Just looking for opinions. I have a 2007 GT with K&N Filter and straight pipes from CAT back. Looking for opinions on new headers, They vary in price and I would like to know what the difference is in expensive vs more affordable ones.

 

For starters, the difference between more affordable vs expensive is quality and where they're made from.. When it comes to my car, I will not settle for cheap quality materials made from freaking Taiwan, India or wherever else from third world countries.. It's just like the old saying, you get exactly what you pay for..

As for headers themselves, unless you plan on getting long tubes, don't even bother wasting your hard earned money on short tube headers other than just for sound.. Anyhow just my $.02

 

Thanks for your $.02. I do plan on long tubes, just not sure which ones to go with

 

I've been running my BBK long tubes with high flow catted X pipe for several years and like them alot. Several hundred $$ less than the Kook headers. Yes you may get a few more hp out of the Kooks and they may or may not last any longer than the BBK. Check around do some home work and your home work as far as who's tune you will run.

 

I'd go with well name brands, such as Kooks, Stainless Works, Pypes, JBA, MAC and BBK..

 

I've had my kooks headers on the car since 2009. Still look and sound great.

 

I like Mac, but you have to run their x pipe, with these. Or am I wrong here?

 

According to Mac's website, their ceramic LT header doesn't specify having to run only their brand of prochamber.. However for their LT chrome version, they specify that it must be used with their off road prochamber.. Anyhow here's the links if interested..

http://www.shop.macperformance.com/M...ders-20546.htm

http://www.shop.macperformance.com/M...ders-30546.htm

 

I have not done it myself, but when I looked into this I decided Kooks was the way to go. This is a pretty big project so personally I would not skimp on the materials, since the labor is a big chunk of the cost.

One important consideration is whether you need to pass emissions. Also remember that any change to the catalytic converters is technically illegal per Federal law. The Kooks "green" cats seem to be the best option for the closest thing to emissions compliance. The mid pipe must be changed to accomodate the long tube hearders and that's why you must do something with the cats.

 

Being that I reside in PA, emissions is also an important factor as well.. Like you said, removing original OEM catalyst equipment is illegal under federal law which is also the reason I haven't looked into upgrading to LT headers at this point.. However if and when I do, I'll most definitely look into the Kooks LT's with high-flow green cats..