Somebody brought up the topic of exhaust prices maybe a couple weeks ago. And I gotta say, I been watching and prices for exhaust components have been dropping dramatically. I'm seeing long tube headers made of T-304 stainless going for less than $300. Of course they are no-name brand companies. But the one company has headers that look exactly like Kooks. And another has a set that looks exactly like ARH. OBX, Pypes, Pacesetter, and BBK prices are all very low comparatively. OBX had a set of LTs with high flow cats and extensions for around $500. So what gives? What do you guys honestly think about these companies and prices? I mean, even if you have some issues with fitment you're still saving a significant amount of money.
I think I'm gonna try a pair and report back. I always been one to give a company a chance if they make a similar product for less money. I think it's worth a shot...
I've read that the people that have the OBX/Kooks knock-offs have had no problems with fitment, and you save a bunch of $$. They're made in China as opposed to made here. Same goes for the AR knock-offs. Don't know the difference in Chinese stainless vs. US stainless. I've seen the OBX ones and they look exactly like my Kooks headers. When I got mine, 2yrs ago there were no knock-offs on the market, but I got a super deal on my Kooks. No experience with the other brands you mentioned.
The only thing I would say, whatever brand you get, is either reuse or buy new OEM metal exhaust gasket kit, only about $35 from the dealer, and you won't have any sealing/exhaust leaks.
I've read that the people that have the OBX/Kooks knock-offs have had no problems with fitment, and you save a bunch of $$. They're made in China as opposed to made here. Same goes for the AR knock-offs. Don't know the difference in Chinese stainless vs. US stainless. I've seen the OBX ones and they look exactly like my Kooks headers. When I got mine, 2yrs ago there were no knock-offs on the market, but I got a super deal on my Kooks. No experience with the other brands you mentioned.
The only thing I would say, whatever brand you get, is either reuse or buy new OEM metal exhaust gasket kit, only about $35 from the dealer, and you won't have any sealing/exhaust leaks.
It always comes down to the gaskets. I mean, these companies, even the higher quality companies, can make the most awesome headers...but they can never make a quality gasket. And the factory makes the most lousy exhaust manifolds, but they have the most awesome gaskets. Haha, go figure. But yea, you catch my drift. The knock offs look really good. I think they are worth a shot.
I'd stay away from the knockoffs. A company spends $$$ on R&D to provide a good product. Another company spends next to nothing copying that product, and reaps the benefit of the original company's hard work.
That ain't right!
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I'd stay away from the knockoffs. A company spends $$$ on R&D to provide a good product. Another company spends next to nothing copying that product, and reaps the benefit of the original company's hard work.
That ain't right!
I have the suspicion that some of the knock-off companies are actually owned by the name-brand companies. How else could they make products that look exactly like a different company's product without copyright infringement or some other legal ramifications? What do you think?
But otherwise you are absolutely correct. It's a shame if they are simply getting money from someone else's hard work. But then again, I don't really care to spend $1,000 on a set of headers if I can get a similar product for 60% less. It's more of an ethical vs economical thing. We all want the best value for our hard earned dollars while at the same time not ripping someone else off of their hard work. Glad you brought that up...
I have the suspension that some of the knock-off companies are actually owned by the name-brand companies. How else could they make products that look exactly like a different company's product without copyright infringement or some other legal ramifications? What do you think?
Simple, buy ONE and copy copy copy. PRC does it all the time. The profits far outweigh any fines that probably won't get levied anyhow.
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*I don't tolerate fools.* Proud member of the Forever BANNED from C5 Club! A badge of Honor! Ordered from Faulkner Chevy #NKCF02 1100 5/8/9 2000, 3300 7/16/9 TPW 7/20,GOT MY (low) VIN! 4000 7/24/9 ,Picked up 8/7/9!!! Litho #45 Car signed by FBodfather 2011. Service: Jennings Chevy in PA. Pro Patria Vigilans. It's not "drifting"... it's a POWER SLIDE! MOTM/COTM Sept 2012 Psalm 109:8
I have the suspicion that some of the knock-off companies are actually owned by the name-brand companies. How else could they make products that look exactly like a different company's product without copyright infringement or some other legal ramifications? What do you think?
But otherwise you are absolutely correct. It's a shame if they are simply getting money from someone else's hard work. But then again, I don't really care to spend $1,000 on a set of headers if I can get a similar product for 60% less. It's more of an ethical vs economical thing. We all want the best value for our hard earned dollars while at the same time not ripping someone else off of their hard work. Glad you brought that up...
Yep, the name brand company gets the brand loyal customers, and the "knock-off" division of the same company brings in the price conscious customers. If someone is going to benefit from knock-off sales, why not your own company?
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I found $80 in my jeans pocket. The kid in me said "buy nerf guns and candy!" But then the adult in me said "buy vodka, nerf guns and candy!"
Yep, the name brand company gets the brand loyal customers, and the "knock-off" division of the same company brings in the price conscious customers. If someone is going to benefit from knock-off sales, why not your own company?
I think it's good business to do that. It increases their customer base. And the "brand loyal" customers are none the wiser.
Psalm 109:8
