Headers worth it???

[2012-1822]

Originally Posted by SSTAT

I had the same question as the OP, when I looked into it I found it interesting that the most powerful packages from Livernois, Ligenfelter (even their 800+hp), Kateck, and Hennessey do NOT include headers. I thought this was a profound argument against needing them on the ZL1 and should be considered when retailers on this site recommend them. That being said, there is no other way to get that kind of sound.

You nailed it, but trust me, those guys will put headers on for you if you want and tune accordingly.

[SeaCompiler]

I read a post a while back that made sense. You should start with the headers and HF cats first. It makes a dramatic difference and you will absolutely love the sound difference. Afterwards, determine your mufflers. If you change your mufflers now, then get your headers and cats, you might be changing your mind about the sound again. (Unless your preference is louder, the better!)

[Drm2Reality]

Originally Posted by swizlstik

Here are some clips of mine with Pfadt headers. I really like the sound and performance from them.

....I was like oh another person driving their awesome sounding ZL1 like a granny...until the last couple seconds haha.

Once my car is broken in I will be accelerating as fast as possible all the time until I hit the posted speed limit of course haha.

...and i'm sure this has been asked a million times...but I don't feel like searching...but for those of you with headers did you happen to verify with your dealer if they void warranty...or do y'all just not give a F***?

[Yaba94070]

Originally Posted by swizlstik

Here are some clips of mine with Pfadt headers. I really like the sound and performance from them.

Good videos sounds much better with the headers...

[Yaba94070]

I'm gonna through on the corse ca back and maybe a ugh flow fist see how t goes I want to through the headers on but I only have a few thousand on my motor I want through a tack day on there first while its still under warranty then I'll tune and headers

[Deke736]

Originally Posted by swizlstik

Here are some clips of mine with Pfadt headers. I really like the sound and performance from them.

Those sound great!

[SCHUSS]

Originally Posted by SSTAT

I had the same question as the OP, when I looked into it I found it interesting that the most powerful packages from Livernois, Ligenfelter (even their 800+hp), Kateck, and Hennessey do NOT include headers. I thought this was a profound argument against needing them on the ZL1 and should be considered when retailers on this site recommend them. That being said, there is no other way to get that kind of sound.

Originally Posted by 2012-1822

You nailed it, but trust me, those guys will put headers on for you if you want and tune accordingly.

I added headers to the HPE700 package, love the sound, very loud at WOT. I actually feel bad when I pass people with windows open.

Granted it has more than just headers but enjoy the show.

[AMCBimmer]

Originally Posted by Kooks Headers

We offer a Stainless Steel Long Tube Header for this car and paired with our 49 state legal EPA certified GREEN cats, they do not require tuning and will not throw a rear O2 monitoring code. However, on these cars because of the blower we recommend tuning. On a supercharged engine a long tube header will typically lower the boost level 1-2 lbs. You will actually see more power at less boost, but because of the different boost levels the car may want to run rich and lose some drivability. The best set up for the most power on a blown car is to run long tubes which will lower the boost level, then re-pulley the supercharger to match the original boost levels along with the proper tuning. These 2 combinations will wake your blown car up more than just about any other bolt on mod. The real gain here is the rotating assembly (Pistons, rods, crank) will only see roughly the same amount of abuse a stock motor would, but it will be producing a lot more power. It is really a win-win!!

Please let me know if I can help you with anything on this.

Your information is wrong. This is false advertising as I bought your green cats and headers. I will need to get a tune to get rid of my CEL. I called your tech support and was told I need a tune. Such a frustrating purchase.

[Stephen12ZL1]

Originally Posted by AMCBimmer

Your information is wrong. This is false advertising as I bought your green cats and headers. I will need to get a tune to get rid of my CEL. I called your tech support and was told I need a tune. Such a frustrating purchase.

No matter what promises the header manufacturers make, all of these systems REQUIRE a tune to recalibrate fueling and to turn off the rear 02 sensors. No big deal...just be prepared to have that done after the headers are installed. These cars are very sensitive to any airflow changes. We are lucky that there are any "no tune" options for mods on these cars.

[eodtech72]

Although I do agree a tune is required to see the full potential of headers, there should not be a manufacturer advertising that a tune is not required and will not throw a code if in fact that is not true. And if advertising that and you do get a CEL and you call tech assist and they contradict the info you based your purchase on.... That's just unacceptable no matter what the part is. Can anyone else provide info on the Kook's setup, as in does it throw a code or not?

[AMCBimmer]

Originally Posted by eodtech72

Although I do agree a tune is required to see the full potential of headers, there should not be a manufacturer advertising that a tune is not required and will not throw a code if in fact that is not true. And if advertising that and you do get a CEL and you call tech assist and they contradict the info you based your purchase on.... That's just unacceptable no matter what the part is. Can anyone else provide info on the Kook's setup, as in does it throw a code or not?

Although I'm frustrated. The green cat setup sounds great but why get them if you are trying to avoid the light. The green cats were double than others. When I called Kooks their tech support put me in touch with another tuner and they confirmed you will get a CEL. The tuner had gotten a CEL on their test car.

[Stephen12ZL1]

it isn't required but it is recommended to get your car tuned...typical aftermarket talk. CEL doesn't cause an issue other than an eye sore. Just get the car tuned...done. It will run much better anyways.