Which Header is easier to install

Drnick · 09-19-2023, 05:04 PM

As post states. Which header is easier to install on the 22’ ZL1??
Stainless Works, Kooks,or American Racing Headers?

jvandy50 · 09-20-2023, 10:26 AM

look into CSP headers, made by SW

Z OH 6 · 09-20-2023, 11:23 AM

Considering no one here has likely installed all of them to make that comparison, I would suspect this question is best answered by a few high end shops that have installed a few hundred of each of these.

Megahurtz · 09-20-2023, 12:31 PM

We seem to have less issues with American Racing Headers vs anything else. But I wouldn't really say one is vastly harder than the next. It's more 1 7/8 inch vs 2 inch that makes the most difference when it comes to ease of install.

RobZL1 · 09-20-2023, 12:54 PM

Jason, just curious, have you guys ever installed a set of Andrew's CSP design made by SW? Just looking for feedback relative to ARH.

Z OH 6 · 09-20-2023, 01:05 PM

I would be more concerned with making sure you're using a quality header than the ease of installation. All of the above mentioned are fine choices.

Megahurtz · 09-20-2023, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobZL1

Jason, just curious, have you guys ever installed a set of Andrew's CSP design made by SW? Just looking for feedback relative to ARH.

They look pretty awesome to be honest, but we haven't installed any as of yet.

RamAir02 · 09-20-2023, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

Considering no one here has likely installed all of them to make that comparison, I would suspect this question is best answered by a few high end shops that have installed a few hundred of each of these.

I agree that this question is better suited for a shop that has installed various brands. That said, I don't think you'll ever get an unbiased answer to this question. Shops work with particular vendors, will likely only have experience installing headers from those vendors and they'll want you to buy one of the products they carry.

FarmerFran · 09-20-2023, 07:20 PM

The only, only, ever aftermarket headers I would use is KOOKS, hands down. Mic drop, bungee jump, spaceship launch...

so for reference - good or bad on "your" opinion...

To that, the only exhaust I would use is Magnaflow.

Z OH 6 · 09-20-2023, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RamAir02

I agree that this question is better suited for a shop that has installed various brands. That said, I don't think you'll ever get an unbiased answer to this question. Shops work with particular vendors, will likely only have experience installing headers from those vendors and they'll want you to buy one of the products they carry.

No doubt but most shops carry more than one brand of header.

Evansa22 · 09-20-2023, 11:49 PM

CSP's were pretty easy and I'm a novice. Went from the bottom and they slid right in place with oem motor mounts. Ended up having to switch out a steering shaft bolt to a smaller head but fitment is good otherwise. Have heard if you remove the valve covers, especially passenger side, it makes install much easier.

SJFGTO · 09-21-2023, 08:04 AM

Vengeance Racing installed my 2 inch ARH headers. I was told it was a very straight forward install, no concerns or complications. They sit in my engine compartment just fine. I don’t see any areas of concern and no issues in 15,000 miles.

Z OH 6 · 09-21-2023, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJFGTO

Vengeance Racing installed my 2 inch ARH headers. I was told it was a very straight forward install, no concerns or complications. They sit in my engine compartment just fine. I don’t see any areas of concern and no issues in 15,000 miles.

And they generally prefer Kooks, but this just goes to show that ease of installation is only an issue for someone that is trying to tackle this job for the first time. An experienced tech isn't going to have any issues installing any of these.

RamAir02 · 09-21-2023, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

And they generally prefer Kooks, but this just goes to show that ease of installation is only an issue for someone that is trying to tackle this job for the first time. An experienced tech isn't going to have any issues installing any of these.

So what's funny is the ARH guys are largely former Kooks guys. Kooks used to be based in Long Island. They moved down to North Carolina. Folks who remained in the northeast started ARH. ARH products are manufactured in the old Kooks building and on old Kooks equipment.

09-19-2023, 05:04 PM	#1
Drnick Drives: 22’ ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Florida Posts: 381 View My Garage	Which Header is easier to install As post states. Which header is easier to install on the 22’ ZL1?? Stainless Works, Kooks,or American Racing Headers?

09-20-2023, 12:54 PM	#5
RobZL1 fo'shizZL1 Drives: 2017 ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: ATL Posts: 1,281	Jason, just curious, have you guys ever installed a set of Andrew's CSP design made by SW? Just looking for feedback relative to ARH. __________________ 2017 ZL1 M6 Black \| Maggie 2650 // 103TB // Big Gulp Past Rides- 2014 ZL1 M6 Red Hot \| Tons of mods 2004 CTS-V M6 Silver \| Many mods 1995 Corvette M6 Torch Red \| A few more mods 1992 Camaro M5 White \| A few mods

09-20-2023, 07:20 PM	#9
FarmerFran Drives: 2023 ZL1 Vert M6 "Sharky" Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Earth Posts: 4,033	The only, only, ever aftermarket headers I would use is KOOKS, hands down. Mic drop, bungee jump, spaceship launch... so for reference - good or bad on "your" opinion... To that, the only exhaust I would use is Magnaflow. __________________ 2023 Camaro ZL1 Vert TR-6060 Sharkskin "Sharky" Firecracker Red Wrangler Willys, 3.6L eTorque, 850RE 8 speed automatic, 25W Willys package, Technology Group, Convenience Group (aka $600 garage door opener), Cold weather Group, Trailer Tow and HD electric group with AUX switches, 3 piece black freedom top.

09-21-2023, 08:04 AM	#12
SJFGTO Oh Oh it's Friday Night! Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Nightfall Gray Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Walton Woods Posts: 1,061	Vengeance Racing installed my 2 inch ARH headers. I was told it was a very straight forward install, no concerns or complications. They sit in my engine compartment just fine. I don’t see any areas of concern and no issues in 15,000 miles. __________________ 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE NFG; ARH 2” headers, catless mids, ARH full exhaust, Lingenfelter 18% lower pulley, ATI Harmonic Balancer, Roto-fab CAI, EE-catch can, TM ported TB, NX Lid, BMR strut tower brace. Aeroforce dual pod interceptor gauges. Tuned by Vengeance Racing!!! 644 HP @ 6250 rpm / 689 trq @ 3660 rpm Four that wanna own me Two that wanna stone me One says she's a friend of mine...

09-20-2023, 10:26 AM	#2
jvandy50 Drives: 18 ZL1-1LE, 10 JKU Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: AR Posts: 585	look into CSP headers, made by SW

09-20-2023, 11:23 AM	#3
Z OH 6 Drives: 2021 Red Hot ZL1 Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Gapplebees Posts: 3,093	Considering no one here has likely installed all of them to make that comparison, I would suspect this question is best answered by a few high end shops that have installed a few hundred of each of these.

09-20-2023, 12:31 PM	#4
Megahurtz Snackbar Tuning Drives: 2023 SGM ZL1 Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Florida Posts: 1,120	We seem to have less issues with American Racing Headers vs anything else. But I wouldn't really say one is vastly harder than the next. It's more 1 7/8 inch vs 2 inch that makes the most difference when it comes to ease of install.

09-20-2023, 01:05 PM	#6
Z OH 6 Drives: 2021 Red Hot ZL1 Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Gapplebees Posts: 3,093	I would be more concerned with making sure you're using a quality header than the ease of installation. All of the above mentioned are fine choices.

09-20-2023, 11:49 PM	#11
Evansa22 Drives: HBM ZLE Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: In the garage Posts: 805	CSP's were pretty easy and I'm a novice. Went from the bottom and they slid right in place with oem motor mounts. Ended up having to switch out a steering shaft bolt to a smaller head but fitment is good otherwise. Have heard if you remove the valve covers, especially passenger side, it makes install much easier.

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