Need Your Input Guys. Which header and cats?

[CadiKing2006]

Hey guys I have Magnaflow setup right now with X-pipe. I want to add headers and new cats as one of my factory CATS is done and I thought I might as well upgrade to headers and new CATS.

Someone mentioned getting full B&B setup but I dont want to unload my magnaflow and I dont have another $1000 to waste so Which headers and cats could mate to the X-pipe.

I did some research and found out TPIS Longtube headers and cats connect to factory resonator which is where my magnaflow x-pipe is and its the same diameter as factory resonator 2.5" so that should work fine right?

Any other headers that would connect to my x-pipe. BTW bolt on doesnt matter because I got my magnaflow X-pipe welded in so that can be done.

Thanks

[A1beshouri]

While I like my kooks headers, I had alot of problems with the flanges warping which caused for about 4 blown header gaskets and then having the headers fully uninstalled and reinstalled and sending the headers to get machined to get fixed costing me over 1k. From what other members have said the warping flanges are a serious problem with the kooks headers, therefore i recomend the B&B if theyll fit to ur magnaflow, if not i really dont know much about TPIS

[CadiKing2006]

B&B is 3 inches right? Does anybody know if it would connect to the factory resonator. I have the X-pipe but its the same diameter as factory resonator 2.5"

[heavymetals]

You will have to get a reducer.

You can get those from JEGS or even J.C Whitney.

Not a big deal for any exhaust shop.

[StealthViggen]

No matter what you will have to have an exhaust shop involved. No header and Cat set will bolt to the factory exhaust flanges that mate to the factory manifolds and cats( only the old style B&B did I beleive ). The Kooks, stainless works, B&B, and TPIS all require "connector pipes" which require you to lop off the stock exhaust flanges just north of the resonator. Being that I remember you being in Toronto(as am i), you will need cats, so no way around this. If the TPIS ones on ebay come with Cat pipes for $850, then thats a good deal. Other "connector pipes" are in the $350-450 range with cats. Only thing is the TPIS set are not stainless, which doesn't matter too much since they are coated and will likely look better than stainless pipes for longer. You could also but the parts for the connector pipes for about $250ish( including hi flow cats, bungs, o2 extentions, and flanges) but then add another $100-150 for an exhaust shop to fab up, but then it doesn't look so bad to buy a prefabbed set.

FYI - I went Kooks and their catted pipes. Waiting till spring to install and tune with some other goodies

[CadiKing2006]

Thanks for the info man. So the aftermarket cats liel TPIS or B&B also has space for O2 extension right?

[StealthViggen]

That's correct. The headers themselves will have an O2 bung in the merge collector, then there will be a 2nd one just after the cat on the connector pipe. You will need O2 extentions to for both spots, but these should come with the kit you buy, Else, they are pretty cheap on ebay (15 bucks or so).

Peter

[TexasLonghorn]

I have the TPIS Headers and connecting pipes with Magnaflow exhaust. The connecting pipes are minimal they are just the cats with a reducer and bung welded on. These pipes could be made by any exhaust shop with the purchase of high flow cats. The TPIS headers really are the best value out there I got mine brand new off Ebay with the connecting pipes for a total of about $875. This being said there were some minor problems. The connecting pipes do not line up all that well with the Magnaflow exhaust, so you will need to get some fabricating done. Get a good shop to do a clean job. The “performance” shop that I got to do mine didn’t do the greatest job. I might have another shop redo it later. Also, I thought I read on this board that American Racing Headers was going to build headers with connecting pipes that line up with Magnaflow exhaust. They build truly top notch headers, but of course they are pricey. I would expect them to cost at least $1500 with connecting pipes.

[intragration]

I don't have any experience with Kooks specific to Cadillac, but I have a set on my Formula (LS1) and they are excellent. I had a problem with my shop, and Kooks came through for me with flying colors. I would heartily recommend them and George.

[SkullV]

I just ordered Kooks, and I will be doing the install next week. I have a magnaflow with x pipe too, so I will let you know how the install goes!