Novice Header Question
 

Would someone mind explaining to me the difference and benefits of these 2 different ARH LT headers? I am looking to try to add around 50 HP and am planning to add a CAI, headers and a tune. But want to make an informed decision and am still confused after reading other header threads.

I dont care as much about the loud or deeper sound I am happy with the way the car sounds now but would like to add a little more pep and improve the handling. Am also planning to do the Pfadt Sport Suspension Package to improve handling.
American Racing 1-3/4 Headers + X Pipe + cats for 2010 CAMARO
http://jreperformanceparts.com/gm/20...10-camaro.html

2010 Camaro ARH Long Tube Headers 1-3/4" x 3" Conn With/Cats
http://jreperformanceparts.com/gm/20...-cat-back.html

the 3" is to conect up to aftermarket 3" pipe for axle back. Make sure what you need if you have already gotten an axle back installed. If not I'd go with the complete system from ARH

I guess part of what I am asking is, is it worth the extra $450 to get the full system as apposed to using the stock system from the cat back? Is there a performance advantage and is it worth the extra $450?

The first system goes all the way back to the axle, 3" all the way there. You mate it up to your factory pipes there, it goes down to 2 1/2" to match up. If you like the factory sound now then you will be happy. I had my car this way for a month or so before going to magnaflows and 3" all the way. The factory mufflers are a fairly straight through design, changing them is mostly for a more aggressive sound under acceleration. That second system looks like it mates up to the factory system after the cats, which means you will have 2 1/2" from there and the factory H pipe and not the ARH 3" X pipe. I would recommend the first system, I love mine, Easy install and quality workmanship. Good luck.

An exhaust only flows as well as the narrowest point. If there's 2.5in from the axle back, you'll gain nothing, in terms of performance. Probably not much to be had from going all 3in anyway. The sound may be different though. I'd also suggest you go with the 1 7/8 headers as they've been shown to give more HP over the 1 3/4. The 2in version also shows a slight gain over the 1 7/8. It comes down to price and preference.

If want a 45-50 hp gain and you are not interested in spending money for the sake of changing the sound, go with the second system that you listed, i.e., LT headers with high flow cats that connect directly to your stock exhaust system.

It has been shown time and time again that all the power gains are forward of the cats. Modifications from the cats back provide minimal power increase, if any. They are only for sound improvements (?).

I got 45-50 hp from Kooks LT headers with high flow cats, a CAI, a dyno tune with a stock exhaust behind the cats.
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62200

The headers and CAI did change the sound of my car. To me, my car sounds awesome ...especially on wide open throttle. How an exhaust systems sounds is very subjective and personal for each individual.

My car has absolutely no drone...it doesn't sound like I'm in a 4 engine WWII bomber when cruising on the freeway, but when I hammer it ...WOW!
Alfie

Alfie, sounds like you have done exactly what I am looking to do, add some extra power without getting too loud. Best of both worlds, quiet when cruising and like a beast when WOT.

Those are some great dyno numbers you got there. I will have to keep my fingers crossed I can get something close to that.

Thanks for the feedback.

Mike