Has anybody done a direct Kooks vs LGM Comparison dyno?

[JakeL]

Just curious, since they seem to be the current top two contenders.

From having read on this forum and CF for a while, I've seen guys add power by going from:

FLP to LGM's
TPIS to LGM's
TTS to LGM's
Belanger to LGM's
TPIS to Kooks
Dynatech/SuperMaxx to Kooks
StainlessWorks to Kooks

So I'm curious how the LGM headers and Kooks headers compare? Particularly on the low-end performance - gotta have the torque...

-Jake

[2002Z06Yellow]

kooks has two setups though.. and depending on the application one might be better than another... this comparison has to be fair for both sides!

[JakeL]

2 setups - by which you mean the 1 3/4" and 1 7/8"?

Yes, there is that.

I have no doubt that they both make great power up top, I'm most interested in their midrange behavior - 2.5K-4.5K RPM.

Should be educational if anybody ever does something like this - hopefully Danny Popp's results will have something to show?

-Jake

[VettTheRipper]

Probably a pointless thing to do. Case in point...if/when I go to LT's my mind is made up on a set of LGM's. A comparison wouldn't sway my decision. And for it to be a meaningful comparison they would need to do several cars (at least 5 IMO), same dyno, same day, with BOTH header setups on all cars. I doubt any of the tuners have the time or staff for something like that, especially when the end result would be just a few ponies north or south of each other in various parts of the curve.

[VettTheRipper]

...it would be like the intake wars...everyone arguing over who has the best "hole"

[JakeL]

Originally posted by VettTheRipper
Probably a pointless thing to do. ...especially when the end result would be just a few ponies north or south of each other in various parts of the curve.

Well, I kinda disagree. LGM always touts the better low-end torque of their longer primaries and merge collector. As well, I'd like to see if there are any differences between the random cat/3" mid-pipe versus the Kooks carsound/2.5" setup.

at nearly a 50% price premium over the Kooks, I'd like to know that I'm paying for something worthwhile - which may be the case - or, that it does or does not make sense to buy the LGM's.

Just one dyno graph on a relatively normal stock or H/C car should show if there are any significant differences to speak of, during any part of the powerband. And if not - then $600 or so saved, which means other mods get done sooner!

-Jake

[2002Z06Yellow]

i am with you jake!

[03Z06VETTE]

So far from what I have heard ...for 500 -600 less the Kooks are the way to go. The only difference is the LGM's are all stainless the Kooks are aluiminized mid pipe

[THRLSKR]

Does the Kooks system use a 2.5 or 3 inch X-pipe (Aft the cats)?

[Backlash]

Originally posted by 03Z06VETTE
So far from what I have heard ...for 500 -600 less the Kooks are the way to go. The only difference is the LGM's are all stainless the Kooks are aluiminized mid pipe

Not quite true.

1)LG's are made by Bola out of 302 stainless, these are of a higher quality stainless than the Kooks. Translates into lasting a very long time.

2) LG's use Random Tech Cats versus the Kooks Magnaflow Cats. Most people agree with RT units are better built and will last longer.

3) The LG's are much easier to install opening the door to doing it yourself. (saving install price)

So the question is are these differences enough to justify paying more?