Speed Engineering LT's came in today

[Gunmetal Speedster]

So I know a lot of you have the Speed Engineering LT's and swear by them, some of you are contemplating getting them, and others wouldn't touch a set of LT's this low because they want the assurance that comes with big name brands like Kooks, ARH, Stainless Works/Power, etc. However since most people who have them think pretty highly of them, I thought why not give them a try! I created this thread so everyone who is always asking questions about these can share in my experience that I have with them. So let's begin. I ordered these on December 4th (Sunday) and I received them today (December 9th). First thing to note is the box was not sealed well, looks like the industrial staples they used to keep the box closed were all missing, you can tell where they were at though. The box also had some minor holes in it (Assuming that's UPS's fault, not the vendor). Upon opening the box, everything was neatly organized and all that I had ordered (LT's, cat delete pipes, multi-layered gaskets, o2 extensions, and all hardware) were all in the box. I took the headers out to examine them. They looked very nice, good welds etc. However, at the cat end of the passenger side long tube, is bent a bit (see pic below). The cat delete pipe still manages to fit well and I don't foreseeing it to be any sort of big issue, and I've heard that their customer service is really good about replacing any type of messed up product. I would like to think that they didn't ship this way, and that UPS had mishandled the package by going off the state of the box it was in when it arrived. Could have been thrown around, kicked, rolling around on the truck, anything is possible that could have resulted in the slightly damaged product. I will not be sending it back as I don't care all that much. I have a limited time frame to get this done before work really picks back up and as stated before, I don't believe there will be too much of an issue anyway.





Here is an up close of the bent piece.


I will be taking more pictures, this is all I had time to snap before heading to work. If you would like to see a certain picture of the headers or any of the accompanying components that I ordered, request so in the comments below! I will keep this thread updated as I do the installation and report back with how it goes. Thanks!

[Gunmetal Speedster]

*Update on the install process #1* I have the driver side header completely installed. Fitment is great (can't say the same about the annoying BBK shorty I had to take out). Only thing that really has given me trouble so far is the o2 sensor. Had to take a blowtorch to it, but it finally came out. Haven't attempted the passenger side yet, wanted to make sure I could do the driver side first Everything is going about as expected, I can't say I'm a fan of how it connects the cat delete pipe to the factory piping. Both are 2.5in and just touch each other ran than the cat delete inserting itself into the factory piping like the SOLO cats did. Seems like it would be problematic and cause leaks this way. Guess we'll find out. Tomorrow I will attempt to do the passenger side. Hopefully everything goes smoothly!

*Update on install process #2* Install is complete! Finally glad that's all out of the way. Total installation time was around 8 hours. Had to split it between two days because of my work hours. Overall everything went about as planned. I followed the DIY on here and it was alright, the process itself is pretty straightforward, however, with there being no pics and the link being broken, I think it could use a good update because this is still a very popular mod and the DIY doesn't go into a lot of detail. I didn't do half the things listed in it either; like disconnecting the steering shaft, cutting any of the piping, or even unplugging the battery. That being said, only ran into a few issues during install. The BBK shorty headers were a pain to get out on the drivers side due to the steering shaft, I read that the majority of the longtubes don't require this step so I thought might as well avoid it if at all possible. Ended up taking the shorty header out from the top and the Speed Engineering longtube slid in from the bottom no problem on either side! Another annoyance were the o2 sensors. Take the advice in getting those things heated up before removing. I removed the hi-flows off the car along with the shorty header at the same time, and then separated them after. Had to take a blowtorch to both o2 sensors and a very generous coating of blaster before they finally gave. The dipstick was annoying as well, but not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. If at all possible, have a helper for this part under the car to see where the stick is removed from so they can help you guide it back in later. All of these issues listed are not related to Speed Engineering at all, just common issues for what was already on the car. The last issue was clamps. The ones provided by Speed Engineering blow ass. Do yourself a favor and buy clamps from summit or amazon before installing these. Other than that, the installation went as expected and they look and preform great! Would definitely recommend them to anyone shopping on a budget!

Driver side header from above:


Passenger side header from above:


Headers/connection pipes from below the car:


Heating of the o2 sensor to remove it:

[G701LE]

My Stainless Power LT's were dented like that on the passenger side also. AND the hi flow cat. I didn't bother sending them back either. Otherwise, they look nice!

[Gunmetal Speedster]

Originally Posted by G701LE

My Stainless Power LT's were dented like that on the passenger side also. AND the hi flow cat. I didn't bother sending them back either. Otherwise, they look nice!

So no issues then? That's good haha! And thanks, hoping the install is as easy as everyone makes it out to be. If that's the case, the most annoying aspect will be the lack of a lift and using jack stands.

[G701LE]

Install is a breeze! Good luck and enjoy.

[Gunmetal Speedster]

Originally Posted by G701LE

Install is a breeze! Good luck and enjoy.

Thanks! Looking forward to it

[KGoddard]

Both of mine had that flat spot on them. My passenger side has a leak where the connection pipe and collector pipe overlap, probably because their clamps are garbage. I bought some clamps on amazon (SmartParts 100300 3" Lap Joint) that will hopefully eliminate that leak. I should have them on there this weekend so I will let you guys know how that turns out.

[Stew2000]

Great headers,shitty clamps. Had to buy clamps off Amazon and leaks were gone

[Gunmetal Speedster]

Originally Posted by KGoddard

Both of mine had that flat spot on them. My passenger side has a leak where the connection pipe and collector pipe overlap, probably because their clamps are garbage. I bought some clamps on amazon (SmartParts 100300 3" Lap Joint) that will hopefully eliminate that leak. I should have them on there this weekend so I will let you guys know how that turns out.

Hmmm, starting to sound like Speed Engineering should check their quality before shipping, that's a little concerning lol

Originally Posted by Stew2000

Great headers,shitty clamps. Had to buy clamps off Amazon and leaks were gone

I read about how everyone thought their clamps were garbage so I ordered some from Summit the same night I ordered the headers just to be safe

[Ashen L99]

Those are the same ones I got over thanksgiving. The packaging was organized but the box had holes in it and the drivers side long tube was poking through when the ups guy delivered them. Like the OP said I don't think the vendor did this. Hope you enjoy yours as I have been enjoying mine!

[camrytt]

Anyone been on the dyno with these?

Edit just used Google, seem fine

[mma]

When I got my package it was opened on either ends of the box, had to hold it parallel to the ground so nothing falls off.. luckily nothing is missing from what I could tell, no damage on the headers itself either. Looks really clean. Doubt it left the manufacturer like that so no complaints in that respect. Still waiting to put these on myself.

[GRNFLSH]

I've helped to install two sets of Kooks, and both had dents on the collector flange. We just straightened it out and moved on. I think its just the hazards of shipping something like this. Hope your install goes well. The improved sound and butt dyno feel should result in a smug grin with lots of needless revving.

[Gunmetal Speedster]

Originally Posted by GRNFLSH

I've helped to install two sets of Kooks, and both had dents on the collector flange. We just straightened it out and moved on. I think its just the hazards of shipping something like this. Hope your install goes well. The improved sound and butt dyno feel should result in a smug grin with lots of needless revving.

That makes me feel a bit better about the purchase. I was starting to think maybe this is why people prefer the $1000+ headers, but if the same thing has been noted happening on them, then I don't feel bad about paying 1/4 the cost haha.