One of the first — and certainly the most popular — modifications many do to their car or truck is headers and exhaust. This should come as no surprise as the benefits are well worth the effort and cost. Whether the build goal is a daily driver, toy hauler, street machine, or full-on track car, headers and exhaust will improve both low-end torque and upper-RPM horsepower by helping your engine breathe, with an improvement in sound quality, to boot. But are all exhausts made equal? What kind of performance improvements can you expect? What type of system will work best for your application? We sat down with Georgia Kryssing, Marketing Manager at Kooks Headers to get answers to our questions.
Q: What type of power gains can be expected with Kooks components?
A: Power results will vary based on several factors, including, but not limited to, other modifications on the vehicle, air temperature or humidity, altitude, engine quality, and of course, the all-important tune. Generally speaking, customers will see between 10 to 25 more horsepower and 15 to 30 more pound-feet of torque with our Super Street or Torque Series headers, which offer a no-tune solution for making more power. With our long-tube systems and a proper tune, customers will generally see about 25 to 50 more horsepower and 30-plus pound feet of torque.
Kooks catalytic converters are high flow due to their improved shape and honeycomb design
Q: What are the differences between all of Kooks catalytic converter options?
A: Performance cats, designed for naturally aspirated applications under 550 rear-wheel horsepower, feature a high flow, 400-cell substrate in a 4-inch cat body but are not EPA verified. GREENCats, which are EPA verified, can be used on both naturally aspirated and forced-induction applications up to 750 horsepower, also with a high flow, 400-cell substrate in a 4-inch cat body. Ultra GREEN Cats, EPA verified as well, support up to 850 horsepower for both naturally aspirated and forced-induction applications, offering higher flow with the 400 cell substrate, but in a 4.5-inch cat body, and additional precious metals for enhanced emissions control. Lastly, High Output (H.O.) GREEN Cats, the highest-performing option, are EPA verified for use on applications up to 1,000 horsepower and feature the highest flow with a 300-cell substrate in a 4.5-inch cat body
Q: Do you recommend getting a tune after adding exhaust components?
A: Would you build a nasty drag car but leave it open-diff with 2.73 gears in it? You are doing yourself a great disservice by not tuning the vehicle. You’re missing out on extra power, fuel economy, and possibly locking out drive modes, depending on the year and make. Get it tuned and establish a relationship with your tuner. They will be your best friend when you start making some real power.
Q: Are there any special tools needed for installation?
A: Basic hand tools are all that is needed. My personal recommendation would be a nice set of swivel head ratcheting wrenches and a 3/8-inch-drive U-joint.
Q: What is Kook’s header bolt torque spec?
A: We go off the OEM spec and sequence. Treat it like you were torquing down an OEM manifold. Installation of Kooks products should be drama-free, saving you time, extra shop fees, and frustration.
Kooks Headers and exhaust components are designed and manufactured in-house in the USA
Q: Does Kooks use the same material for all of the headers?
A: Kooks products are proudly hand-crafted in the US with locally sourced 16-gauge 304 stainless steel material and come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Q: How do you ensure the fitment of components across the board?
A: Kooks has been paving the way in header and exhaust manufacturing since 1962 — our expertise guarantees the best quality, sound, and performance on the market. After over 60 years of perfecting our design and engineering skills, Kooks promises the best fitment on the market. Kooks also boasts the highest level of customer service — if you have any questions or concerns, the sales team and technicians are available for support and will respond same-day during normal business hours.