headers IMO since they give the most clearance around the rack while being affordable. If they were stainless and around 700 bucks they'd be the ones everyone bought JMO
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 08:30 AM
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Dynatech. They've been on for over 4 years and still look like the day I fired it up. Great quality and they make nice power.
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 10:52 AM
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Originally Posted by KrautBurner
I did alot of searching when I got mine (ARH and PaceSetters were not available yet)

I really liked the idea of coated SLP's
(also seriously considered the DynaTech's too)


I went with Kooks on my GTO 1-7/8
you're not gonna find better build quality.
got mine from PFYC.com

part of the reason I went with Kooks (other than being awesome quality, fat flanges, ect) was they have great cats (not as much of a deal if youre going cattless)

you can keep your cats if you want, and go with the JBA shorties too

my roommate replaced his SLP's with Kooks Stepped headers on his 00' SS


BTW:
is yours a 2004 (LS1) or 2005/06 (LS2)?
i have a ls2 and i do here good things about kook headers also so i will be sure to check them out too. To be honest im new to upgrades and dont know much. I notice that kooks have two sizes. will the 1 7/8" fit right with my basically stock engine? Is the difference between the 1 7/8" and the 1 3/4 just the flow amount? and what is o2 ex harness? i know there stupid question but i need help thanks
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 02:07 PM
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I have kooks, and they where locally coated. No problems and I've had them on for a year now.
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 04:11 PM
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I have edelbrock shorties and they still look like the day I unwrapped them. not one sigle mark. I got these because I need to pass smog, the quality is very good.
I may be swapping to longlubes next year as I will be under the emissions mileage >5000 no test required. So these will be up for sale and I'm getting the kooks
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 04:34 PM
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I went with Pacesetters just because Im on a budget. I figure with what you save on these headers compared to say Kooks, its like getting a cat back or whatever else with the $500 you would save for free. Granted my headers arent coated from the factory, but I just bought some VHT 2000 degree header paint. The O2 extension is just an extension of your o2 wires for the new location. Im going with no O2's so I wont be worrying about that.
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 04:40 PM
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Coated LT Edelbrocks here.....good quality.
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 12:52 AM
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so is 1 7/8" better then 1 3/4"? and do new gaskets come with the new headers or do i need to buy them separate
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 01:12 AM
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Stick with the GM gaskets as they seem to be the best option, most gaskets that come with headers wind up leaking sooner than later. A lot of people claim the 1 7/8 are overkill on a stockish motor, but if you plan for cam, heads, a blower etc down the line just buy the 1 7/8 right off the bat that way you don't buy multiple sets to optimize the results.
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 01:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Btorres0770
i have a ls2 and i do here good things about kook headers also so i will be sure to check them out too. To be honest im new to upgrades and dont know much. I notice that kooks have two sizes. will the 1 7/8" fit right with my basically stock engine? Is the difference between the 1 7/8" and the 1 3/4 just the flow amount? and what is o2 ex harness? i know there stupid question but i need help thanks

the 1-7/8 will fit fine (I've had no issues)
no need for 02 harness extenders (there's enough wire in the wire loom (you just need to unwrap it)


the 1-3/4 are the right ones for most people
they will give more gain than the 1-7/8 (untill you get alot more power) higher velocity


I have the 1-7/8 primaries

they are a waste if you're not making 500hp

but if you really plan on making that much HP, you should go for them
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 01:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Btorres0770
so is 1 7/8" better then 1 3/4"? and do new gaskets come with the new headers or do i need to buy them separate

>500hp 1-7/8
<500hp 1-3/4 (still good for up to about 600)

the Kooks come with new (paper)gaskets
you're better off re-using your stock ones (unless they get messed up)
or getting new GM ones
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 02:39 AM
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ok got it....i dont think i want to go above 500 hp in the end anyways well at least not now....im still far from that anyways....where can i buy new gm gaskets anyways?
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 04:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Btorres0770
....where can i buy new gm gaskets anyways?
your local GM dealer



Edit:
but you can probably re-use your stock ones
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 04:44 AM
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http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=271557

Originally Posted by MarylandSpeed
Summer is over...the temperatures getting cold.....the leaves are falling......but MarylandSpeed is holding the line and in some cases lowering prices!

With the way the economy is, we have been getting many price increases from manufactures looking to recoup increases in materials costs. We make up for these increases not with price increases to our customers, but instead with increased efficiencies in our own operations. Because of this, we are excited to be able to hold the line on many of our GTO header sales..or in some cases lower them!

Fall is a great time to buy major mods for your car because you avoid the backorders that happen in the spring, summer, and around Christmas. Also, many installers are easier to get into during the fall and may offer better prices because they are slower. Lastly, if your a do it yourselfer...Fall is generally one of the nicest times of the year temperature wise to get work done.

As of now, we have all Kooks (1 3/4", 1 7/8", and Signature Series), all SLP headers, and most Pacesetter headers (and mid pipes) in stock ready to ship.

Note: Coated headers can take between a week and three weeks depending on lead times and the coating you order.

In addition, as many of you know..a tune is essential with headers..they go together like shoes and laces. If you are not getting the car dyno tuned, and need a deal on say and SLP Predator..give us a call and we will put a package deal together for you!

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Kooks Headers-

Kooks is our most popular GTO header line. They fit great, and simply perform awesome! We have Kooks 1 3/4", 1 7/8" and Signature Series in stock and ready to ship. The Signature Series Stepped header is the most powerful GTO header on the market for GTO's up to 650 rwhp. It's TQ gains have been documented and it's performance and feature set is unmatched. It is also a MarylandSpeed exclusive since we funded it's development.

Additionally, we have several sets of headers staged at Jet Hot or Precision Motorsports ready to be coated. We are the largest Kooks dealer on the east coast, and stock these headers, allowing us to provide better service than the rest.

You can always call us at 443-730-9428 with questions or to order!


Kooks Signature Series PT# 6700-KR Pictured

View Our entire Kooks GTO header lineup here-

http://marylandspeed.com/pontiac-gto...-c-58_153.html

Sale details-

These specials all include free shipping!

If you want coated headers-

Use Coupon Code freecoatkooks on our website to get free standard coating on your headers. Our standard coating is Jet Hot 1700 degree Extreme Sterling, Precision Motorsports New Durachrome, or any of PM-FL's 2000 degree coatings! Note: You must buy headers and mid pipes to get the free coating on the headers.

Both are better coatings that what most the other guys even offer, and would run between $225 and $300 if you tried to get it done on your own.

You can also call us @ 443-730-9428 to redeem this special.

If you want uncoated headers-

If you want uncoated headers, you will have to call us at 443-730-9428 to receive a quote. Due to the competition out there, we cannot post our prices..but they are very competitive (especially if you are looking for other parts in a package). It will be a call that is very worth your while.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
SLP Headers-

We are an SLP warehouse distributor, and are excited to offer their great fitting GTO headers at the lowest price allowed!

SLP's GTO headers are known for being a great value. Their shorter design allows for a much easier installation. This is the cheapest full catted and coated GTO setup you can buy!

We have them on sale at the links below for $1,169.95 plus shipping!

2005-2006 GTO (PT# 30168)-
http://marylandspeed.com/slp-coated-...168-p-448.html

2004 GTO (PT# 30164)-
http://marylandspeed.com/slp-coated-...164-p-300.html


Pictured: 2005-2006 GTO SLP Header Package (PT# 30168)

---------------------------------------------------------------
StainlessWorks Headers-

MarylandSpeed is also a StainlessWorks Headers Warehouse distributor. StainlessWorks makes high quality headers from the best Everlast 304 Stainless Steel Available. All Stainlessworks catted setups use Random Technology cats.

We have all StainlessWorks Headers price competitively with Off Road packages starting as low as 924.95 Shipped!

You can order Stainless works headers at the link below-
http://marylandspeed.com/advanced_se...ks+gto+headers


Pictured: StainlessWorks Off Road Header Package

Note: Many Stainlessworks systems are built to order. If you are working on a tight time frame please contact us before ordering.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Pacesetter Headers-

We recently became a wholesale distributor for Pacesetter Headers. To celebrate, we are offering a sale on these value priced headers. All Pacesetter header we sell are new inventory version 2 headers. Most part numbers are in stock ready to ship with the exception of extreme sterling coated Jet Hot headers which can take a few days.


We sell Pacesetter Headers in 3 flavors-

Painted-

These headers are cheapest and come only high temp paint on the header. The paint normally comes of pretty fast..and the headers will rust because they are carbon steel and not stainless. However if money is number one concern they are great/

Prices start at $299.95..you can purchase here-http://marylandspeed.com/pacesetter-...258-p-583.html

Pacesetter Coated-


These headers are coated with Pacesetters Armor silver ceramic coating on the outside of the headers only. This coating comes with no warranty that it will not flake or full, but again, it is good middle ground if you are on a budget.

Prices start at $399.95..you can purchase here-http://marylandspeed.com/pacesetter-...258-p-629.html

Jet Hot Extreme Coated Pacesetter-


These headers are sent to Jet Hot, where they are coated in 1700 degree Extreme Sterling coating inside and out. The coating on the inside keeps the coating on the outside from ever getting hot. This is Jet Hot's best, and most expensive silver coating. These headers also come with Jet Hot's limited lifetime warranty. We also offer an option to coat Pacesetters Off Road Mid Pipes inside and out with the same Extreme Sterling coating. These headers costs a little more, but they offer the best heat reduction, and will look better longer.

Prices start at $494.95..you can purchase here-http://marylandspeed.com/advanced_se...er+GTO+headers

-------------------------------------------------------------
Other Notes: All sales/shipping prices are listed on the site except for uncoated Kooks, which you must call us for pricing on. To get the free coating on Kooks headers, you must either redeem it on the site at the time of purchase, or call in your order and mention it.

We are committed to bringing you the best prices and service possible..which we are well known on these boards for. If someone has a lower total shipped price on any of the sale items listed here, bring it to us and will try and match it.


man,
I wish the stepped headers were available when I got mine
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 04:47 AM
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here's all there GTO headers
http://marylandspeed.com/pontiac-gto...-c-58_153.html


they even have a package with a volant intake pipe

http://marylandspeed.com/kooks-long-...05-p-1783.html
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 09:11 AM
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too bad the volant intake sucks. LOL.
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