Finster07

Hopefully I posted this in the C-6 section this time instead of the C-5, sorry for the mistake. I have a 2007 m6 with corsa sports, xpipe, and vararam which I installed myself. A header install has me a bit nervous. Since a dealer said the warranty is not an issue, I am sure I will go ahead with the install. A local tuner said they would install American Racing headers, xpipe, high flow cats , dyno and tune for $3250 (plus tax I assume.) That being said I want to attempt the install myself. I realize I will still need a dyno/tune.

How difficult is it? Suggestions on brand headers for a non-racing daily driver. I know I've seen LG, Kooks, and American Racing listed here. Ease of install, reasonable price, and all parts included are high on my list.
thanks again

Cory@LS2PortWorks

All of those makers have very nice install kits. Just pick your favorite.

You will need to get the car fairly high up. Expect to be using jackstands and block to get it high enough. It will be a little bit tricky to get it up there. Naturally a lift is the best to use... but hard to come by for the typical home garage.

burtonbl103

Easy to do

just take your time


I did mine on jackstands
took 8 hrs

kooks 1 7/8

opus1111

Agree, tho I used a lift at my Air Force base hobby shop. 4 hours w/ help from a friend who had done it before on Camaros. C6s are simple header installs. You don't even have to take the spark plugs out. Be careful tightening the header bolts, though! (aluminum block...)

haljensen

Can be done by one but much easier and faster with 2 and a lift. Check the Dynotech Supermaxx, excellent quality, good instructions and all bolts, gaskets, clamps, etc. included. all you need are tools and antiseize.

Wayne O

My LGM long tubes went on farily easily with 2 people and a lift...no fitment issues.

A suggestion...if your Chevy dealer assured you headers would not void any aspect of your warranty...I'd have the dealership install them with a notation on the service invoice that the warranty remains in full force and effect. It would be worth a few hundred dollars to have that in writing.

You might enjoy doing it yourself (and saving a few bucks on the install) but say something blows in the future and the service manager or GM then says 'no way' on the warranty repair....it might be worth having them do the install in the first place and guaranty the warranty in writing.

A verbal 'oky-doky' isn't worth the paper it's written on...

Finster07

Yep, I thought of that so I asked the dealer how much for labor. He quoted me $950. But, if that ensures the warranty, it is probably worth it. Not to mention I don't have two people and a lift.

SteveC6R

Sounds about double the going rate for the install. You might go with your first option.

glennhl

I put on my LG Pro Long Tubes by myself in my garage on jack stands. Easiest header install of all time except for routing the rear O2 extensions. By the way, I've been running these headers for over a year without a tune and the car runs great! I picked up 26 rwhp and 39 rwtq.

A tune is nice, but not an absolute necessity.

Gman57

If I'm not mistaken Kooks will fit up the best with your Corsa's.

timd38

If your 25, "why not do it myself", if you are 35, "not a bad job", if you are 45, "why am I doing this myself" and if you 55, "how much is installation".

Finster07

Isn't that the truth. That puts me between installing these myself and finding the extra cash to have someone else ask themselves why they are installing my headers for a living.

burtonbl103

That is the best analogy yet !!!!!

Byrdguy

Not necessary, but the car will run even better with one.

IC6

i did my ARH myself... jackstands and a buddy got it done in 4-5hrs. o2's and lining everything up perfect suck, thats about all.

Gene Gorman

I'm 59 and did it myself with the help of a friend. I wouldn't think of having someone do it if I can do it myself. I have a 4 post lift and we put Dynatech headers,high flow cats and a BB Route 66 exhaust on. It took us about 8 hrs. Just because you get older and have the means to pay someone to do something doesn't mean you can't still enjoy doing it yourself. An old saying is "If you didn't build yourself it is it realy yours."

The Clevite Kid

I'm 60, and I agree with Gene. "It ain't what you bought, it's what you built."

AlexSafarian

Do it yourself, maybe with a friend. Does not take too long. My friend and I did mine at his shop in about 3 hours.

jschindler

I'm not saying a dealer won't do it, and I'm sure some have - but honestly, they are pretty stupid if they do. First of all, it's illegal to put headers on at a dealer on a newer car. It is a federal violation to tamper with anything that effects emissions - the cats they have to put on with headers are not replacement cats - a very clear violation of federal law.

Secondly, the dealer is not who your warranty is with - it's with GM. You could hold that one dealer to his word, but you would not neccessarily have a factory warranty anymore.

Craigster05

Take a look here:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1824610