2015 Headers

[Bill M.]

Has anyone put Headers in their 2014 or 15? was it worth it? I would never put them in my mid years but am considering in my new car.

[David H.]

Re: 2015 Headers

Has anyone put Headers in their 2014 or 15? was it worth it? I would never put them in my mid years but am considering in my new car.

Super Chevy (link below) did a header swap on a 2014. Looks like it was good for an addition 12 hp / 14 ft-lbs above 4000 rpm. Below 4000 rpm looks like it did not make any difference per their dyno graph. I didn't note the cost.

http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/exhaust/1405-upgrading-the-2014-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-with-american-racing-headers/

[Duke W.]

Re: 2015 Headers

...pretty much a waste. Headers need valve overlap and zero or extremely low backpressure to harness the wave dynamics. Modern Corvette engines have very little valve overlap - barely more than the sixties 327/300, and a lot less than the L-79.

Let's see, the additional 12 HP reported is a whopping 2.6 percent increase over OE which is about the difference between 55 and 80 degree inlet air, and I bet they lose power in the lower rev range, like below 2500, where your spend most of the time. That's the beauty of modern Corvette engines. They have massive, stump-pulling low end torque - more than a sixties vintage big block - that makes them fun to drive in normal road environments. Why would anyone want to screw that up?

Also, when the time comes that it requires emission testing headers are an automatic visual failure and could cause problems on any warranty claim related to the engine, engine control system, or exhaust system.

The GM Powertrain engineers have state of the art engine system engineering resources which makes them WAAAAAAAAY smarter than anyone here (including me) or some aftermarket shop. The LT1 is an engineering masterpiece. If 455/460 HP is not enough in a 3300 pound car, you should have bought a Z06.

Just drive it. If you're really having fun you'll be spending lots of money on tires.

I don't understand why guys need to go to the aftermarket and buy a bunch of overpriced and overhyped parts - air filters, superduper plug wires, headers... for a brand new Corvette, but like P.T. Barnum is said to have said...

Duke

[Bill M.]

Re: 2015 Headers

Wow! Duke all I asked was a question! Thanks for the answer ! Plenty of sarcasm included. I have seen way stupider questions on this web site! your last sentence was not needed! I am not thin skinned. I have ben addicted to these cars for 40 years and pretty much figured there was no benefit .... but just wanted to ask... better to be informed before making the purchase. David's article told me that it was a waste .
thanks
Bill

[Duke W.]

Re: 2015 Headers

A lot of guys get suckered into buying aftermarket fluff to "improve" their new Corvette. Magazine articles and advertising can sound pretty convincing, and it's all over the place. I just wanted to help keep you from becoming one of those guys.

Enjoy your new C7.

Duke

[Bill M.]

Re: 2015 Headers

Thanks will do. I plan on driving to work a couple of times a week and the ZO6 would not be a practical.
Bill

[Patrick H.]

Re: 2015 Headers

Thanks will do. I plan on driving to work a couple of times a week and the ZO6 would not be a practical.
Bill

Practical, no... but since when is a Corvette practical?!?
You bought a Z06, not a Prius!

[Bill M.]

Re: 2015 Headers

No I bought a Z 51 getting 22 mpg on Taconic State Parkway kinda practical and more fun than my pick up

[Patrick H.]

Re: 2015 Headers

No I bought a Z 51 getting 22 mpg on Taconic State Parkway kinda practical and more fun than my pick up

Same here.
I've seen 30 mpg highway with my 2008 Z51; we jokingly call it our economy car.

[Joe L.]

Re: 2015 Headers

Has anyone put Headers in their 2014 or 15? was it worth it? I would never put them in my mid years but am considering in my new car.

Bill------



I wouldn't even consider installing headers on a 2015. In fact, I would not even consider installing them on ANY Corvette from 1953 to 2015.

[Bill M.]

Re: 2015 Headers

Joe

Agreed the verdict is in.