Let's face it: Unless you oversee an international opium-smuggling ring or work for Goldman Sachs, chances are that the portion of your discretionary spending once devoted to Corvette modifications has lately been redirected to satisfy other, more pressing needs. Like food.
BBK's new C6 long-tube headers...
BBK's new C6 long-tube headers are built from 304 stainless steel, feature 1 3/4-inch primaries, and fit both the '05-'07 LS2 and '08-'09 LS3 models. The company also offers a choice of matching mid/X crossover pipes (in both catted and off-road forms), as well as full-length 1 7/8-inch headers for the LS7 Z06.
Fortunately for those of us who don't possess uranium-plated Am Ex cards, the past year has also witnessed the release of several power-boosting upgrades conceived and developed with an eye toward affordability. Among those items are the BBK Performance C6 long tube headers and X crossover pipe, which join the company's existing C5 offerings to form a thoroughgoing lineup of reasonably priced speed gear for late-model Vettes.
If you're following along...
If you're following along at home, begin the job by disconnecting the positive battery terminal.
Having recently opened a sprawling, new East Coast base of operations in nearby Deland, Florida, the BBK crew was keen to highlight its latest Corvette offerings for us with an install-and-dyno session. Cast in the role of test subject was a mechanically stock LS3 convertible, making it an ideal platform for gauging the output-enhancing properties of the new exhaust gear. The following is an overview of the job, along with the results of our post-install dyno test.
 Remove the coil covers, then...  Remove the coil covers, then disconnect the O2-sensor wiring at the coil brackets. |  |  Next to go are the spark-plug...  Next to go are the spark-plug wires, followed by the plugs themselves. |
 Unbolt and remove the oil...  Unbolt and remove the oil dipstick and tube. |  |  Raise the car, then unbolt...  Raise the car, then unbolt and remove the stock X crossover pipe. Do the same for the catalytic converters and integral mid-pipes. |