599 GTB, Kline Inconel vs Fabio’s header comparison.

As some of you know, I installed a set of Kline Inconel headers on my ‘07 599 a couple months ago (I do all my own work, in my regular two car garage, with no lift). They were incredibly light, the install was very straightforward and smooth, and the sound was really really great. But, I wanted to know what all the fuss was about with Fabios 6 into 1 headers. I looked into them pretty closely originally, but decided on the Klines for a several reasons, which were, -ease of installation, -heat management, -cost (I bought mine second hand), -and availability. I ran them for a couple months, and I was really impressed with the fit/finish, and their really aggressive sound (I’m running entirely catless).

However, what I really wanted, as with most, is that higher pitch F1 sound that V12’s are famous for. The Klines, by design, simply don’t offer that. So, I ordered a set of catless Fiammenghi 6 into 1’s. There was some build time, and a short shipping time, and before I knew it, I had a crate from Italy on my door step.

Fabios headers are truly works of art. The design and build quality are really great. They’re stainless steel, and are somewhat substantial in size, so as such, they’re relatively heavy - 30 lbs total for both headers and both catless downpipes.

For the install, once the stock exhaust was removed (not super easy), the Klines were very easy. The individual headers are small in size, easy to put into place, all the nuts are easy to reach and tighten, and the fitment was excellent. Lots of room everywhere. Zero issues with heat, or anything even remotely touching the headers. The 6 into 1’s were a much different story. They’re very large, and it was a challenge just getting them into place. Nothing crazy though. You don’t have to remove the engine, as was suggested by someone who had clearly never done it. The passenger header installs from the top, and the driver side installs from the bottom. The studs/nuts were more difficult to reach, and the clearances around the headers themselves are very tight. I had to modify a couple heat shields, and there are several components I wrapped with heat reflective tape/wrap to prevent any heat related issues. There are a few improvements in design that I think could be made to ease these mild issues, and I’ll be bringing these up with Fabio. With everything installed and adjusted, it all fits. No rubbing or touching, or anything that I can see that would cause a rattle.

The sound. The Klines were raw, and loud, and really had a unique aggressive sound, but didn’t wander too far from what a 599 originally sounds like. It’s a deeper tone. It’s very Enzo Ferrari. Or as someone said, it sounds a lot like the Maserati MC12. The Fiammenghi headers are quite different. It’s a higher pitch sound. Much like the GTO, as it’s the same/similar design. It really is more of the sound I’m personally looking for. It sings a bit at certain RPM. It doesn’t lose its origin though. It doesn’t sound like an F12, or a Lamborghini, or anything it’s ultimately not. On start up it sounds like a 599. At full song it sounds more like a GTO, which isn’t a far stray from what it is.

I’ll include pics and a couple videos. It’s only been two days since I finished it, so I’ll get better videos as I can (the weather currently sucks).

I don’t have much of a conclusion, other than, they’re both great options with pros and cons to each. I will be keeping the Fiammenghi headers on my car, and I’ll be selling the Klines here in a day or so, once I get some current pics of them.

Any questions or comments, please feel free to ask. I’m an open book!

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I just noticed it blocked “F i a m m e n g h i” every time I typed it. Sorry if that’s confusing to some.

I’m currently running Larini cat delete pipes, and stock mufflers with a valve switch I installed inside the car (I run with the valves open almost 100% of the time).

Fabio was really great to work with. He’s very thorough, and easy to communicate with, and yes, his work is that of an artist. It’s too bad they’re almost entirely out of sight.

 

Here are a couple quick video links of Fabios headers. I’ll make better ones once our weather clears up.

 

Yes, I had it tuned when I did the previous headers.

 

Here’s a little better video showing the sound.

 

Here’s a hard launch video to help show the sound:

 

I could do this 100 times and still not wear out the tires. Also, I don’t put a lot of miles on it, so the tires will likely age out before they wear out. After a few years they get dry and hard, and don’t perform well. I like to install a fresh set of tires every 2-3 years on my performance cars, and I’d prefer to use them up in that amount of time.

So, while you see this is a waste of tires, I see -not- doing this is a waste of tires.

 

Yes. It’s a bit raspier, with a different tone:

 

Wheels are Signature, 20x10 front, 21x12.5 rear. Tires are Michelin Cup 2’s, 285/35/20 front, 325/30/21 rear.