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Challenger SRT 392
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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
How important is the brand of long tube headers in the increase in horsepower? Does BBK or JBA long tube headers make same performance as Kooks? Why do people choose Kooks over others?

Also what kind of camshaft would one select while choosing long tube headers for best performance?
 

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2019 Challenger Hellcat Widebody (destroyer grey)
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How important is the brand of long tube headers in the increase in horsepower? Does BBK or JBA long tube headers make same performance as Kooks? Why do people choose Kooks over others?

Also what kind of camshaft would one select while choosing long tube headers for best performance?
I can't comment on the headers, but I believe a cam swap ends up being pricey for minimal, maybe 15 or so HP, gains.
 

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I have not heard complaints about any long-tube header brand, but if you like catalytic converters, Kook's (pronounced cooks) makes "green" cats with higher flow rate, and people like their results with the Kook's. They also come in a couple or few different primary tube sizes, and they make an exhaust system to match it.

If you really want power in a 392, you are going to need revs, and having said that, talk to a reputable tuner, but the 2" tubes will not be a limit on upper-RPM power.

I like the way you are thinking, though. A cam and header package with a tune are going to yield results you can feel (and hear) and I assume you did not get this thing to set fuel mileage records, anyway.

Ported heads, an aftermarket high-RPM setup (reciproTating assembly and cam, pushrods, lifters, valves, springs, retainers,) Add one of @hpindy's lower-rpm accessory pullies on an ATI damper, or a "30 percent lower accessory belt speed" pulley from some rando maker that also produces a 7 percent lower for the Hellcat (I have a thread on it, don't know if either will go on an ATI for the 392) and you should be seeing substantial hp both made and freed. Amsoil for all lubrication fluids will increase your power output further, but break in the oils for a week or two before hitting the dyno.

Cold air intake, such as the one for the Hellcat or one ported to hood scoop from Mopar will provide no negative results, also insulating the intake from heat.

 

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Charger 392
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As stated by Blkout, it comes down to quality. BBK being on the low end and Kooks on the high. Then there is ARH, Stainless Works, JBA. You want equal length primaries. (ARH is a branch off of Kooks)

For the Cam, Modern Muscle Xtreme has the Max effort cam that will get you 50 plus Hp at the wheels. For max gains you will need the longtubes, PSI springs, pushrods. The installation of the headers should be minimal if you get a Cam that requires springs since they have to take the heads off doing the install. You will get the old school lope with this cam.


 

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Challenger SRT 392
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Discussion Starter · #6 ·
Thank you for all your inputs. So now the question comes to performance. Will JBA or Stainless works have lower performance than Kooks in terms of horsepower or gains ?
Also there is a header in the market. Does anyone know about TSP (texas speed) headers?
 

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A Van Down by the River
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Thank you for all your inputs. So now the question comes to performance. Will JBA or Stainless works have lower performance than Kooks in terms of horsepower or gains ?
Also there is a header in the market. Does anyone know about TSP (texas speed) headers?
If I recall, @FFBOS used the TSP headers at one point. I can't recall if he ended up changing them for another brand later.

Are you avoiding Kooks for some reason or just trying to cut some cost? As for other brands, its really about fit and finish, durability. I doubt the HP differences between them are enough to really matter.
 

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Kooks hands down is the best quality IMO. You pay for what you get. I have yet to install headers on my HC or SP. I have installed several sets of headers on Mustang GTs and GT500s. The fitment is the main reason to go with Kooks headers. They install much easier. You should not have to message a header to get it to fit.
 

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In terms of performance/hp gains, IMO I don't believe there will be much difference as long as they are equal length primaries. I'll reiterate what Blkout stated. It is more about fit and durability. If you are not installing the longtubes yourself on the Challenger, it will take an experience tech around 7 hours to complete the job. Just installing the headers and no cam. The last thing you want is to develop an exhaust leak and have someone having to get back into it and doing it over again. The labor difference would more than make up for the extra cost in a good set of headers.

Texas Speed is new to the market for the Hemi. They shine on the LS platform. I have not heard anyone using their new headers for the Hemi.
 

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Discussion Starter · #10 ·
Thank you all, I got it. Kooks are expensive but more than the expense is how it sounds. To me, JBA sounds extremely mean but i also heard they have some extreme vibration issues while putting your feet on the gas pedal. I think, I would go for kooks because fitment issue and leaking issue would be the worst thing to be dealt with. Also the headers being too low is a concern for me in case of other headers. So I guess Kooks is the way to go although I would be conpromising on the sound.

Thanks you all community for all your feedback.
 

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A Van Down by the River
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Thank you all, I got it. Kooks are expensive but more than the expense is how it sounds. To me, JBA sounds extremely mean but i also heard they have some extreme vibration issues while putting your feet on the gas pedal. I think, I would go for kooks because fitment issue and leaking issue would be the worst thing to be dealt with. Also the headers being too low is a concern for me in case of other headers. So I guess Kooks is the way to go although I would be conpromising on the sound.

Thanks you all community for all your feedback.
Why do you think would be compromising on sound? I doubt any of the full length headers sound drastically different.
 

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Thank you all, I got it. Kooks are expensive but more than the expense is how it sounds. To me, JBA sounds extremely mean but i also heard they have some extreme vibration issues while putting your feet on the gas pedal. I think, I would go for kooks because fitment issue and leaking issue would be the worst thing to be dealt with. Also the headers being too low is a concern for me in case of other headers. So I guess Kooks is the way to go although I would be conpromising on the sound.

Thanks you all community for all your feedback.
Kooks & cam...no sound compromise IMO

 

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Discussion Starter · #13 ·
Well out of all videos i have seen.
But i will give kooks a try. So its final , kooks and mmx max effort. But when i am trying to orde mmx max care, there are many other options as in check boxes while I order. Not sure which one to click.
 

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I would also contact @HighHorseman HHP and see what they offer for cams. They have MANY years of modified Hemi's under their belt and one of the top shops in the country for Hemi cars.
 
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