Kooks stepped LTH's

[OrangeV]

I finally got my hands on my dream car. I was fortunately able to find not only every option I wanted, including color, but one that was garage kept and only 2700 miles on a five year old car. It's totally stock and now its time to start the mods. I've decided on Kooks LTH. Does anyone have any experience with Kooks stepped LTH's? The claim is "the best of both worlds", 1 1/2" for bottom end and 1 3/4" for mid range and top end. The plan is to add a CAI and cam for starters. There is alot of useful information on this site but i can't find anything on stepped headers.

[Apex Motorsports]

The theory behind stepped headers is that when the shock wave from the exhaust valve opening travels across the "step", it reflects back towards the exhaust valve creating a negative pressure that is something like 3-5 PSI at the exhaust valve. When the steps are at the correct length for the application, this wave of negative pressure assists scavenging of the next exhaust cycle by pulling it out into the pressure drop created. This will create more peak horsepower (no more anywhere else in the RPM range) and stepped headers are usually custom built for race car applications. The thing keep in mind is that we are talking about a handful of horsepower way up high in the RPM range that you only ever see at full throttle. If you are building a car for drag racing then the extra cost for stepped headers is easily justifiable but for a street car it is mostly just bragging rights you are paying for.

PS: Before any internet smart guys try to start something, we are a Kooks distributor so I am not trying to sell him on something different that I can sell him. I am giving him honest information and food for thought.

[FunkedOut]

I thought they only made the stepped in 1-3/4" to 1-7/8" size.
Search this forum for Maryland Speed stepped headers. They have some dyno runs posted.

Here you go:
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157314

[Mydivorcegift]

On my previous car (GTO) I swapped from "regular" Kooks to the stepped ones. I personally didn't see any gains on the dyno.

[GONIF]

On a NA street driven car 1 7/8 is all you need , and while Kooks are top shelf there are many cheaper headers that will work just fine and save you some money for other mods. Can't knock Kooks , LG or ARH they are a fine product if you have the spare cash ,but don't expect any big power diff between them and most cheaper ( made in China) long tubes.

[OrangeV]

Thanks for all the input. I do appreciate the suggestion GONIF in saving the extra cash but I've learned the hard way you get what you pay for. What I've found ARH is about the same price as Kooks and from what I've read folks installing Kooks and ARH are really pleased with the installation. I definitely want stainless, less maintenance in the long run. They are all expenaive. One more question, with the addition of an x-pipe or H-pipe, which muffler will give the deepest note without drone do you suggest. I have Flowmaster series 50 on my truck, (5.3) and have had 40 series, (350) on a previous truck.

[sdynak]

I have the stepped and it was a personal decision.. I don't have anything to compare do and don't care to.. For me it was about what I wanted not what someone else thought. You will hear just about every angle but for me I never looked back nor have 2nd thoughts about my decision. It was about when I was done I got what I wanted. Fit and finish are 2nd to none. I love the fact the Kooks Stepped also come with a bung for the wide band and Maryland offered a deal I could not pass up on them.. Not needed for bragging rights just what makes me smile..

[gsxrturbo]

most of aftermarket sportbike headers are stepped headers,so there must be something to them.I have kooks stepped headers on my 2010 ss and love them.maryland speed set me up.A big thanks to Brandon!!

[GONIF]

Originally Posted by OrangeV

Thanks for all the input. I do appreciate the suggestion GONIF in saving the extra cash but I've learned the hard way you get what you pay for. What I've found ARH is about the same price as Kooks and from what I've read folks installing Kooks and ARH are really pleased with the installation. I definitely want stainless, less maintenance in the long run. They are all expenaive. One more question, with the addition of an x-pipe or H-pipe, which muffler will give the deepest note without drone do you suggest. I have Flowmaster series 50 on my truck, (5.3) and have had 40 series, (350) on a previous truck.

I am Running Stainless Power 1 7/8 myself and they slid right in with no problems what so ever , no leaks and never needed any re tightening or adjustments in over 2 years. And FWIW I have installed many sets of long tubes on 5th gens and the Kooks ,ARH , and LG fit no better and install in the same time and ease as the Stainless Works or Stainless Power long tubes. In fact any monkey with basic tools and minimal skills can install any of them in under 2 hours on a lift or 3 hours on the ground with jack stands alone with no help. Now that said 2 inch long tubes may require some adjustments . IMHO 1 7/8 Stainless Works long tubes are the sweet spot for dollar spent and performance . I have also heard the TSP has now redesigned their headers and are a great value and choice. I have only installed 1 set of TSP 2 inch on a 2013 SS 2 years ago and they did need some hammering and wrangling to install. In the end it is your money and your choice , all I am saying is do not think you need to spend a fortune to get quality and performance.

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by OrangeV

Thanks for all the input. I do appreciate the suggestion GONIF in saving the extra cash but I've learned the hard way you get what you pay for. What I've found ARH is about the same price as Kooks and from what I've read folks installing Kooks and ARH are really pleased with the installation. I definitely want stainless, less maintenance in the long run. They are all expenaive. One more question, with the addition of an x-pipe or H-pipe, which muffler will give the deepest note without drone do you suggest. I have Flowmaster series 50 on my truck, (5.3) and have had 40 series, (350) on a previous truck.

The car has an H-pipe from the factory and traditionally switching to an X-pipe will make a little extra power. That is why all aftermarket cat backs have them. However, the engineers at GM worked some magic and there are no gains to be had in that department. It will take a little bit of "burble" out of the sound.

The Borla "Touring" axle back will give you a nice deep tone with headers. Not too loud when driving normally but comes alive when you jump on the throttle. The Solo axle back with J-pipes is a popular option for people that want something more aggressive with no drone.