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Headers Comparison

Mason

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Guys,

I'm looking at procuring headers during the winter, with a spring installation. I've been looking at Kooks, but have heard decent reviews of Stainless Works as well.

Has anyone done a review, or have experience with Kooks vs Stainless Works vs American Racing Headers?

I'm looking at running as well, so no off-road setups.

Thanks
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nastang87xx

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All are top notch companies. If it were me, I'd find the one that has the best deal out of the 3. The Kooks is going to be the hardest install. ARH has continuously been considered the gold standard. Ford and Chevy both use ARH as an OEM for their Cobra Jet and COPO programs. Stainless Works will be the easiest install due to the bend configurations of the tubes. All 3 are 304 stainless and have great welds.
 

Logan@Lethal

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I wish Corsa manufactured headers. I live near their HQ in Cleveland. Maybe they could use my car as a test mule to build them...
They are making headers for our cars now. Soon, my friend.
 

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beefcake

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Guys,

I'm looking at procuring headers during the winter, with a spring installation. I've been looking at Kooks, but have heard decent reviews of Stainless Works as well.

Has anyone done a review, or have experience with Kooks vs Stainless Works vs American Racing Headers?

I'm looking at running as well, so no off-road setups.

Thanks
we have some killer 304 stainless options starting below $700

you really can't go wrong with any of the big names, kooks, sw, sp, arh, pypes, etc..

we have run them all at one point or another. and we install on a daily basis. we don't just sell , we spend alot of time on these cars.

hit me up and we'll discuss your build and options

and , we have the dss in stock as well!

thanks
beef
513-478-1965
www.teambeefcakeracing.com
 

nastang87xx

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As a Corsa sponsor partner, I've been hounding on them to make headers ever since I put their label on my car. Bout time. It sounds weird saying "yeah, I'm sponsored by Corsa! Go...uh...buy Stainless Works." :doh:

However during a lot of this time for years, Corsa and Kooks have had a good relationship regarding Corsa pushing their headers and Kooks pushing Corsa mufflers or systems for cars that they don't make anything from the headers back for.
 

Ninjak

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I'm running Kooks on my 350. I had AR on my 11 500. I like the Kooks setup because they dd a step up system on their headers. Wa supposed to help with low end torque and I would say it works. Maybe it's more of the tune, but I do not have any complaints. I also hear their catted systems are good, I know hearing a full Kooks catted system was def quieter than my setup with O/R x and OEM muffler.

After research I went with the Kooks, because they also had the piece for the vibration dampeners which I did not see on other setups. Also I got a great deal from Beefcake and great service :)
 

Brostang

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Ebay specials have now made an appearance too. Haha. They even have mass-damper mounts, just like the Kooks. Just speculation, but I doubt the welds would hold up to Voodoo vibration despite being Kooks clones
 

nastang87xx

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Ebay specials have now made an appearance too. Haha. They even have mass-damper mounts, just like the Kooks. Just speculation, but I doubt the welds would hold up to Voodoo vibration despite being Kooks clones
Paper mache ;)
 

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Bcobb85

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All are top notch companies. If it were me, I'd find the one that has the best deal out of the 3. The Kooks is going to be the hardest install. ARH has continuously been considered the gold standard. Ford and Chevy both use ARH as an OEM for their Cobra Jet and COPO programs. Stainless Works will be the easiest install due to the bend configurations of the tubes. All 3 are 304 stainless and have great welds.
I'm trying to decide between ARH and SW currently. I've seen a handfull of those that ran the ARHs have issues with the tubes hitting/rubbing on the frame. Are you saying there aren't any issues like that with the SW due to their pipe design?
 

Tom@Lethal

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I'm trying to decide between ARH and SW currently. I've seen a handfull of those that ran the ARHs have issues with the tubes hitting/rubbing on the frame. Are you saying there aren't any issues like that with the SW due to their pipe design?
Its a snug fit in there no matter which route you choose to go. Same thing is true with the 5.0s as well. Both of those choices are fantastic and i would say at that point it’s really down to price. If you’re on a budget then the Stainless Power setup is another route to take.
 

Bcobb85

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Its a snug fit in there no matter which route you choose to go. Same thing is true with the 5.0s as well. Both of those choices are fantastic and i would say at that point it’s really down to price. If you’re on a budget then the Stainless Power setup is another route to take.
Thanks for the Feedback Tom! I ended up picking up the Stainless Works headers and have been very pleased with the build quality. I plan to have them install next week. While I've got you, I've seen some 5.0 folks mention removing/filing down the AC line bracket bolt because it can make contact with the header. Have you noticed this issue on the GT350s as well?
 

Tom@Lethal

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Thanks for the Feedback Tom! I ended up picking up the Stainless Works headers and have been very pleased with the build quality. I plan to have them install next week. While I've got you, I've seen some 5.0 folks mention removing/filing down the AC line bracket bolt because it can make contact with the header. Have you noticed this issue on the GT350s as well?
not as much as 5.0s but it’s on the passenger side and another route is to invert the bracket or loosen the motor mounts and slide the engine over a little bit. If that bolt touches the header you’re asking for your knock sensors to lose their minds
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