Kooks LT header install question

drentlaw1 · June 15, 2017

So after ordering my Kooks 1 7/8 LT with catless Y on March 13th I received my headers on Monday June 12th. Only thing is is that they haven't shipped my Y pipe yet.

So my question is, can I install the headers and run open headers without the computer freaking out and messing up my motor?

I am running blackbear autocal. I asked them when I ordered my setup if I could drive it while I was waiting for my tune back from them after the data log because of no cats. They said it wouldn't be a problem.

I know there will be a CEL until I get it re tuned.

Thanks!

volcom8190 · June 16, 2017

id put them on when all the parts are there, theres alot of heat coming out of those things. I hope your y-pipe fits, my first one was 4in too short

drentlaw1 · June 16, 2017

I pray after 3 months of waiting that doesn't happen haha! Only reason I want to do it is because I have limited time off work and I have Sunday free. The headers are the most time consuming so putting the Y on will be an easy job to get done when it shows up.

drentlaw1 · June 20, 2017

Little update on the install. I ended up putting the headers on and I got the usual O2 sensor codes but other than that it runs and drives great. Only thing is is that its way to loud (imagine that) haha so still no update on even a ship date on the Kook's Y, so I called up a local exhaust shop and they are building me one for $350. I'll probably end up selling the Kook's when it comes in if the one being built is built good.

15_silverado · July 10, 2017

I'm interested in getting some kooks headers with a catted pipe, I have 2 questions for those of you who have these.

1st question

It looks like there are 2 clamps on the Y pipe, if you were to unbolt the Y pipe from the left/driver's side header collector only, and undo the 2 clamps could you slide that section of the Y pipe out of the way and remove just that section, or would the whole Y pipe need to be unbolted from both headers and catback connection to remove that bottom section that runs under the transmission pan.

^^^ I'm asking this question because, I'd like to know if it's easily removeable to be able to drop the transmission pan, to do a trans service/filter replacement.

Also, just to make sure, if that bottom piece was removed, is there definitely enough room,all the way across for the transmission pan to drop down completely, to remove it?

2nd question

I see they sell 2 different catted Y pipes. Race cats and green cats. I want cats to stay legal, but most importantly, I don't want any check engine lights. The green cats are really expensive, and I saw a you tube video of a guy who said he had the green cats and still got a CEL. So what's the deal. Will the race cats definitely give a CEL, if so what's the point of getting those. Anyone have a catted Y pipe, witch one, and are you getting a CEL? If you pony up the big bucks for the green cats dose kooks garenty no CEL?

Thanks guys

L86 All Terrain · July 12, 2017

The problem with steel is it expands and contracts as it receives and dissipates heat. I wouldn't advise running them without the Y pipe as they may warp slightly and retain a memory. Once you go to put that fitted Y pipe on, the collector area of the header may have moved just enough to cause you a headache making things mate up. Not saying it will happen, but the chance is there.

drentlaw1 · July 13, 2017

I'm interested in getting some kooks headers with a catted pipe, I have 2 questions for those of you who have these.

1st question

It looks like there are 2 clamps on the Y pipe, if you were to unbolt the Y pipe from the left/driver's side header collector only, and undo the 2 clamps could you slide that section of the Y pipe out of the way and remove just that section, or would the whole Y pipe need to be unbolted from both headers and catback connection to remove that bottom section that runs under the transmission pan.

^^^ I'm asking this question because, I'd like to know if it's easily removeable to be able to drop the transmission pan, to do a trans service/filter replacement.

Also, just to make sure, if that bottom piece was removed, is there definitely enough room,all the way across for the transmission pan to drop down completely, to remove it?

2nd question

I see they sell 2 different catted Y pipes. Race cats and green cats. I want cats to stay legal, but most importantly, I don't want any check engine lights. The green cats are really expensive, and I saw a you tube video of a guy who said he had the green cats and still got a CEL. So what's the deal. Will the race cats definitely give a CEL, if so what's the point of getting those. Anyone have a catted Y pipe, witch one, and are you getting a CEL? If you pony up the big bucks for the green cats dose kooks garenty no CEL?

Thanks guys

1st question- I will finally get my Kooks y tomorrow and I'll hopefully take off the one I had made and install the Kooks so I'll keep you updated on how easy it will be to remove for the pan drop.

2nd question- I'm thinking you will get a CEL no matter what ones you install because the rear 02s are programmed to read the factory cats. Personally I would get the cheaper of the 2 and do a Black bear custom tune. They will be able to tune for the rear 02s reading wrong. Plus if your doing headers you will want to tune for them to get the most hp out of them, and any other mods you plan on doing in the future.

15_silverado · July 13, 2017

1st question- I will finally get my Kooks y tomorrow and I'll hopefully take off the one I had made and install the Kooks so I'll keep you updated on how easy it will be to remove for the pan drop.

2nd question- I'm thinking you will get a CEL no matter what ones you install because the rear 02s are programmed to read the factory cats. Personally I would get the cheaper of the 2 and do a Black bear custom tune. They will be able to tune for the rear 02s reading wrong. Plus if your doing headers you will want to tune for them to get the most hp out of them, and any other mods you plan on doing in the future.

Yea, I figured there was no way getting around the check engine light, I would definitely just get the cheaper cat y pipe.

Yes, please let me know about the y pipe, as far as dropping the transmission pan goes, thank you.

drentlaw1 · July 14, 2017

Yea, I figured there was no way getting around the check engine light, I would definitely just get the cheaper cat y pipe.

Yes, please let me know about the y pipe, as far as dropping the transmission pan goes, thank you.

Finally got around to installing the Kooks y this afternoon. Looks like to drop the trans pan you can get away with taking the drivers side off where it connects to the header and the clamp off where the crossover pipe connects to the passenger side.

15_silverado · July 14, 2017

Finally got around to installing the Kooks y this afternoon. Looks like to drop the trans pan you can get away with taking the drivers side off where it connects to the header and the clamp off where the crossover pipe connects to the passenger side.

Good to know, thank you for the pictures, looks like it would be much easier to deal with.