[kbui]

I am not trying to argue with the Domestic producers and distributors, but hearing you guys talking about R&D on making these headers, I have to ask: how much R&D is involved in making these headers? Headers have been made over and over again for so many different applications over the last 40-50-60...years. Materials are already determined, coated steel, 304SS,409SS.....tubes sizes are pretty much known....The only R&D I can see is trying to fit the bends of these tubes against current engine layout and compartment. Anyone trying to make the headers for these C5 will eventually come to the same paths for these tubes in order to have decent fittings regardless of whether OBX copied the design or not. It's not like you people are making something that are so advanced that someone else couldn't come up with unless they copied.

I do understand you have higher wages in this country for production, but your prices for comparable equipments are just too high to be competitive. If there was a 50% difference in prices, I can see buying American to support domestic workers. We are talking a price which is 2 to 3 times higher, it makes your headers disproportionally expensive when compared to the rest of the car. I can give you an example, an slightly used or a brand new LS3 engine is between 4-6K? The after market complete exhaust system is 1.8K to 2.4K. Do you really think your exhaust system is worth 1/3 to 1/2 of a complete engine?

I can't blame these guys for seeking cheaper alternatives.