Longtubes options
02-25-2016, 09:20 AM
#21
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I run Kooks on the GTO and OBX on the truck. I'll be honest and say that the OBX headers are nice, but there are definite differences that make or may not be of a concern to you.
-Much, much shorter collector length
-No merge spike
-No ball joint connection
-At least on my truck headers, the collector stepped down to 2.5"
Now, those may or may not be a concern for you. The OBX headers fit my truck perfectly, have good welds, and thick flanges. I cannot attest to how the GTO versions fit. If you are shopping based on price, then they are hard to beat.
However, you can also look at the JBA long tubes. They are 409 stainless vs 304, so they will develop surface rust, but won't rust through. They are a little more expensive, but do have a much longer merge collector than OBX, and are made in Mexico instead of China.
-Much, much shorter collector length
-No merge spike
-No ball joint connection
-At least on my truck headers, the collector stepped down to 2.5"
Now, those may or may not be a concern for you. The OBX headers fit my truck perfectly, have good welds, and thick flanges. I cannot attest to how the GTO versions fit. If you are shopping based on price, then they are hard to beat.
However, you can also look at the JBA long tubes. They are 409 stainless vs 304, so they will develop surface rust, but won't rust through. They are a little more expensive, but do have a much longer merge collector than OBX, and are made in Mexico instead of China.
02-25-2016, 10:43 AM
#22
TECH Fanatic
409 stainless is a lower grade of stainless with more iron in it, which is why it will develop surface rust. However, it will never rust through. I bought a JBA catback back in 2007 that was made of 409 stainless, and while I have changed out the mufflers, the piping has remained the same. It developed surface rust pretty quickly, but that is it, and that catback saw multiple winters in Delaware with salt and brine on the roads.
If you coat the headers, it isn't really an issue.
If you coat the headers, it isn't really an issue.
02-25-2016, 12:10 PM
#23
I'll probably just call up Maryland Speed and take advantage of their sale. Haha so basically I've made a pointless thread. Good info in here for sure though. I'll update it once I make some moves.
I hope to be at least full bolt ons by the summertime but hopefully this cam I have will work in it as well so I don't need to buy another.
Also plan on a suspension overhaul as I'm getting some noises when I rip on it. Also going to go to lighter front seats.
I hope to be at least full bolt ons by the summertime but hopefully this cam I have will work in it as well so I don't need to buy another.
Also plan on a suspension overhaul as I'm getting some noises when I rip on it. Also going to go to lighter front seats.
04-05-2016, 10:48 AM
#29
Your best bet is to get a pair of used Kooks. I got mine for 750 shipped and then found the midpipes separately. They pop up all the time on Ebay and LS1GTO. Its worth the wait, especially, since a lot of the big name vendors wont ship long tubes to Cali.