These are all of the headers on the market for our Cobalts.



GM Extrude Honed Manifold

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/Doc_SS/manifold/headerpics2012.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $292.66
Best Price at GM Parts Direct (http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?singlepart=1&partnumber=19131972)
Gains: 4 HP and 6ft/lbs reported by Doc
Note: Retains factory warranty

Weapon R Long Tube

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a79/NGalaxyTimmyo/weaponr_953-206-101.jpg

video: http://videos.streetfire.net/search/weapon+r+cobalt/0/5f5fd887-3af6-4e13-b424-32344741be49.htm
Best Price: $574.99
Best Price at: A&B Automotive (http://www.anbauto.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=29)
Gains: About 10-15hp
Note: Deletes Cat. 4-2-1. 2.5" collector.

Vibrant Long Tube

http://www.turbotechracing.com/productcart/pc/catalog/2537_895_detail.jpg

video: none available
Best Price: $694.98
Best Price at: http://www.turbotechracing.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=&idproduct=4923
Gains: 7-10hp
Notes:T304 Stainless Steel. 4-2-1. Cat Included

CTI 2-Peice Long Tube

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a79/NGalaxyTimmyo/CSS-Redline-header.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $700
Best Price at CTI (http://www.customtubesinc.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=10&products_id=56&osCsid=9cc14d80f1a4e4bb797d0e8968d3eed3)
Gains: 10hp
Notes: 304 Stainless steel. Cat included. 3" collector

SC Dyne Shorty Header

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a79/NGalaxyTimmyo/gen2.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $399
Best Price at SCDyne (http://www.scdyne.com/exhaust.html)
Gains: 5-7hp
Notes: Direct Bolt up. 2.5" collector. Ceramic coated inside and out.

Intense Racing Shorty Header

http://www.cobaltss.com/gallery/uploads/3602/LSJ_Header1_300.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $379.99
Best Price at http://intense-racing.com/
Gains: 10hp
Notes: Primary tubes are 1-3/4”, the collector is 3”

ZZP Ecotech Header

https://www.zzperformance.com/products_img/543_1.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $279.99
Best Price at https://www.zzperformance.com/cobalt_ion/products1.php?id=543&catid=155&PHPSESSID=fcda72c886e865f9bd33b9592f4fa141
Gains: 8-10hp
Notes: Header exits at 2.89 inches

Cobalt Addiction Stainless Steel Header

http://www.cobaltss.com/gallery/uploads/3602/CA_header4_large.jpg

video: http://media.putfile.com/Muggs
Best Price $199.99
Best Price at http://cobalt-addiction.com/performance.htm
Gains: 5-7hp
Notes: 2.25" collector, some fitment issues with 2.2l, call ahead

Pacesetter Polished Armor Coat Header 4-1 Header (Welding Required)

http://www.gravanatuning.com/prod_images/large/PAC-72C1273-SS.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $259.99
Best Price at http://www.gravanatuning.com/products/prod_details.aspx?prod_id=4732
Gains: 8-10hp
Notes: flanged 3" collector, 3-year warranty, 1-3/4" mandrel-bent

JBP Vortex T304 Stainless 4-1 Header

http://www.jbodyperformance.com/new/images/jbp_vrthdr_ctsm.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $694.32
Best Price at http://www.jbodyperformance.com/new/PartDetails.php?partId=927&catId=927&catName=JP0927
Gains: 15-20hp
Notes: 3.0" T304 Stainless Formed Collector

DC Sports Header

http://www.cobaltss.org/albums/dcheader/IMG_1694.sized.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $488.25
Best Price at http://www.dcsports.com/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=433
Gains: 5-7hp
Notes: 1 1/2 tubing and only a 2" collector

Hahn Racecraft Shorty Header

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/03ScreaminRT/IMG_0283.jpg

video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr2MQlJ0GM0
Best Price $499.99
Best Price at http://hahnracecraft.com/
Gains: 10hp
Notes: Part Number H EX-2000, 2.5" collector, 304 stainless a 16Gauge

Clear Image Shorty Header

http://www.cobaltss.com/gallery/uploads/3602/P4280042.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $395.00
Best Price at http://www.clearimageautomotive.com/Chevy%20Cobalt%20SS.htm
Gains: 5-7hp
Notes: 14 gage (.083 wall) mild steel tubing and 3/8" thick, ceramic coated

so price to hp comparison, the ZZP wins? I mght just be getting that one! thanks for the info!

so price to hp comparison, the ZZP wins? I mght just be getting that one! thanks for the info!

Anytime my friend. :D

Hey, wheres the Cobalt Addiction header! Thats what my 'Balt is rockin. Its great for the money, but I might switch out for another one later on. I just like it b/c it's collector size, and unlike SCDyne, it included all the gaskets I needed. Can't beat that. The Weapon-R header looks nice, but looks more suited for a 2.0SS/SC. I truely think that the CA header is the best one for us 2.4SS owners.

hey will that weapon R work good on a 2.2??

so price to hp comparison, the ZZP wins? I mght just be getting that one! thanks for the info!

I have the ZZP header now. I like it..!! I banged on it a few times during installs and have a few little spots where the paint came off. The collector wasn't the most beautiful either.....it works though ;)

I have the ZZP header now. I like it..!! I banged on it a few times during installs and have a few little spots where the paint came off. The collector wasn't the most beautiful either.....it works though ;)

Well, Im more in for the all go and some show. So, looks doesnt matter in that dept. I like it because of the rugged look.

so price to hp comparison, the ZZP wins? I mght just be getting that one! thanks for the info!

no the painted pacesetter wins. $179

all of these headers will put out about the same gains (including the shoddy scdyne), except for the weaponr

Oh ok, I just like the solid look of the zzp, Im not saying one is better than the other, but the zzp fits my taste!

Well, Im more in for the all go and some show. So, looks doesnt matter in that dept. I like it because of the rugged look.

sounds like you will want my tog prototype header when i post it up for $75 (been on for 32,000 miles now lol)

let me be the first to know!

I just added the Hahn header, JBP, DC Sports and Clear Image.

I will update this whenever a new header comes out. :D

I also cleared up some picture issues. I guess anything hosted on .net doesn't work here. All fixed.

no the painted pacesetter wins. $179

all of these headers will put out about the same gains (including the shoddy scdyne), except for the weaponr



so with that are you saying the weapon r will put out more or less against the others?

hey selfinfliction let me see that header, might take it off your hands, let me know.

Good thread. :)

well, after alot of research, i've decided to sell my CA header and de-cat downpipe and get the Weapon-R long tube stepped header. However, i'm not gonna make the switch until I get the JBP tri-flow cams, b/c Weapon-R says the header is best suited to a car with high lift cams and a bit more tuned engine. So when I get the new header and cams, thats when im gonna get it tuned in w/ HP Tuners software. I'll let everyone know when this "phase 2" buildup commences in case anyone is interested in my header/downpipe. They've only been on my car since November, as I bought the header the week it came out, and the downpipe along with it. And like Doc, my header got banged up and chipped some paint on the install.......but how can you NOT do that! lol.

Good thread. :)

Thank you sir. :D

I got the GMPP Honed Header... The gains werent huge (my AFR is F(*^ed) but it did lean it out at lower RPMs. I got an overall gain of 2-3 hp and ft/lbs. When i get tuned it should get better.

Hahn Header has a 2.5 inch collector.

DC Sports has a 2 inch collector.

Hahn Header has a 2.5 inch collector.

DC Sports has a 2 inch collector.

I thought on Hahn's site it said it has a 3" collector.

It's a 2.5" collector guys. :D

What size collector does the Clear Image header have? I checked out their website and couldn't come up with any info on this particular matter. I have the Cobalt Addiction header, and while its pretty nice, I feel the 2.25" collector is holding me back a little bit, and i'd really like to upgrade to a 2.5" collector. I know there isnt much difference, but that .25" could make or break the performance your looking for. I definitely don't wanna go any bigger than 2.5" however, b/c I feel anything bigger than that is overkill for the 2.4SS models. 3" collectors are nice for a SS/SC, but while the 2.4 may have higher displacement, its still not matched the same in performance, and the 3" components should be left to the boosted guys. Right now, it looks as if the Weapon-R long tube stepped header, which im still somewhat un-sure of for a 2.4, and the SCDyne, which i've heard nothing but bad about, are the only two within my criteria. For now i'll stick with my CA header, but in the long run i'd like a header with a showier (think SHINY!!) appearence and a slightly bigger collector.

I thought on Hahn's site it said it has a 3" collector.

Well I got there header and it's 2.5 :)

I know there isn't a ruler up next to if, but if you have seen a header with a 3 inch collector then you know flange is a lot narrower around the sides on a 3 inch... I am not complaining, just wanted to clear things up. Aside from some fitment issues that I fixed with a hammer it is a good header so far.

http://www.cobaltss.org/albums/techfeb07/IMG_1708.sized.jpg

^^Nice shot! Looks like a quality piece being the welds arent shitty like some ive seen!

Definitely looks like a quality peice. Over on .net it was said to be 3".

The picture looks like a 2.5 to be honest. Someone is going to have to call them.

You are probably right about 2.5"

Definitely looks like a quality peice. Over on .net it was said to be 3".

The picture looks like a 2.5 to be honest. Someone is going to have to call them.

You are probably right about 2.5"

I know it's 2.5" because I did measure it.

I know it's 2.5" because I did measure it.

OK cool, I made the update.

Nice. I originally intended on getting the Hahn header/downpipe, but after my parents offered to buy me a "we're moving two states away good luck with life" presents (lol) up to $500, the CA header and de-cat downpipe became the obvious choice. I also chose the CA header b/c it was the only header at the time that had dyno results for a 2.4. Plus, at the time Hahn's website wasn't set up to actually be able to order one, as you had to email them if you wanted one. I may eventually switch to the Hahn header for the slightly larger collector, but i'm not a fan of the Hahn downpipe, as it has a cat, and i'm all about my cat-less downpipe. :)

Congrats on a sweeeet header though.

I just ordered the JBP header and it's suppose to be here in about 3 weeks so I will post up some pics when it comes in.

On a side note I have heard that the Weapon-R has some fitment issues about hitting the firewall. I'm not 100% for sure about that so anyone interested may need to do some searching.

^^Nice shot! Looks like a quality piece being the welds arent shitty like some ive seen!

damn good piece, im very happy with it, well worth the money!!!

I just ordered the JBP header and it's suppose to be here in about 3 weeks so I will post up some pics when it comes in.

On a side note I have heard that the Weapon-R has some fitment issues about hitting the firewall. I'm not 100% for sure about that so anyone interested may need to do some searching.


I have heard the JPB header hits the firewall too.

I have heard the JPB header hits the firewall too.

I hope not, for what it cost I shouldn't have any problems. But if I do I know at least I am dealing with a respectable company.

ok so we have the weapon-R and JPB headers hitting the firewall.

what about the cobalt addiction header. anyone?

ok so we have the weapon-R and JPB headers hitting the firewall.

what about the cobalt addiction header. anyone?

um...if you want low cost I would go with zzp header.

ok, hows fitment with the zzp header?

ok, hows fitment with the zzp header?

From what Doc says, looks like a winner to me. I am definitly going to go with the zzp If I get one.

I have the Cobalt Addiction header and it works nicely.

That 2.25" collector actually helps keep some low end torque and top end is just fine.

If you're not heavily moded with a 2.7 or lower with supporting mods then you don't need a huge collector.

It's a good header for the price.

I just ordered the JBP header and it's suppose to be here in about 3 weeks so I will post up some pics when it comes in.

On a side note I have heard that the Weapon-R has some fitment issues about hitting the firewall. I'm not 100% for sure about that so anyone interested may need to do some searching.

definitely want to see what you think. i have the GM header now but it the gains it says are true.. i will go for it. + their website says that this header & their intake =31.2hp

so let me know

Thread stuck!...

These are all of the headers on the market for our Cobalts.[

[b]GM Extrude Honed Manifold

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/Doc_SS/manifold/headerpics2012.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $292.66
Best Price at GM Parts Direct (http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?singlepart=1&partnumber=19131972)
Gains: 4 HP and 6ft/lbs reported by Doc
Note: Retains factory warranty

Weapon R Long Tube

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a79/NGalaxyTimmyo/weaponr_953-206-101.jpg

video: http://videos.streetfire.net/search/weapon+r+cobalt/0/5f5fd887-3af6-4e13-b424-32344741be49.htm
Best Price: $574.99
Best Price at: A&B Automotive (http://www.anbauto.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=29)
Gains: About 10-15hp
Note: Deletes Cat. 4-2-1. 2.5" collector.

Vibrant Long Tube

http://www.turbotechracing.com/productcart/pc/catalog/2537_895_detail.jpg

video: none available
Best Price: $694.98
Best Price at: http://www.turbotechracing.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=&idproduct=4923
Gains: 7-10hp
Notes:T304 Stainless Steel. 4-2-1. Cat Included

CTI 2-Peice Long Tube

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a79/NGalaxyTimmyo/CSS-Redline-header.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $700
Best Price at CTI (http://www.customtubesinc.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=10&products_id=56&osCsid=9cc14d80f1a4e4bb797d0e8968d3eed3)
Gains: 10hp
Notes: 304 Stainless steel. Cat included. 3" collector

SC Dyne Shorty Header

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a79/NGalaxyTimmyo/gen2.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $399
Best Price at SCDyne (http://www.scdyne.com/exhaust.html)
Gains: 5-7hp
Notes: Direct Bolt up. 2.5" collector. Ceramic coated inside and out.

Intense Racing Shorty Header

http://www.cobaltss.com/gallery/uploads/3602/LSJ_Header1_300.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $379.99
Best Price at http://intense-racing.com/
Gains: 10hp
Notes: Primary tubes are 1-3/4”, the collector is 3”

ZZP Ecotech Header

https://www.zzperformance.com/products_img/543_1.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $279.99
Best Price at https://www.zzperformance.com/cobalt_ion/products1.php?id=543&catid=155&PHPSESSID=fcda72c886e865f9bd33b9592f4fa141
Gains: 8-10hp
Notes: Header exits at 2.89 inches

Cobalt Addiction Stainless Steel Header

http://www.cobaltss.com/gallery/uploads/3602/CA_header4_large.jpg

video: http://media.putfile.com/Muggs
Best Price $199.99
Best Price at http://cobalt-addiction.com/performance.htm
Gains: 5-7hp
Notes: 2.25" collector, some fitment issues with 2.2l, call ahead

Pacesetter Polished Armor Coat Header 4-1 Header (Welding Required)

http://www.gravanatuning.com/prod_images/large/PAC-72C1273-SS.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $259.99
Best Price at http://www.gravanatuning.com/products/prod_details.aspx?prod_id=4732
Gains: 8-10hp
Notes: flanged 3" collector, 3-year warranty, 1-3/4" mandrel-bent

JBP Vortex T304 Stainless 4-1 Header

http://www.jbodyperformance.com/new/images/jbp_vrthdr_ctsm.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $694.32
Best Price at http://www.jbodyperformance.com/new/PartDetails.php?partId=927&catId=927&catName=JP0927
Gains: 15-20hp
Notes: 3.0" T304 Stainless Formed Collector

DC Sports Header

http://www.cobaltss.org/albums/dcheader/IMG_1694.sized.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $488.25
Best Price at http://www.dcsports.com/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=433
Gains: 5-7hp
Notes: 1 1/2 tubing and only a 2" collector

Hahn Racecraft Shorty Header

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/03ScreaminRT/IMG_0283.jpg

video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr2MQlJ0GM0
Best Price $499.99
Best Price at http://hahnracecraft.com/
Gains: 10hp
Notes: Part Number H EX-2000, 2.5" collector, 304 stainless a 16Gauge

Clear Image Shorty Header

http://www.cobaltss.com/gallery/uploads/3602/P4280042.jpg

video: none available
Best Price $395.00
Best Price at http://www.clearimageautomotive.com/Chevy%20Cobalt%20SS.htm
Gains: 5-7hp
Notes: 14 gage (.083 wall) mild steel tubing and 3/8" thick, ceramic coated

I'm just getting started,car is a week old(last years model)your research will save me a lot of time thanks

what would the ideal collector size be for a 2.2L with bolt ons?

Way to quote the entire first post and all the pictures..

I think all the headers have some fitment issues, especially the coolant cross over pipe. Only header that will fit perfect is the GMPP header.

what would the ideal collector size be for a 2.2L with bolt ons?

I would get the DC sports header. It's a 2 inch collector which is bigger than the stock 2.2 header and it's a very nice piece. The collector on it is very nice. I ordered it for my 2.0 but returned it because it's smaller than the 2.0 header.

You could also go for a stock LSJ header because thats a bigger header than stock 2.2

http://www.cobaltss.org/gallery/dcheader

lol... ok well how bad will the fitment be? any cutting or welding? im looking for a direct bolt on, no surprise bs. i have the pacesetter but was never told that it had to be welded... thats some bs right there! anyone wants it, especially in md where we could meet. let me know.

well, anyone succesfully installed any of these and it fits good on a 2.2?????

The DC is suppose to be a direct bolt on.

now i thought about it more.....

what do you think. CA header (if it will fit) with a high flow cat downpipe.

Or

GMPP Honed??????

keep in mind all i have is a 2.2....

I recently saw a CA header first hand and the coating was peeling off and it had rust spots starting. I didn't take pics, which I should have.

I recently saw a CA header first hand and the coating was peeling off and it had rust spots starting. I didn't take pics, which I should have.

I don't have rust but the paint does come off. It's supposed to.

Underneath is stanless steel though so it's all good. It might rust a little but look at our stock manifold when it comes off.

Here is a pic of mine installed. I don't mind the peelage because it's hard to see the header anyway.

It bolted up nicely and has worked great for me. Good header for the price.

If you're building a show car I wouldn't recommend it.

http://www.cobaltss.com/gallery/uploads/3602/vbgarage.jpg

To anybody that is thinking about the JBP, I just received an email from them that the header is on backorder for another 2-3 weeks.

for anyone looking at the best bang for $$$ get a pacesetter header. there's no way you can beat them because they are a good quality machine welded piece. the only thing is that adapter that requires the dp to be modified, it's still well worth it though... $175 for a new header is a pretty good deal, since they put out identical gains to the $500 headers lol

hey i had a ? instead of buying a gmpp honed mani why not just buy a stock one and have it ported more then what they did..would it be worth it..?

awesome thread i wish someone would make on about exhast and intakes

whats about the zzp midlength

I'm running 2.9 pulley with GM Stage 2 tune. What header would work best? Keep in mind I'm probably not going to run anything more then this...maybe cams and camshaft intake manifold those kinds of things...but won't be for a long while. Want a good fit too, don't want to struggle with it.

Bump! I didn't get any love on the last post.

I'm running 2.9 pulley with GM Stage 2 tune. What header would work best? Keep in mind I'm probably not going to run anything more then this...maybe cams and camshaft intake manifold those kinds of things...but won't be for a long while. Want a good fit too, don't want to struggle with it.

How do you like the car with the stage 2 kit? Let me know that header works out when you figure out which one you're gonna get. I don't think you'll be able to get anything much better than the stock one, it looks like it has a 3 inch collector.

How do you like the car with the stage 2 kit? Let me know that header works out when you figure out which one you're gonna get. I don't think you'll be able to get anything much better than the stock one, it looks like it has a 3 inch collector.

Stage 2 kit is a blast. Car can more then hold it's own. Stock I felt like it was a fun car but needed more. My friends Mazda6 with a V6 had as much to it as my cobalt stock. So now having the Stage 2 with a 2.9 pulley is a blast. I'm going to add in the dual pass intercooler here this week with the surge tank. Then I'll look at the exhaust and header. It's going to be my daily driver so I may just go with the GM mani. We shall see.

Go with the ZZP Stainless Header/Dp combo...It's amazing!

How loud is the ZZP....how did the install go...good fit?

Not to loud right now, still stock exhaust after the header. took an hour and a half to install....very straight forward.

I wonder if that will mate up to my 2.5 Corsa Touring.

It will if you get the 3" to 2.5" exit downpipe.

Do I have to specify that in ordering? I didn't see that as an option on say CA or modernperformance.

It should have been an option, or been in the part description. If you get a 3" downpipe with a 3" exit, it will not match up with your current exhaust.

Well I call them up and see. CA responded in e-mail saying it would mate up but that makes sense to have two different type of exit sizes.

Got a prob? I bought a Pacestter header for my 2008 2.2l g5 the tubes are longer than my other one so it needs fabrication. I took it to a shop and the dude said if he cut the pipe to make it fit then i would have the check engine light on constantly i guess because the o2 sensor on the stock downpipe or whatever it is?? How can i gets this mother 'frrr installed right???http://www.modernperformance.com/gm/cobalt_ion_header2.2L.jpg

that header doesnt need fabrication

Please do explain???? cause I looked at it and the stock header is like half the the length of the pacestter, its a short stubby SOB and the it looks like the downpipe would need to be cut.

Im 95% positive that the pacesetter header will bolt directly up.

Fabrication means different meanings to each person.

It will BOLT directly to the cylinder head. However the "fab" part is sawing (cut) your stock exhaust system, just before the OEM cat converter. The downpipe connects to the stock exhaust at this point.

Nice collection. Thanks for spending the time to put this together...

mz

Oh ok, I just like the solid look of the zzp, Im not saying one is better than the other, but the zzp fits my taste!

ZZP is a PACESETTER header, just modified downpipe...

Okay I have a 2007 ss/sc and just upgraded my filter to a k&n and now im about to install the stage 2 kit. I was wondering which header to get for my specific car. I was thinking about going hahn all the way back because i do need to pass emissions still. let me know what you think. Thanks.

If you go with a catback you will be fine no tune other than you stage 2 required. If you go header and downpipe I recommend you get a custom tune.

Im 95% positive that the pacesetter header will bolt directly up.

check out the OVER THE TOP PERFORMANCE LONGTUBE header
its a little expencive but best performance and best sounding

www.o t t p erformance.com

check out the OVER THE TOP PERFORMANCE LONGTUBE header
its a little expencive but best performance and best sounding

www.o t t p erformance.com

Do we have multiple dyno pulls to backup the 'best performance' statement? Do we have any clips for the sound? I'm sure some don't want drone while others want raspy others want deep tones ect... I'm sure a custom tune is required for this one too.

Also I think we would all agree in general a long tube header has netted bigger gains for V8 Trucks and muscle cars, I hope that holds true for our little 2.0...

ok your right its personal preference but for a modified 2.0l with like a 2.7 or lower pulley tvs the equal leanth and long tube design should give it more hp as far as dyno and sound clips look on you tube or their website for that info

most other ones cylider 4 and 1 are alwas longer then 2 and 3 creating less balance

Hi, looks interesting header. Is there any discount for it?

email them the owners names are sean and josh ask them if they have a discount on that header worst thing they can say is no right worth a shot

You guys forgot 1:

http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq263/badmab86/header_3.jpg

I heard that vibrant is a good header??

Think of getting that sometime before next summer....

looking at that header it shows for a 2.0 not 2.7. i couldnt find it in there.

looking at that header it shows for a 2.0 not 2.7. i couldnt find it in there.

I have the BadMab Shorty Header and its a Qualtiy Piece and Gains are right around 10HP, Plus you can pick one up for right around $189.00 Shipped! This Header IS the Best Bang for your Buck Period.

looking at that header it shows for a 2.0 not 2.7. i couldnt find it in there.

What do you mean a 2.7?? :confused: