Kooks install review and questions
#1
Kooks install review and questions
I decided to throw on my Kooks headers and Kooks Y-Pipe which I had lying around for a few months.
The quality is excellent and I am very happy with the spacing between the headers and the k-member/frame. I was a little disapointed with the lack of space between the oil filter and driver side header. I also had to remove the oil cooler in order to fit any oil filter on.
My remaining questions for those with Kooks are simple:
1) How do you tighten the spark plugs which are second-closest to the firewall on both banks? The only thing I can think of is a offset wrench.
2) What do most do to connect the y-pipe to the cat-back. I am assuming you have to bring to an exhaust shop to weld it together.
I still have to put the starter back in and add some coolant since I removed the oil cooler. Thanks for any input.
The quality is excellent and I am very happy with the spacing between the headers and the k-member/frame. I was a little disapointed with the lack of space between the oil filter and driver side header. I also had to remove the oil cooler in order to fit any oil filter on.
My remaining questions for those with Kooks are simple:
1) How do you tighten the spark plugs which are second-closest to the firewall on both banks? The only thing I can think of is a offset wrench.
2) What do most do to connect the y-pipe to the cat-back. I am assuming you have to bring to an exhaust shop to weld it together.
I still have to put the starter back in and add some coolant since I removed the oil cooler. Thanks for any input.
#2
I run Kooks 1-3/4" stepped to 1-7/8" with a 3" collector...I could not find any oil filter small enough so I installed a oil relocation kit. $50 and I have to run a Ford part now...
Then the starter was an issue....I bought the smallest starter at my local speed store (Summit Racing) and it barely fits. $240
Then I had an issue of keeping my sparkplug wires off my nice headers...so I bought some 3000 degree sparkplug sheaths...$60 and sore fingers
And you know those monster ports that came with your Kook's...those ports are smaller than my ports so gaskets are becoming a PITA to me.
Also, with my Canton oil pan the low oil sensor went bye bye.....
You could just run some band clamps...
Then the starter was an issue....I bought the smallest starter at my local speed store (Summit Racing) and it barely fits. $240
Then I had an issue of keeping my sparkplug wires off my nice headers...so I bought some 3000 degree sparkplug sheaths...$60 and sore fingers
And you know those monster ports that came with your Kook's...those ports are smaller than my ports so gaskets are becoming a PITA to me.
Also, with my Canton oil pan the low oil sensor went bye bye.....
You could just run some band clamps...
#3
1) How do you tighten the spark plugs which are second-closest to the firewall on both banks? The only thing I can think of is a offset wrench.
#5
#6 is pretty tough to get to, the 5/8" spark plug socket I have won't fit over the plug with the header in the way, so I took a 5/8" socket, drill the end out so the spark plug would fit thru it, then welded a handle onto it at about 110* angle, worked like a champ and I don't have to remove the starter either to get to it.
#6
I ve connect my kooks to my magnaflow cat back with a butt joint band clamp.All the i need to do was cutting off 3 inch on the cat back pipe and that was it.
All the plug can be taking out with a standard plug socket and a ratchet or an open wrench except the number 6(3rd one on pass side).The normal socket would not fit.I think i need the short slp modified socket and an open wrench.
Has far has the filter im using the stocker(pf454 i think)i can reach it easily with my hand to unscrew it and all i need to do to make it pass between the pan and the headers is a small pry bar.
No starter issue.
All the plug can be taking out with a standard plug socket and a ratchet or an open wrench except the number 6(3rd one on pass side).The normal socket would not fit.I think i need the short slp modified socket and an open wrench.
Has far has the filter im using the stocker(pf454 i think)i can reach it easily with my hand to unscrew it and all i need to do to make it pass between the pan and the headers is a small pry bar.
No starter issue.
#7
I have Kooks and really like them. I use the short oil filter and it isn't any problem to install, or remove. I have a Moroso LT oil pan on my new engine and the combination of the pan and headers (both items) makes the starter difficult. Number 6 plug is not easy.
I'm sure you will like your Kooks once you get them installed.
WD
I'm sure you will like your Kooks once you get them installed.
WD
#8
I have the Magnaflow catback and the i-pipe is slightly over 3 inches which allowed it to slip right over my y-pipe so I could connect it with a band clamp. Not sure what catback you are using though.
#9
I have an SLP 2otl exhaust. There is probably an 1/8" gap around the kooks y-pipe. Will a band clamp still work? Also, where can you find band clamps?
I am a little worried about the starter as it did look tight. I will try to install tonight.
#10
Unfortunately, I cannot get a spark plug socket or any socket on #5 or #6. There is simply not enough room. I may go looking for an offset wrench today and hopefully that will solve the issue.
I have an SLP 2otl exhaust. There is probably an 1/8" gap around the kooks y-pipe. Will a band clamp still work? Also, where can you find band clamps?
I am a little worried about the starter as it did look tight. I will try to install tonight.
I have an SLP 2otl exhaust. There is probably an 1/8" gap around the kooks y-pipe. Will a band clamp still work? Also, where can you find band clamps?
I am a little worried about the starter as it did look tight. I will try to install tonight.
#12
That is probably the route I would go, especially if you have to disassemble it in the future, it will be that much easier to remove three bolts then to have to grind off a weld.
#14
Nice set-up. It looks like you relocated the oil filter. I was able to remove the oil cooler and I believe I have enough room now.
I am still hoping to find a wrench to get on to #5 and #6 spark plugs.
I am still hoping to find a wrench to get on to #5 and #6 spark plugs.
#15
I use the short oil filter and stock starter with no issues. Before I installed the y-pipe, I took it to a muffler shop and had then re-size it to fit over my SLP catback pipe and then used one of the band clamps to connect it. To change the plugs, I use a craftsman 5/8' offset box wrench. You can get them all with this one wrench.