American Racing or Kooks Headers?

[M6HuggerSS]

does either one offer a FULL exhause set-up...
LT's + cats + X + muff's ?

if so who is cheaper?

[MarylandSpeed]

I think people are confused about the whole X-pipe thing. It's kinda like taco bell food in that you can do the same thing many ways. With Kooks, you buy headers and catted connections. These will connect to your factory, or any aftermarket exhaust at the barrel clamps under the front seat without and cutting and welding. In this setup nothing stock is reused and your factory exhaust is left intact. Most catbacks will come with an X-pipe..so that is where you would get the X from. The only time you reuse the stock piping or cut the factory exhaust is when you get an aftermarket axleback instead of a catback. Then you are stuck reusing the stock section from the Kooks connections at the barrel clamp to the axleback. If you look out there, most header companies offer a system with just the little connection pipes. I have seen systems that come with an X-pipe where you end up having to still use a run of stock piping between the x-pipe and the axleback because not all the manufacturers design their axlebacks with the same connection pointsw hich creates extra slip fits.

That being said, I think if you look at the cost of buying headers that come with an X-pipe and then an axleback, vs buying headers, catted connections, and a full catback the price is pretty similar..or less depending on your exhaust choice.

I prefer the Kooks approch because there is no cutting or welding.

[StlRomAniaN]

How would American Racing headers w/ x-pipe connect? I know stock piping has to be used, but does the end of the headers connect/bolt-on? Or is there welding involved?

[thespymaster]

Originally Posted by usmcjlp

I intend to order long tube headers this week. I have heard nothing but good things about American Racing. I believe Kooks has a very good reputation as well. I am having a hard time justifying the extra cost of AR if there is no performance or quality difference. I would appreciate those of you who have experience with either system to weigh in with recommendations.

Does kooks install as easily as the AR? Are there any fitment issues, i.e. leaks? I intend to do the install myself. I also intend to supercharge in the spring. Thanks for your time.

My .02 cents is go American Racing Headers, 100% made in the USA , rock solid reputation for delivering high qaulity products.

[Kilo-9]

I can't comment on which of these two brands to go with as I'm having the same problem choosing between them. I can comment on catted vs. no-cats. IMO, catalytic converters have come a long way. The performance loss is going to be very small when using today's high-flow cats. If you go with a catless system, you will find the exhaust will be louder and there will be a strong odor of unburnt fuel surrounding the car. At least that was my experience with a catless header setup on my 4th-gen Camaro. I didn't mind the loudness, but the smell was very annoying...

[StlRomAniaN]

Originally Posted by StlRomAniaN

How would American Racing headers w/ x-pipe connect? I know stock piping has to be used, but does the end of the headers connect/bolt-on? Or is there welding involved?

+1 Can anyone answer his question? lol

[ZAPSSRS]

I went with the Kooks full system and the install was very easy and the sound is incredible (I get compliments all the time). I ordered from Maryland Speed which was a very easy transaction and a great price. I see no reason for the extra cost for ARH. Use the difference on another Mod.

[thedak]

Kooks full system is the way to go.

[caverman]

I say look at LG Motorsports as well. I haven't heard one in person yet (but hope to soon). From the videos I think it's one of the best all around systems at the moment. They are using their own type of muffler but based on their website they work closely with Borla which I sure is who at least makes the muffer's if not the whole cat-back (don't quote me on that).

But when you compare apples to apples, it's hard to beat the KOOKS complete system from Maryland Speed. Put all the numbers together and call around for pricing.

Here are my factors:
1 7/8" headers (ceramic coated)
High Flow Cats
3" cat-back (true 3")
Tune

Put a dollar value on all of those when you compare prices of all the different systems.

[M6HuggerSS]

it looks like Maryland speed, does offer a good selection, but based on prideces alone, it doesnt look like the KOOKS system is the best value...

wonder why they dont sell ARH?

[Kilo-9]

Maryland Speed offers even better pricing on Kooks systems if you call them...ask for Branden.

[usmcjlp]

I will make some calls this morning and post what I find out.

[Sevn86]

Originally Posted by mikeSS

kooks

[KILLER74Z28]

Originally Posted by usmcjlp

I intend to order long tube headers this week. I have heard nothing but good things about American Racing. I believe Kooks has a very good reputation as well. I am having a hard time justifying the extra cost of AR if there is no performance or quality difference. I would appreciate those of you who have experience with either system to weigh in with recommendations.

Does kooks install as easily as the AR? Are there any fitment issues, i.e. leaks? I intend to do the install myself. I also intend to supercharge in the spring. Thanks for your time.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71192

I went with ARH. 100% top notch in every category...