Performance Headers - Chevrolet Corvette C5 C6 Z06 - Aftermarket Exhaust System modification - 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 Chevy Corvettes

"Going for the gusto with a high flow header - Kooks, American Racing, Dynatech, LGM, SLP, and B&B"

Headers vs Stock Manifold pics- englandgreen.com

Headers offer a great, and popular, performance bang for the buck in regards to adding aftermarket components. Also, they are fairly easy for an average mechanic to install. Just make sure any brake lines, cables, etc are pulled away from the header surface. The heat from the header will burn through a brake line, easily, within a matter of miles. Look around closely.

The header wraps are a tempting thought too. There is a measurable performance gain from header wraps, but it is miniscule, and enough of a reason for racers. On a street vehicle the header wraps will generally void any warranty on your header because of the extreme heat that can't dissipate, because of the wrap. These temps are often way beyond what the header was designed to withstand.

American Racing (bottom) Dynatech (middle) and LGM Pros (top) pictures- englandgreen.com

There is a reason the cars don't ship from the factory with these types of headers though. The factory manifolds are quieter and more durable, and often throw less heat into the engine compartment. The durability of the stainless steel aftermarket models might come closer to rivaling the stock manifolds though.

LGM Pros (left), Dynatech (middle) and American Racing (right) – www.englandgreen.com header pictures

Also, we love the sound of a mean sounding engine, but it is a good idea to get close to a vehicle like yours, with headers installed, to double check that you can live with the added sound. The volume might not be quite what you anticipated, in comparison to listening to audio clips, for example. We have seen more than one person unhappy with the added resonance the headers will give you. We always expect to see someone smiling with that added muscle car rumble, but not everyone is smiling with the extra attitude and attention they receive with a high performance exhaust.

Dynatech's headers installed picture- englandgreen.com

The long tube headers are usually favored on the Corvette because they are said to be designed to better the low end torque curve, but ask your sales rep, because you might prefer a different style power band from your motor.

Kooks C6 Headers image

We are never going to push one brand over another around here, because variety is the spice of life, and one size does not fit all. Our only rule is, that, in knowing the Corvette is a premier vehicle, only similar quality products are considered for a new vehicle. Let it be known that American Racing has developed a good reputation with many builders who have a lot to lose if their kits fail on you. That being said, they are not going to be the choice for everyone, and those people will have good reasons.

B&B [Billy Boat] C6 Corvette Long Tube Headers pictures

Often, manufacturers make fantastic claims about increasing horsepower output to "what-ever number", and while the high number might be possible if you were replacing a broken, defective, or out-of-tune part, the true gain will generally be a good bit below this maximum number. Here at Zorly American Metal we try to stay on the conservative side.

SLP Performance Parts  2006-2007 Z06 headers pictures

Anyone would admit that the new Corvette is making very good horsepower for a stock and reliable vehicle. We are going to say that a modern Corvette [in prime running condition], with a quality aftermarket exhaust system [header, mufflers, and possibly an "X-pipe", and high flow cats] professionally installed and tuned in, on an otherwise stock vehicle, are going to net around an additional 20 horsepower, and maybe 30+.

England Green Corvette Shop pics

If you live near Houston, TX the England Green shop knows about Corvette header installation among other things.

That is a good gain on an already tricked out engine, and it is easy to spend a lot more money, on another performance mod, that will net less horsepower.

Also, you might find that many companies build more, in the way of headers, for the C6 Z06 7.0 Liter and new 2008 6.2 Liter LS3, than they do for the 2005 - 2007 6.0 Liter LS2.

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Chevrolet Corvette Google YouTube Videos Section:

2008 Corvette C6: Kooks Headers and Corsa Exhaust Install video

 

Billy Boat Headers, X-pipes, & Bullets videos

 

C5 with headers, cam, etc  video- englandgreen.com

[ref] englandgreen.com, kookscustomheaders.com, bbexhaust.com, americanracingheaders.com, afabcorp.com, lgmotorsports.com, slponline.com

 Visit the Corvette “American Metal Racing” modern muscle cars index for more information, images and videos.

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This series is dedicated to the Chevrolet Corvette C5 C6 C7 enthusiast. We include news and details on the base Chevy Vettes, the Z06, and new ZR1 SuperCar model. The LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9, a racing engine, crate motor, or hot rod tuning subject is always game for discussion. Factory stock General Motors Corvettes, the engines and options, performance and horsepower specialty tuners, and aftermarket parts to make a modified Vette the fastest or quickest are what we are all about. The main years of interest are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and beyond for the GM future.

Read through the American Metal site archives for more high tech info on the exotic Corvette. The sites index will also display archive info on the coupe and convertible sport car Corvette. The cars design, concept, and high performance aspects are all explored. See the site wallpaper galleries for both the Camaro and Corvette via this free wallpapers link.

Also, please use any information with caution. These articles contain information from many sources, and it is impossible to verify the accuracy on each of these sources, so please do your own research before reacting to anything, and consult your local professional for guaranteed information.

Visit the Zorly Corvette American Metal Home Page, or view the entire index. Also see the Camaro American Metal site. Thanks for the interest!

Corvette "American Metal Racing" by Zorly aka Paul Malessa

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