Borla Headers (off-road) vs Kooks headers (w or w/o HF Cats )

[Bu3ali]

I had my mind fixed on getting the kooks headers along with the Borla ATAK exhaust.

But the guy i'm ordering the parts through is trying to convince me to go with borla long tubes (off-road) instead. His argument is that it wont be as loud (I dont mind it being loud) and that it provides the same quality and power while being a cheaper option.


I am looking for maximum performance along with a proper muscle car tone.

I do prefer to spend less money but i don't want to do that if it means i'll get something not as satisfying as getting a part that is a lil bit more expensive.

how much difference is there between Kooks headers with high flow cats and the same headers without ? very noticeable difference ?


I appreciate everyones input here

[barnesql]

Coming from a power perspective, you will not gain much from running an off road midpipe, maybe 2-3 hp. I have always thought that o/r midpipes sound a lot better than ones with cats do, but others say the difference is negligible.

[brantley847]

^^ +1...It is all perspective, I don't care for the smell of running no cats and running no cats gets a little loud for me..

I don't believe you will see much HP gain at all with or without.

[sfgiantsfan9]

Originally Posted by brantley847

^^ +1...It is all perspective, I don't care for the smell of running no cats and running no cats gets a little loud for me..

I don't believe you will see much HP gain at all with or without.

+1 for the smell. Cats also deepen the overall exhaust tone quite a bit.

[ITGuy11]

I would go with Kooks headers with high flow cats. When I first installed my Kooks I went with the off-road pipes. The nasty exhaust smell in my garage made my eyes water. This is too nice of a car to be smelling like shit! Also any long tube with the ATAK is going to be loud, very loud.

[Jekyll-N-Hyde]

if you want to stay legal then run with cats if you want better sound lose the cats. Is it louder ? yes but not OBnoxious loud. its all an opinion like to me loudmouth is to loud but without cats isnt with the right muffler.

if a car is tuned properly it wont stink. If you smell it she is burning a little to lean/Rich.


driving a car normally ( the speed limit ) with no cats its not loud at all just a nice rumble when you step into WOT yeah it gets agressive and everyone hears it for sure.

[Ucantctchme]

I think he is more concerned with the fact that the Borla headers have 1 3/4 primaries with a 2 1/2 collector. The kooks will be better for power and you can easily add the cats where as the Borla will have to be cut and welded in.

[Josh@ARH]

Just like a few people said in this thread already, there is not much of a power difference running catless vs running cats IF the cats are quality high flow cats. Also running catless does give off more exhaust fumes that some people don't like.

[Bu3ali]

That was extremely helpful thanks guys


I think i will just go with the kooks headers


And maybe add the high flow cats later on if needed

[Bu3ali]

Btw, is there something missing in this combination


Kooks 1 7/8 Headers + Borla ATAK cat-back ?

[orange-prince]

nope it's fine but i think you should have high flow cats
and if you don't like kooks you can go with ARH or SW

[Georger]

Yes you would need to run Part number 6511 they are 1 7/8 x 3" S/S headers.


Then you will also need our high flow catted connection pipes they are part number 6513-OEMC. That will make the entire system a direct bolt in.


We here at Kooks Custom Headers thank you for your business. If there is any unanswered questions you may have please feel free to call me direct so I can address them for you 704 768 2271 George R.

[Bu3ali]

Would the X pipe fit with this setup ?

Kooks headers + (removing cats or HI-flo cats ) + Cat-back exhaust ???..

[Bu3ali]

i mean would it be better or not much difference ?