LT headers

ltx.coco · 02-18-2026, 03:42 PM

I was wondering if anyone recommends to get speed engineering headers with X pipe or without and what are the differences if so?

FlukeSS · 02-20-2026, 10:36 PM

If you get X-Pipe too, you'll lose both cats primary and secondary. Speed Engineering doesn't have a header/x-pipe combo to keep the cats.

This makes the car loud unless you have the stock axle-back exhaust.

As far as performance goes there is very little difference between headers on a dyno. give or take 2-5 rwhp at best. The difference Speed Engineering are cheaper but uncoated LT headers. The more expensive headers are coated. The only real advantage to coated headers is reduced heat. SE LT headers can reach temps upwards of 900 degrees F (If you go with SE LT Headers - You will need spark plug wire boots - Do not let anyone tell you otherwise) not expensive for the wire boots: I use these on my setup: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097M4TJ8S...sin_title&th=1

Another thing about the X-Pipe that is common on these cars: Sometimes the x-pipe can settle after installation, and when that happens it can vibrate on the cross member brace that holds them. These can be shimmied to stop the vibration which is what I had to do on my car. Easy fix, common issue.

Example: 2" SE LT Headers + 3" SE X-Pipe + 3" MBRP Axle-back (And if you don't like drone, stick with the stock axle-back exhaust, MBRP is pretty noticeable drone inside the car - I don't personally care it doesn't bother me.)

This is my setup now.

bishopts · 02-21-2026, 07:24 AM

I have speed engineering headers and X pipe with a stock NPP axle back.
I like the sound but the headers to X pipe dont have any way to flex to absorb natural engine to body deflection. So as the engine torques on acceleration it eventually cracks the center of the x pipe.
Other than that they have been good. The mounting flanges haven show signs of warpage and no excessive discoloration.

You will need to have the rear o2 sensors and cats tuned out prior to installation. The right side only has 1 sensor bung and the left 2nd hole is designed for a wideband not the downstream o2 sensor.
Cylinder 5 primary makes it tricky for the spark plug. If you use a standard extension it will set you up to crossthread the spark plug installing new ones. I used a extension with a flex end to get around it.

02-18-2026, 03:42 PM	#1
ltx.coco Drives: 2019 Chevrolet Camaro SS Join Date: Feb 2026 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1	LT headers I was wondering if anyone recommends to get speed engineering headers with X pipe or without and what are the differences if so?

02-20-2026, 10:36 PM	#2
FlukeSS Drives: 2020 Camaro 2SS A10 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Here Posts: 1,823	If you get X-Pipe too, you'll lose both cats primary and secondary. Speed Engineering doesn't have a header/x-pipe combo to keep the cats. This makes the car loud unless you have the stock axle-back exhaust. As far as performance goes there is very little difference between headers on a dyno. give or take 2-5 rwhp at best. The difference Speed Engineering are cheaper but uncoated LT headers. The more expensive headers are coated. The only real advantage to coated headers is reduced heat. SE LT headers can reach temps upwards of 900 degrees F (If you go with SE LT Headers - You will need spark plug wire boots - Do not let anyone tell you otherwise) not expensive for the wire boots: I use these on my setup: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097M4TJ8S...sin_title&th=1 Another thing about the X-Pipe that is common on these cars: Sometimes the x-pipe can settle after installation, and when that happens it can vibrate on the cross member brace that holds them. These can be shimmied to stop the vibration which is what I had to do on my car. Easy fix, common issue. Example: 2" SE LT Headers + 3" SE X-Pipe + 3" MBRP Axle-back (And if you don't like drone, stick with the stock axle-back exhaust, MBRP is pretty noticeable drone inside the car - I don't personally care it doesn't bother me.) This is my setup now. __________________ 2020 Camaro 2SS A10 \| Rebuilt by: CBI Street Cars \| 2" SE LT Headers \| 3" SE X-Pipe \| 3" MBRP Axle-Back \| Pri & Sec Cat Deletes \| Roto-Fab CAI \| LT2 Ported \| 95mm ZR1 TB \| LSA crankshaft conversion w/modified crank gear \| LS1 thrust bearing \| Gen V Hinson Plug Wire Set \| BTR 220 Stage I Cam \| ARP Rod Bolts \| Delphi Lifter set \| NGK LTR6IX-11 spark plug set \| DOD Delete \| VVT Limiter \| ECM, TCM & E85 \| Retuned by: Justin L. \| Dyno: 510 rwhp 472 rwtq \| Best 1/4 Time: 11.639 Last edited by FlukeSS; 02-20-2026 at 10:49 PM.

02-21-2026, 07:24 AM	#3
bishopts Drives: 2017 2ss 6mt Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: dallas Posts: 1,238	I have speed engineering headers and X pipe with a stock NPP axle back. I like the sound but the headers to X pipe dont have any way to flex to absorb natural engine to body deflection. So as the engine torques on acceleration it eventually cracks the center of the x pipe. Other than that they have been good. The mounting flanges haven show signs of warpage and no excessive discoloration. You will need to have the rear o2 sensors and cats tuned out prior to installation. The right side only has 1 sensor bung and the left 2nd hole is designed for a wideband not the downstream o2 sensor. Cylinder 5 primary makes it tricky for the spark plug. If you use a standard extension it will set you up to crossthread the spark plug installing new ones. I used a extension with a flex end to get around it.

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