Kooks headers. Really worth $1000+?

[JOK3R]

Just looking for some peeps that have run Kooks and maybe another brand, or people that have seen real-world results on the dyno or the track.

The main reason I'm weary, I spent $1300 on FLP longtubes on my LS1, and saw no better gains or fitment than my buddy that spent $300 on Pacesetters. Boy was I pissed.

Just hoping to get some opinions before I drop the coin this week.

 

[US-1]

Kooks? No.

American Racing Headers? Oh Hell Yeah!

 

[JOK3R]

What's the real difference besides lube not coming with either. LOL

 

[Royski]

Really can't go wrong with either one.

 

[US-1]

What's the real difference besides lube not coming with either. LOL

Engineering and customer service. Nick was the main fabricator at Kooks until he decided to leave and start American Racing Headers. His people are top notch and his headers are the best in the business. The headers fit and make power. Simple. With his stuff you get what you pay for.

 

[05roush0090]

Just looking for some peeps that have run Kooks and maybe another brand, or people that have seen real-world results on the dyno or the track.

The main reason I'm weary, I spent $1300 on FLP longtubes on my LS1, and saw no better gains or fitment than my buddy that spent $300 on Pacesetters. Boy was I pissed.

Just hoping to get some opinions before I drop the coin this week.

Previous F body guy here also. FLP was more expensive due to the quality of metal utilized. I ran Pacesetter myself due to price but you better believe they will rust out alot sooner then the FLP's would.

Similar deal with the kooks they are a great grade of stainless steel which makes them cost more. They will outlive your car. On my Stang I went with Mac LTs due to cost. I read an article in a mag. where they did a LT comparison and Kooks came in first and Mac was a very close second but then again that mag. has been known to be biased towards certain brands I have been told.

 

[akula52]

ARH long tubes

I will have my ARH for sale soon. Mike at Powerhouse will be taking them off in preps for the turbo. I can't say I gained any power because too much was done at the same time, but the fit and quality is super. (I have an auto).

 

[chad05gt]

nope,

find some good ones used, keep popping up.. try and keep it local so you can see them first.

 

[cruisin]

LOL, I would skip the Kooks, if I was doing it again, Iv ebeen waiting over a month now and they just went out on Thursday.

 

[Hitman]

LOL, I would skip the Kooks, if I was doing it again, Iv ebeen waiting over a month now and they just went out on Thursday.

good reason to go with another brand.

 

[Bkid]

I really like my Kooks LT headers, kind of a pain installing compared to AR headers. They ranked higher than AR headers also, for the hp output. The question about are they worth it. I would say yes , the welds are very good; the collectors are well made. If you can get them for 1000.00 that is a good price.

 

[Matt D]

I like my kooks

 

[Hitman]

nothing wrong with mine.

 

[Wes]

We've had great luck with the Kooks midlength header, both in terms of great fitment/installation as well as great power gains.

The last set I dyno'd picked up 25rwhp over the stock pieces on an automatic S197. Owner couldn't believe how much stronger the car felt on the street and was very happy.

Wes

 

[alexthejew]

good reason to go with another brand.

+1 but thats the first bad i've heard from kooks. im cheap and went with shortie headers

 

[StageMe]

I will have my ARH for sale soon. Mike at Powerhouse will be taking them off in preps for the turbo. I can't say I gained any power because too much was done at the same time, but the fit and quality is super. (I have an auto).

How much are you going to want for them??

 

[navbtcret]

I will have my ARH for sale soon. Mike at Powerhouse will be taking them off in preps for the turbo. I can't say I gained any power because too much was done at the same time, but the fit and quality is super. (I have an auto).

Any idea of how much you would like for them. My car is in Mike's shop now getting a roll cage installed so if the price is right you may not even have to list them for sale.

I saw your car there also it looks great.

 

[pacettr]

I like my kooks

x2

Very nice pieces...

 

[Low06GT]

Mine came with the car, I like them.

 

[07 Boss]

Just looking for some peeps that have run Kooks and maybe another brand, or people that have seen real-world results on the dyno or the track.

The main reason I'm weary, I spent $1300 on FLP longtubes on my LS1, and saw no better gains or fitment than my buddy that spent $300 on Pacesetters. Boy was I pissed.

Just hoping to get some opinions before I drop the coin this week.

I run Pacesetters. I don't have any numbers. No issues with fitment or quality. They are not stainless, but I did get the ceramic coated ones. I'm happy with what I spent and what I got. I don't know if I could spend $1000 on headers, that is a very subjective question.