[madman9]

I want exhaust with max performance on my 05 GT. Kooks 1 5/8" x 2 1/2" with catted x crossover and magnaflow catback exhaust has been suggested.
I have also heard that the headers on the 05 are good enough but I need a pro's opinion. Anyone know the difference I will have if I keep my factory headers as opposed to getting the Kooks?

[mdvaldosta]

Big difference with the headers, Kooks makes some good stuff too. You can't go wrong, though it'll likely be an expensive install if it's anything like the 96-04 installs.

[madman9]

I got a quote on the install. $550 for labor. I checked his prices for parts and they are cheaper if not equal to what I can find online at various sites. Supposedly a friend of a friend deal. Total is about 2668.74. True its pricey but worth it if I have the penny...no? Thanks again md!

[Sonic05Roush]

I've been doing a lot of reaserch on Headers and I've been told to that you will get what you pay for such as JBA is a little more expensive than other but I hear the Welds and just the craftmanship is much better than the cheaper ones,
I also have heard that Kooks is one of the best you can get.
Everyone that have done LT Headers have been very happy!!
I'm about to either get Kooks, JBA, or Stainess works...

Good Luck!

[whtleroy4you]

Is the ford racing any good. i want some headers that fit in the factory locations so i can do them myself. (it will still be a pain in the a$$)

[06hoss]

Hey Sonic05Roush, nice car! I've been doing long tube header research myself and one thing that I found out is you have to pay attention to the type of stainless they are using. For instance JBA uses 409 stainless while Kooks uses 304. The 304 stainless resists corrosion better so that's why it's more expensive. But, I like the JBAs myself since I am going to get them ceramic coated so it won't matter what type of stainless is used (for corrosion puposes). 409 stainless (JBA) is actually harder (so it won't dent as easily), but 304 (Kooks) has higher tensile strength (won't crack under stress as easily). Plus JBA has a patent on their "firecone collector" which will scavenge gases better than a collector without the "firecone".
I once had a Trans Am with cheap mild steel Hedman hedders and boy did I dent one of the primaries tubes once...actually ran over a parking spot cement thing in the snow.

[FireryDriver]

wow 06hoss you definately did your homework on LT headers

[06hoss]

Thanks FireryDriver, but I can't take all the credit. What got me started on the stainless research was some guys on another forum raving about Kooks and that the stainless was different. I just researched stainless steel properties and there are a bunch of grades of it. For my money, the JBAs will work fine.

[Sonic05Roush]

Thanks 06hoss,,,

Lots and lots of research has been done in this Yea the JBA Coated is the only way to to go if your going to use Jba's, they also coat the inside...
I used JBA on my 89 GT and they were great!
Yea I like the Firecone for JBA, but also like the idea of having a inch Catted X pipe with Stainless works, going to a Reducer for the stock pypes out the back..
I just have a feeling that the Stainless works with the 3" catted X would sound Better than 2.5 Catted X.. But who knows for sure......