Re: OBX Headers?
 

Looking forward to hearing all about them.
I keep this in mind there has been issues about every brand out there, fitment, flanges, ect.
Get them coated!

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Coated?? For heat purposes maybe? I was thinking about some header wrap. I'm not really worried about discoloration the ones on my zO6 still look pretty good.

Dave

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Ceramic coating is the way id go, But wrap away! I have read the metal can split because of the overlap of material.
On my 92 the ceramic coated watsons (which were great BTW) really heated things up, I couldn't imagine uncoated.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

I agree, wrapping is not the way to go. If flammable fluid spills on it, you are in trouble.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

They split if you don't wrap properly or overwrap properly I should say because the metal gets different temps etc.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

I have coated SW headers, look great 3 years later
& sure they are cooler, in PHX AZ that matters

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Heat's an issue in Texas too.:mad:

Re: OBX Headers?
 

coating is the only way to go. see those dents the coating is still hanging on.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y29...r1wreck025.jpg

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Wow!! Polo that is some pretty intense coating testing, okay you guys win coating it is. I hope no one got hurt in that accedent.

Dave

Re: OBX Headers?
 

I was looking to put headers on my 91 soon. I just got an email for the seller. Those are resonators, not cats. We have a road side drive by emissions test in Colorado. You think it would pass with out the cats? If we miss a drive by we need to do the std emission test. Those resonators would surly pass the visual test as a cat, but not sure if a sniffer would pick it up.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

You could add cats, just like some people do with SW headers.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Great price - 'bout the deal I got on the group buy that Dave arranged a year and some ago on the SW headers. (Thanks again, Dave!)

Smooth, gradual transistions mean a lot, when it comes to swaging pulses into tight places, and the closer to the source (engine), the more important it is for "impedance matching" (if I may borrow a term from electronics). Far as that goes, and without anything in the way of real data to go on (so take it for what it is worth), I like the SW's collector much better than the the pictured OBXs (or Watson headers too, for that matter!). So, like little "Mikey" in the cerial commercial...

"I'm not gonna try it...YOU try it!"

Well, I hope someone does try them and tells us what they think.

P.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Did some more searching, and it does seem that they are made in China.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

I don't know about the domestic world, but in the import world obx is considered by many to be the junk of the junk. I would avoid them like the plague if you value good fitment, quality welds and longevity in a product. personally putting headers on the zr-1 is a project that I would only want to do once :-D

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Here's a little something to ponder on.

SW has install/fitment issues also.
So if i had a choice i would rather get screwed for $400 then $1300.
I'm a cheap screw.:)

Those who have SW headers on there Z's go look under your Z one header hangs lower 1"-2" ,this was mentioned to them.

Jeals are the best i have seen & worked with,of course they were made in Germany,those Germans can build some sh!t.

Do a search on LT5 SW headers.

I'm not a hater what i do hate is a monopoly on LT5 parts.
As you all know monopoly is against the law in the USA.:fahne:

Pete

Re: OBX Headers?
 

While I appreciate competitive products as much as the next guy, you are assuming there is infact a product worth comparing.Go to supraforums, and look up obx headers, and read the posts. Not only are their headers made from far inferior materials, the workmanship seems to be non -existent, and welds are along the lines of a third graders abilities. Headers made by obx routinely rust out, crack, and require much work to make them seal properly, as well as much effort to reinforce, as well as brace..

Sometimes paying more for a quality piece upfront is infact being frugal, but I guess it is all a mater of how valuable your time is worth to you when you basically have to refabricate a part.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

the prices we pay for headers are insane, shame these seem to not be up to par

Re: OBX Headers?
 

It seems much of the older obx header crap on sf has been archived, or deleted. I could only find this one

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Sounds like a cluster **** to me for a bolt on header :mrgreen:

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Pete,

I am so happy that we have you to put things in very succint and precise terms. I couldn't be any plainer than that or any simpler. You're the best. :salute:

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Did Stainless Works change to 409? Mine are 3 years old and 304.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Maybe I screwed up and its 304 - SW site says 304. Maybe earlier ones were 409 or maybe they have always been 304.
I'll have to stick a magnet on them and see if it sticks, that will tell me.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Okay the headers are in I am going to start measuring and posting the info but I am going to put some pictures up first. They look really good the welds look great and there are no signs of pinholes. All the bolts holes on the flanges match perfectly.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Here are some more.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Must say, those look pretty darn good for the price.

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Killer. let us know of fitment. Pretty bad they had to do it in china to get a decent priced unit.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Those look great, good luck with the install.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

In response to the OP in post number one. My son is running these on his LS1 Camaro for about 2 years now, No fitment issues and they work well. They were an EBAY buy and They work well for the price IMHO. I for one am glad to see other "options" for our 20 year cars. Geesh guys you complain when nothing is avialable at a high price and then when presented with a possible low cost alternative that doesnt cost a fortune you still complain. I just dont get it? :icon_scra

Re: OBX Headers?
 

I don't see anyone complaining bout anything, where did that come from?

If someone has a different opinion now is that considered a complaint? I don't personally complain about the price of anything. The price of consumables is set by what the market is willing to pay.

The fact may be that the overall quality of these parts may be getting better, but it is still a crap shoot when you order. Much like buying a starter, or alternator at ghettozone, while it may have a lifetime warranty, how many times you want to climb under the car and replace it until you get a decent one?

Opinions are just that, and will vary from person to person, based on personal bias and economic situations.

I for one am under the belief that you buy the best product you can afford, and roll with your decision. I also believe that if you have to operate on a shoestring budget where $1200.00 is too much for a set of headers for your super car, then you may have purchased too much car for your wallet, or you don't modify it. These cars are getting old, and cost more to maintain than a run of the mill vette, so if you have to count every dime you have it may not be a good fit for you, imho.

Flame away, call me an ***, but I am a realist. I certainly hope that whoever purchases these obx headers for the zr-1 gets a great product, has zero quality, and/or installment issues.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

I concur with Polo-1's Whine post/ my complain post/ whatever label you want to put on it. Im running Jeal coated headers And dont regret the decsion. All im saying here is an alternative for those who dont want to pay $1200. I hope they work out for them. My son's pair work and look great. Your mileage may vary and glad to hear another vendor is supporting the LT5

Re: OBX Headers?
 

We will just have to agree to disagree.

When I ran a shop I was constantly called by people who could barely speak english, trying to get me to send parts we fabricated to China, or what turned out to be, an importer in L.A. who dealt specifically with automobile parts imported from China.

It is disgusting to me that a person, or company can put countless hours into creating a new product, then have profits stripped from them for their work because someone sends their product to be "knocked off". Every product that company sells is knocked off of someone's hard work while they undercut the market with their cheap crap.

This is not a rant directed at you just a rant in general. I hardly doubt that anyone on this forum would appreciate the same done to them.

market competition is one thing, "knock-off's" are something entirely different.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Concur we agree to disagree. You are making bold assumptions as to what was "done" How is this different than the current knockoffs of the Jeal header molds being used that were orginally made in England? Opinions are like Axles, everyone has one. GC

Re: OBX Headers?
 

You're right, I do assume these have been knocked off from an existing set, but I have past personal experience that makes me believe so. I have yet to see anything for the USDM market that came from China, that is NOT knocked off of an existing, or previously made item.


I didn't defend any knockoff.

Your reference to axles is just what my original point was before this all expanded. I am as entitled to my opinion as much as the next guy, especially when someone asks for an opinion.

threads like this are exactly the reason I quit posting on forums not long ago (too much time invested in defending ones opinion when asked for it), and will be doing so again shortly.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Its an assumption just the same. However why choose to knock a vendor when you have zero proof and just an assumption? Based upon your opinion?

Who said you did?

Your opinion has been noted. Give up trying to convince me yours is more valid based upon simply you have an opinon. My original post was to the OP. My opinion is some people complain just to complain. Nuf said

Well Ok then. :hello:

Re: OBX Headers?
 

This is great! You come on here swinging your bat, trying to diminish other peoples opinions because they do not conform to your own, then you want to turn the tables to make it appear I am trying to convince you?

You implied I was somehow defending one knockoff over another by bringing jeal copies into the conversation. I only spoke about the china crapola.

I have more than my opinion, I have been directly contacted by representatives of companies inquiring about parts to be knocked off. Apparently you missed that part of my post.

I knock a vendor based on the fact that their track history is junk. Personal firsthand experience rewelding, and reinforcing customers cracked manifolds for them. I have also had the pleasure of sending turbos off to be rebuilt after slag broke loose from inside of these same manifold, and wrecked their turbochargers.

The very fact that in their fleabay hawkings they put hks in the title of the knockoff they are selling because, with exception to quality, it is an exact duplicate of their item.

If you, your son, or anyone else wants to put a part like that on your car, go for it. I wish you all the best of luck.

Once again, here you are in the thread trying to demean other people as whiners, complainers, or whatever you want to call it. Funny how discussions always resort to some type of personal attack or another.

I guarantee you I have more first hand experience with their products than you ever have. representatives from their companies, and their importers. installation of their parts, and reinforcing them.

if you want pictures of theirs, what I had to do to support/fix them, or my own fabricated parts I am sure I can dig some up from my external drive and post them.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

We disagree move on as for the bat comment you are way off center

I never said you defended anything and your opinion is I implied I did. I ask how does one knockoff as you call it differ from the other? Other than anything made from China is crap. Got it. move on

I read it got it. Almost like my cousins sisters brother told me something once. Great got it.

Valid information however is this based on your opnion with OBX headers for the LT5? Well I doubt it because everything made in China is crap right? Got it

See my above post... Do you work for Stainless Works by chance? Or another vendor that make headers?

Thanks for reminding me I live in America and can do what I wish. Its amazing I spent 28 years in the Military and two combat tours in Iraq to defend "your" ability to too have an opnion and everybody else. How many times do I need to say I have your opinion on Chinese made products?

Some people just complain to complain. Nuff said, How you feel this is personally demeaned you is unfounded. Its not about you. I was agreeing about a post of another forum member "polo-1" not you

Great who cares? I dont. Its all your opinion. I dont need your life history, It sounds like you have a wealth of exprience on imports. Great. Do you even own an LT5? Where do you think a lot of the replacement parts come from already especially aftermarket for the Corvette. From the global economy. Its great to see alternatives from other resources

No thanks. Your opinion is noted. Got it move on. Nobody is attacking you. My Original Post was to the Original Poster in post #1 as to my actual experience with OBX in which I had no issues. I also said some folks just complain to complain in agreement with Polo-1 and then you choose to chime in. Got it you hate Chinese products based upon your experience with inferior products. WE GOT IT. This is not about YOU or your opinion

Re: OBX Headers?
 

German trans, english designed engine, I think that would qualify a lot of people on the forums here with the same, don't you think?

Nope, but I did stay at a holiday inn lastnight

Because the op asked for opinions, I was trying to share first hand accounts, and that experience is not pertinent somehow to his questions because it doesn't align with your thought process. Crystal

Not really, I hear they make really good copies of Russian weapons, American guidance systems, and Japanese driveline

you caught me. I earn my living making headers for a niche car that was made in limited numbers. If I can only sell a set to the last 200 or so owners who do not have them on their car yet I can finally retire.


[QUOTE]Thanks for reminding me I live in America and can do what I wish. Its amazing I spent 28 years in the Military and two combat tours in Iraq to defend "your" ability to too have an opnion and everybody else. How many times do I need to say I have your opinion on Chinese made products?

[QUOTE]Thanks for reminding me I live in America and can do what I wish. Its amazing I spent 28 years in the Military and two combat tours in Iraq to defend "your" ability to too have an opnion and everybody else. How many times do I need to say I have your opinion on Chinese made products?


[QUOTE] Thanks for reminding me I live in America and can do what I wish. Its amazing I spent 28 years in the Military and two combat tours in Iraq to defend "your" ability to too have an opnion and everybody else. How many times do I need to say I have your opinion on Chinese made products?

I'll buy you a beer for your service, but I hardly think you have a monopoly on this. Last I heard there was a couple hundred thousand of us who could pretty much say the same thing.

Labels, labels. People are content with putting others under one if they happen to disagree with their opinion on something.

Funny thing about forums is that replies are read by all, not just the op, or any other individual poster. When you throw generic labels out there, and lump anyone who disagrees with you into a group you are opening yourself up to a response.


As much as I would like to sit here all day and banter back and forth, I have to go to my hobby shop and start on another project. Maybe when this one is done I can sent some of my parts to the peoples republic of china and have them upgraded by peasant labor as well.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

Easy there boys.

I think someone that experienced a product and had issues with it ,it's good to post up,nothing wrong with that.

Heck Jeal made killer headers but sh!tty cams,if the first guy came on here and posted there experience with Jeal cams, i wouldn't had to find out the hardway myself and a few others.
There are a few people still running Jeal cams and they would probably swear by them.

Remember Santa is watching,so be nice.:)
Happy Holidays
Pete

Re: OBX Headers?
 

These OBX headers will never take the place of a new set of Stainless works and they shouldn't.
But looks like a halfway decent option to paying 1200+ headers. These would be great for getting some extra oomph from that just purchased daily driver. If I had just did a stoke job or engine upgrade another 1200 is nothing.

Re: OBX Headers?
 

As I stoop under the fire fight. I have a little off topic question, as I was removing my factory headers off the car I looked into the back side of each. I noticed that the drivers side headers catalytic converter was melted in the middle. Now would this be a sign of failing injectors, a failure of the smog system, a tune issue ( my car has a factory tune now but has had a tune on it in the past I believe), or a O2 sensor starting to degrade. It wasn't setting any codes before I tore it down and I had just finish a 10,700 mile road trip in it. Any constructive input would be greatly appriciate. Thank you gentalmen.

Dave