Kooks 4.2L I6 Header

[HARDTRAILZ]

Cantwait to see the mpg results!

 

[meerschm]

I tried, but do not put enough miles on her to justify the investment.

I figured 10% improvement from 20 MPG with gas at $4/gal

gas in this simple case would be $2k for every 10k miles. if the 10% is accurate, would save $200 every 10k miles. if you put 80k a year, I agree a no-brainer.


I am only putting around 5k miles a year on it.

Hope you sell a bunch.

 

[novajoe]

To get on the list call 866-586-5665 and tell them you want on the Pre-order list for the TB header system.

Here is the ad with the concept art for the headers.

 

[lint]

Aint that perdy. lol

 

[novajoe]

It will look good nder my hood too!

 

[Tarnished]

To get on the list call 866-586-5665 and tell them you want on the Pre-order list for the TB header system.

Here is the ad with the concept art for the headers.

Hey Joe, good talking to you today, and thanks for adding the extra addition to my preorder.
Sigh.. now I'll have to port, polish, and port match.. and all that good stuff when it comes in.. yikes

I'm in!

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Just got paid today, gonna place my order in the am! :wootwoot:

Wonder if they'd work me a deal, I need headers for my SS too...haha jk.

 

[mark'stb]

Called Joe today and placed my order. Can't wait. My Christmas present to me this year.

 

[novajoe]

Just got paid today, gonna place my order in the am! :wootwoot:

Wonder if they'd work me a deal, I need headers for my SS too...haha jk.

We do make headers for the SS. I am sure we can get both of your TB's hooked up with Kooks! :wootwoot:

 

[Sparky]

Quick question on this - what years are these i6 headers for? Aren't the exhaust ports on the 06+ head different or is this header compatible across all 02-09 I6 engines?

This may be a deciding factor for me on these.

 

[novajoe]

Quick question on this - what years are these i6 headers for? Aren't the exhaust ports on the 06+ head different or is this header compatible across all 02-09 I6 engines?

This may be a deciding factor for me on these.

We are trying to make this a header that fits all 4.2L motors. We looking at how the gasket seals to the haed to make sure there will be no problem with sealing at the flange, and the primaries are to be a 1-5/8” tri –y configuration with a 2.5” x 3” formed collector.

 

[Sparky]

If you can really pull it off to make it work on all years and both head designs that is sweet.

 

[fishsticks]

Hey Joe,

Can you give a few more details on the coatings you guys use? Specifically, I'm looking for (anecdotal) information on abrasion resistance.

The way my air intake is currently set up, my truck is more affected by engine bay temps than most... so I'm considering "upgrading" my order and having you guys coat my set.

Posting here since I think I'm the only ORTB guy to place an order.

 

[novajoe]

We use Calico for our coatings.
Here is a link to their automotive coatings
Automotive & Racing Coatings, Auto Gear & Piston Coatings | Calico Coatings

Let me know if you would like to add it to your order.

 

[Bartonmd]

OK, now I know why you were saying people would pick up 3mpg on ORTB, before I called you out on it... Your 27-30mpg camaro picked up 3mpg, which is 10-12%. 3mpg for most of us is 20%. 10-12% for us would be 1.5-2mpg.

Also, was your camaro tuned before the headers? I picked up 10-12% from just the tune (1.5-2mpg) on a completely stock engine.

Mike

 

[novajoe]

OK, now I know why you were saying people would pick up 3mpg on ORTB, before I called you out on it... Your 27-30mpg camaro picked up 3mpg, which is 10-12%. 3mpg for most of us is 20%. 10-12% for us would be 1.5-2mpg.

Also, was your camaro tuned before the headers? I picked up 10-12% from just the tune (1.5-2mpg) on a completely stock engine.

Mike

The Camaro was tuned after the headers were installed. And like we were discussing the tune and headers work hand in hand to give best performance gains. When putting the estimate together for the TrailBlazer we looked at the increased efficiency of the header, the increased efficiency of the hi-flow catalytic converter, and what it could do with a tune so that we could take full advantage of what the parts could do. We also looked at what gains others had got from other mods such as deleting there cat and used that information to help us determine what the potential could be.

 

[rmsg0040]

With these headers, would there be a need for a heat shield?

Also, would you guys provide the needed bolts?

Thanks

 

[Bartonmd]

The Camaro was tuned after the headers were installed. And like we were discussing the tune and headers work hand in hand to give best performance gains. When putting the estimate together for the TrailBlazer we looked at the increased efficiency of the header, the increased efficiency of the hi-flow catalytic converter, and what it could do with a tune so that we could take full advantage of what the parts could do. We also looked at what gains others had got from other mods such as deleting there cat and used that information to help us determine what the potential could be.

I understand that the tune is needed with the headers, but my point is that if you got 10% gain in fuel economy from the tune/headers, and I got 10% from just the tune, what do the headers do? Like I said, I'll buy 3mpg from the tune + header, but my point is that only 1mpg of that would be from the header in the 3mpg scenerio.

Mike

 

[novajoe]

I understand that the tune is needed with the headers, but my point is that if you got 10% gain in fuel economy from the tune/headers, and I got 10% from just the tune, what do the headers do? Like I said, I'll buy 3mpg from the tune + header, but my point is that only 1mpg of that would be from the header in the 3mpg scenerio.

Mike

These numbers were an estimate only and were keep low at to not over promise and under deliver. We will have the numbers very soon.

 

[novajoe]

Thank you for everyone who has placed their order for this header system.

I still have a handful of slots left so if you want in on this deal please let me know.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

I understand that the tune is needed with the headers, but my point is that if you got 10% gain in fuel economy from the tune/headers, and I got 10% from just the tune, what do the headers do? Like I said, I'll buy 3mpg from the tune + header, but my point is that only 1mpg of that would be from the header in the 3mpg scenerio.

Mike

These numbers were an estimate only and were keep low at to not over promise and under deliver. We will have the numbers very soon.

You really did not address his comment. Maybe you can answer my questions.

I have already opened up the air intake with a good filter.
I have already had a custom catback exhaust with free flowing muffler installed
I have had my tune done with these modifications.

I gained a couple mpg via these mods.

How much would a header add? Is there really any meat left on the bone? Are you going to test each portion seperately? As in...only installing the headers with everything stock...doing the headers plus tune...doing the headers plus moddified exhaust after the cat...doing the headers plus modded exhaust plus tune...doing the headers with factory air intake...doing the headers with CAI...doing the headers with CAI and tuned for both...

Basically...how are you going to prove the numbers for the header alone? We already have info available on increases from tunes, intakes, catback exhausts.

 

[novajoe]

I have already opened up the air intake with a good filter.
I have already had a custom catback exhaust with free flowing muffler installed
I have had my tune done with these modifications.

I gained a couple mpg via these mods.

How much would a header add? Is there really any meat left on the bone? Are you going to test each portion seperately? As in...only installing the headers with everything stock...doing the headers plus tune...doing the headers plus moddified exhaust after the cat...doing the headers plus modded exhaust plus tune...doing the headers with factory air intake...doing the headers with CAI...doing the headers with CAI and tuned for both...

Basically...how are you going to prove the numbers for the header alone? We already have info available on increases from tunes, intakes, catback exhausts.

The testing will be a before (bone stock), Header, and a header with tune test. This will give us the numbers that everyone is looking for. As far as your combination there is meat left but I can not tell you how much at this time. Because there is a lot of restriction is at the manifold and converter, you will see a gain. This is the best information I can give you at this time.

 

[Bartonmd]

The testing will be a before (bone stock), Header, and a header with tune test. This will give us the numbers that everyone is looking for. As far as your combination there is meat left but I can not tell you how much at this time. Because there is a lot of restriction is at the manifold and converter, you will see a gain. This is the best information I can give you at this time.

Ok, so we will take 2mpg off of the numbers you show tuned, to represent what the header does over and above just a tune by itself.

Also, what are you getting, now? Some are currently getting low mpg because of a restricted cat, so just going to a new stock cat will yield gains.

Mike

 

[Slow_Sc3]

any updates on the header?

 

[ScarabEpic22]

I placed my order on Friday with Koolaid, getting an extra O2 bung welded into mine so I can toss a wideband O2 in there easily.

Cant wait to get these and install them. Id HIGHLY recommend (as in you should really do it otherwise you're asking for problems) using PB Blaster every day for at least a week prior to trying to remove the old manifold. A buddy of mine did this 2x a day for 5 days on all his exhaust stuff on his 06 TBSS, the y-pipe and headers came off much easier and we didnt have a single broken head bolt (had some on the collector flange, just cut em off).

 

[sae]

It's great to finally see headers come to the 4200! I'll definitely be picking up a set.

As to the fuel economy questions, in all honesty it's pretty dumb to ask for concrete, definitive numbers that will be gained from ANY mod. Remember, these are performance parts, nowhere are the marketed as fuel economy improving parts. To ask for percentages and all of that crap is pretty silly. It is a given that restriction and excess heat take away from both performance and fuel economy, so in theory, yes, they should increase efficiency. I do highly doubt that they're being made with 650-2200 rpm in mind though, and if it's economy that you're after that's where you should be, I'd highly recommend saving the $750 for gas and the chance to purchase these at a great price for someone else.

PS: stay in the right lane!

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

It's great to finally see headers come to the 4200! I'll definitely be picking up a set.

As to the fuel economy questions, in all honesty it's pretty dumb to ask for concrete, definitive numbers that will be gained from ANY mod. Remember, these are performance parts, nowhere are the marketed as fuel economy improving parts. To ask for percentages and all of that crap is pretty silly. It is a given that restriction and excess heat take away from both performance and fuel economy, so in theory, yes, they should increase efficiency. I do highly doubt that they're being made with 650-2200 rpm in mind though, and if it's economy that you're after that's where you should be, I'd highly recommend saving the $750 for gas and the chance to purchase these at a great price for someone else.

PS: stay in the right lane!

Pretty dumb...huh.... He was marketing them for an improvement in fuel economy, hence the discussion.

PS: Get off the road.

 

[fishsticks]

It's great to finally see headers come to the 4200! I'll definitely be picking up a set.

As to the fuel economy questions, in all honesty it's pretty dumb to ask for concrete, definitive numbers that will be gained from ANY mod. Remember, these are performance parts, nowhere are the marketed as fuel economy improving parts. To ask for percentages and all of that crap is pretty silly. It is a given that restriction and excess heat take away from both performance and fuel economy, so in theory, yes, they should increase efficiency. I do highly doubt that they're being made with 650-2200 rpm in mind though, and if it's economy that you're after that's where you should be, I'd highly recommend saving the $750 for gas and the chance to purchase these at a great price for someone else.

PS: stay in the right lane!

So have you ordered a set yet, hotshot? I have...

You do know that under hood temperatures usually increase when you install headers due to thinner walled primaries, right?

I think Joe spoke a little too soon about MPG gains for these headers (his estimations are pretty spot on with V8 headers though, so I get it) and some people called him on it. The 360 was a big GM seller and so CAFE required the designers to wring as much fuel economy out of the factory package. There just may not be much left to get.

 

[Bartonmd]

It's great to finally see headers come to the 4200! I'll definitely be picking up a set.

As to the fuel economy questions, in all honesty it's pretty dumb to ask for concrete, definitive numbers that will be gained from ANY mod. Remember, these are performance parts, nowhere are the marketed as fuel economy improving parts. To ask for percentages and all of that crap is pretty silly. It is a given that restriction and excess heat take away from both performance and fuel economy, so in theory, yes, they should increase efficiency. I do highly doubt that they're being made with 650-2200 rpm in mind though, and if it's economy that you're after that's where you should be, I'd highly recommend saving the $750 for gas and the chance to purchase these at a great price for someone else.

PS: stay in the right lane!

On the contrary, I called him on the gas mileage because he was selling it as paying for itself in gas mileage. I said as you are saying. I have no doubt that it'll gain power, which is what it'll made fo; but any fuel efficiency gains, I suspect, will be very minor compared to just getting a tune by itself.

Mike

For you your gain would be in MPG. On my Camaro when I installed long tube headers I picked up three MPG. So I will use that as an example to show thbenefitsts. In the last year my wife and I put 80k on the Trailblazer. (your mileage may vary)
I average 17.8 MPG (mostly interstadrivinging) and just to put a price on it I will use $4 price on fuel (9Usingseing this information here is how it comes out. In stock form fuel cost would be $17.977.52 and with only a 3 MPG gain it would drop to $15,384.62 equaling a savings of $2,592.40 for the year.

This far surpasses the cost of the exhaust system for me. And this is just for bone stock, add a CAI and a tune and your gains will be higher.

 

[fishsticks]

How are we doing on these? I'm running out of projects to finish on my crawler so I'm going to need something to bolt onto the TB soon.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

How are we doing on these? I'm running out of projects to finish on my crawler so I'm going to need something to bolt onto the TB soon.

You may want to call... I heard a lil rumor that the guy that was responding here is no longer with the company.Hopefully they have someone stepping up.

 

[Bartonmd]

Oh boy...

 

[The_Roadie]

Joe has not been on the forum in a week. I just emailed Kook's Sales address to see what their intentions are.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Uh oh, hopefully we'll still get before/after dyno results from Kooks.

Regardless, Ill have solid #s on my 02 in late spring/early summer when it comes back from Montana. Ill do a pull or two before installing the header then go home, install it and a wideband, then head back to the dyno.

 

[mark'stb]

I called Kooks today. This is what I was told. Joe is no longer with them. The header is scheduled to be released sometime in January. James said he will email all who are on the pre-order list.

 

[The_Roadie]

They ignored my email. I'm not impressed with their customer support so far.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

We'll see, they dont have any of my $$ for this but I already bought a set of Kooks LTs for my SS.

Who did you email Bill?

 

[The_Roadie]

Joe's personal address there, which if he left should have been redirected to other staff, and the generic "sales" address from their web site. Also should have been monitored regularly.

 

[scorpio1]

Glad to see they are still gonna produce this. Would love to pick one up at some point.

 

[xx_gearhead_xx]

...which if he left should have been redirected ....

I agree, except for the ever present fact that should bee's don't make honey. They'll get you every time!