[2023ZL1RapidBlue]

Hey there.

Question for those that got Kooks headers installed.
I'm contemplating to get one of RPM's ZL1 packages which include the Kooks short system with High flow cats and midpipes.

Question is, they stated the headers are not coated. For those that have them, did you notice an increase in temperature? I'm afraid of extreme temps that may melt things specially with a IC reservoir in that general area.
RPM stated that in their experience, coated isn't needed, that these headers actually do not get as hot as the factory cast manifolds, which I get that. But, will the heat produced be dangerous around parts?

I did state to them what about road course high rpm driving and they still said, temps will be fine. Anyone have any experience with these Kooks headers uncoated?

[TristinErdman]

The Kooks are made of stainless steel (Solitaired), which dissipates heat better than cast iron, so they tend to retain less heat over time.

[Z OH 6]

They aren't going to melt anything but under hood temps will likely be higher because headers are thinner than cast iron manifolds. The stock manifolds also have heat shields on them.

[nighttowl]

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

They aren't going to melt anything but under hood temps will likely be higher because headers are thinner than cast iron manifolds. The stock manifolds also have heat shields on them.

+1

[Z OH 6]

I had mine coated for this exact reason. Underhood temps were lower than the stock manifolds when coated with Jet Hot Extreme 2500.

[SOCAL.M6.ZLE]

+1 for a high temp coating...

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by SOCAL.M6.ZLE

+1 for a high temp coating...

I would never run uncoated headers on this platform. Giant bundle of wires 4” away on the passenger side.

[Gunkk]

Yeah +1 to that.

Came here to say protect the pass side harness... or Very_Bad_Things(TM) will happen.

[Spaceme1117]

I have been running uncoated Kooks on my 2017 SS for almost 4 years. Never had any problems.

But I did make sure that the wiring harness on the passenger side was secured as far away from the headers as they could be as well as wrap them with some heat insulation just in case.

As long as you have clearance of everything around the headers, they will be fine.

All that being said, coating the headers is never a bad thing.

[2023ZL1RapidBlue]

Originally Posted by TristinErdman

The Kooks are made of stainless steel (Solitaired), which dissipates heat better than cast iron, so they tend to retain less heat over time.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated!

[2023ZL1RapidBlue]

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

They aren't going to melt anything but under hood temps will likely be higher because headers are thinner than cast iron manifolds. The stock manifolds also have heat shields on them.

Thanks for the info. That was my argument to them but they did say Kooks actually run cooler than stock..Underwood temps.Dont wanna be the one to find out that they run hotter.

[2023ZL1RapidBlue]

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

I had mine coated for this exact reason. Underhood temps were lower than the stock manifolds when coated with Jet Hot Extreme 2500.

Thank you for the info on the coating. I'll look into it.
I used to.use header wrap on previous vehicles many years ago, but it turns into ugly rags eventually and retained moisture.

[2023ZL1RapidBlue]

Originally Posted by Joshinator99

I would never run uncoated headers on this platform. Giant bundle of wires 4” away on the passenger side.

Thanks for making me aware of the wire bundle.

[2023ZL1RapidBlue]

Originally Posted by Gunkk

Yeah +1 to that.

Came here to say protect the pass side harness... or Very_Bad_Things(TM) will happen.

Thank you for the warning, much appreciated. I haven't been under the hood since winter, but I'm gonna find that giant bundle of wires