American Racing or Kooks Headers? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

usmcjlp · 08-01-2010, 11:39 AM

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.

Merc · 08-01-2010, 11:50 AM

You get what you pay for. I have the complete ARH system love it fits great and sounds awsome. 12.35 @ 113 ( ARH, Vararam, BMR stuff and Nitto's) no tune yet. Although I have a Janetty tune ready to install. In Ted we trust!

Quikzilver · 08-01-2010, 11:53 AM

I have American Racing long tubes and high flow cats on my 08 Corvette 418 LS3. Runs 10.9 @ 128mph. Great quality, no complaints here!

mikeSS · 08-01-2010, 11:59 AM

kooks

OrangeChevyII · 08-01-2010, 12:03 PM

ARH headers have problems with the collectors hanging to low, Kooks is the way to go.

I speak from experience, I see this all the time with ARH.

Josh @ Spartan LSX · 08-01-2010, 12:21 PM

You get more for your money with the A.R. system, considering you get a "full" system all the way back to the catback. Kooks retain the stock mid piping.

usmcjlp · 08-01-2010, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeChevyII

ARH headers have problems with the collectors hanging to low, Kooks is the way to go.

I speak from experience, I see this all the time with ARH.

Can you explain further please? I have not heard this before.

Merc · 08-01-2010, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeChevyII

ARH headers have problems with the collectors hanging to low, Kooks is the way to go.

I speak from experience, I see this all the time with ARH.

usmcjlp · 08-01-2010, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damian

You get more for your money with the A.R. system, considering you get a "full" system all the way back to the catback. Kooks retain the stock mid piping.

True you must look at all components to make sure you are making a proper comparison. I have found that internet vendors are cutting the Kooks price, to include the x-pipe. American Racing appears to have much less give on the price.

I am considering keeping the stock axle back mufflers or doing a full system. I know aftermarket mufflers will change the sound but do not affect performance. It is my understanding that the stock mufflers are not restrictive.

I do not want drone inside the cabin. I am considering this package from Maryland speed, possible upgrade to Borla Touring.

http://marylandspeed.com/kooks-1-78-...la-p-2946.html

usmcjlp · 08-01-2010, 01:51 PM

One more question, what would be the net result of using non catted or the off road version? Can I get fined for running them? Will I get more out of the system?

My state currently does not require an emissions check.

Single_Turbo_G8 · 08-01-2010, 02:20 PM

They are equally the same almost..kooks give you more options to work with there system ..diffrent size mid pipes..mufflers.connections pipes ..my choice is kooks very good customer service also..

OrangeChevyII · 08-01-2010, 02:40 PM

Honestly you should go with the lgmotorsports kit, arh hang down roughly an inch lower then either. Www.lgmotorsports.com

usmcjlp · 08-01-2010, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeChevyII

Honestly you should go with the lgmotorsports kit, arh hang down roughly an inch lower then either. Www.lgmotorsports.com

Thanks, I will check lgmotorsports out. I am not familiar with them. Have you worked with them before?

OrangeChevyII · 08-01-2010, 04:17 PM

Make the most powerful headers in the world. Check em out.

08-01-2010, 11:39 AM	#1
usmcjlp Drives: 2SS/RS LS3 RJT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 754	American Racing or Kooks Headers? 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.

08-01-2010, 12:03 PM	#5
OrangeChevyII Drives: 2010 RS/SS2 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Forney Posts: 724	ARH headers have problems with the collectors hanging to low, Kooks is the way to go. I speak from experience, I see this all the time with ARH. __________________ 2010 SS/RS SIM First to run 11's (11.83)on a stock long block. First to run 11's cam only First to run 11's all motor First to run 10's (10.96) and did it with a 100% bonestock long block and a power adder (nitrous) First to run 10's (10.55) on motor in 2010 Camaro First to break into the 5's (5.97) 1/8th mile First to cut a 1.5X sixty foot First to cut a 1.4x sixty foot First to car to cut a 1.3x 60ft

08-01-2010, 02:40 PM	#12
OrangeChevyII Drives: 2010 RS/SS2 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Forney Posts: 724	Honestly you should go with the lgmotorsports kit, arh hang down roughly an inch lower then either. Www.lgmotorsports.com __________________ 2010 SS/RS SIM First to run 11's (11.83)on a stock long block. First to run 11's cam only First to run 11's all motor First to run 10's (10.96) and did it with a 100% bonestock long block and a power adder (nitrous) First to run 10's (10.55) on motor in 2010 Camaro First to break into the 5's (5.97) 1/8th mile First to cut a 1.5X sixty foot First to cut a 1.4x sixty foot First to car to cut a 1.3x 60ft

08-01-2010, 04:17 PM	#14
OrangeChevyII Drives: 2010 RS/SS2 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Forney Posts: 724	Make the most powerful headers in the world. Check em out. __________________ 2010 SS/RS SIM First to run 11's (11.83)on a stock long block. First to run 11's cam only First to run 11's all motor First to run 10's (10.96) and did it with a 100% bonestock long block and a power adder (nitrous) First to run 10's (10.55) on motor in 2010 Camaro First to break into the 5's (5.97) 1/8th mile First to cut a 1.5X sixty foot First to cut a 1.4x sixty foot First to car to cut a 1.3x 60ft

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08-01-2010, 11:50 AM	#2
Merc In The Circle Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SSRS IOM M6 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Abbotsford BC Canada Posts: 11,310	You get what you pay for. I have the complete ARH system love it fits great and sounds awsome. 12.35 @ 113 ( ARH, Vararam, BMR stuff and Nitto's) no tune yet. Although I have a Janetty tune ready to install. In Ted we trust!

08-01-2010, 11:53 AM	#3
Quikzilver Drives: 2010 Camaro RS/SS,1970 Camaro RS/SS Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Delray Beach, FL Posts: 58	I have American Racing long tubes and high flow cats on my 08 Corvette 418 LS3. Runs 10.9 @ 128mph. Great quality, no complaints here!

08-01-2010, 11:59 AM	#4
mikeSS Drives: 2015 c7 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: MI Posts: 7,462	kooks

08-01-2010, 12:21 PM	#6
Josh @ Spartan LSX Drives: A wrench Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: East Atlanta Posts: 353	You get more for your money with the A.R. system, considering you get a "full" system all the way back to the catback. Kooks retain the stock mid piping.

08-01-2010, 01:51 PM	#10
usmcjlp Drives: 2SS/RS LS3 RJT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 754	One more question, what would be the net result of using non catted or the off road version? Can I get fined for running them? Will I get more out of the system? My state currently does not require an emissions check.

08-01-2010, 02:20 PM	#11
Single_Turbo_G8 Drives: Pontiac G8 GT Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NYC Posts: 75	They are equally the same almost..kooks give you more options to work with there system ..diffrent size mid pipes..mufflers.connections pipes ..my choice is kooks very good customer service also..