boonie c4

I just purchased a set of 08 Z06 exhaust manifolds to replace 08 LS3 " automatic trans C6" exhaust manifolds I'D like to know are there any installation tips available from you forum members along with what other additional parts must I buy to complete this swap? Also will my having a automatic complicate the installation?
thanks boonie

schpenxel

What all did you get? Just the manifolds or the manifolds + cats + H pipe? Original axleback or Z06 axleback?

You at least need the manifolds + cats + H pipe IMO, otherwise you're in for a mess

Factory LS3 stuff is 2.5", Z06 stuff is 3". They won't connect together unless you have an exhaust shop do some custom stuff (which is fine..). You can have them connect the 3" H pipe to the factory 2.5" axleback.

Installation wise they aren't bad to install. There's a bolt or two that can be a PITA to get to but not too bad. It's easier if you unbolt the engine mounts from underneath (it's just 2 nuts, easy to go to) and raise the engine as much as you can (it will hit firewall and stop, don't go any further). That extra space helps quite a bit. I just use a floor jack with a piece of wood between the jack and oil pan and raise it up that way.

HOXXOH

One thing I learned after my first of several installs, was to remove 3 of the studs from each manifold that are partially obscured. The remaining stud in full view will align the down pipe, which makes it easy to install bolts in the other locations.

Boomer111

I might add to be sure if you are using 2 1/2 in. axle over pipe mated up to the Z06 mid pipe at 3 inches that you engage the clamp system. I had mine welded and it cost me later when removing.

In the least you will need the Z06 manifolds and down pipe and the mid pipe all at 3 inches. Stepping down to the 2 1/2 in. axle pipe will not hurt the flow because the gases have cooled down by this point.

schpenxel

The 3" setups step down to 2.5" when connecting to the mufflers anyways, but doesn't really seem to matter much at that point like you mentioned

Mike's LS3

Don't forget the exhaust gaskets and 02 extensions (2) which will make connecting to the 02 sensors easy.

Dcasole

Mike do you need extensions for a zo6 manifold install?
Dave

HOXXOH

Is it the front or rear where you need extensions?

IIRC You can strip back the tape enough on the LS3 wiring harness to get to the front O2 sensors and bypass extensions. Retape the exposed wires to appear as stock. My rear sensors were tuned out, so I don't remember if they need extensions.

schpenxel

Same here

Mike's LS3

I had Abel Chevrolet install a full Z06 exhaust. To install Z06 exhaust manifolds you need the cat down pipes and mid pipe. Then have a muffler shop customize the mid pipe to fit the axle back. Or, since I have a manual, I did a full Z06 exhaust which was a complete bolt on swap.

If I remember correctly, the two 02 extensions were for the front 02 sensors. The service tech preferred to use extensions rather than unraveling the wires and re-taping.

xBoostx

Take out the ls3 exhaust and replace with ls7 is that simple best to do is go 3 inch all the way back, by the way best 3 inch axle back muffler system is the Corsa Sport as the ls7 though are good have a turn down at muffler entry =flow restriction.

Use 3 tons jack stands all the way up and don't forget safety first and never trust any floor jack.

Before you start don't forget to disconnect the battery.

madmatt9471

Front is where you need the extensions - they are fairly inexpensive and pug-n-play

I got a set off of Ebay from a Chevy dealer with free ship -

It is because the LS3 manifolds have the O2 harness come down by the middle of the coil packs and land in the middle of the exhaust manifols and the Z06 exhaust 02's are a bit more down stream and on the back side of collector -

Thanks,Matt

Lateforwork

Exactly, you will need to extend the front.

http://www.southerncarparts.com/corv...on-p-4165.html

Something like that. I got 2 for $17.

SteveDoten

Great thread, the best way to gain 10-20hp for $2-600.

The big plus is this will still allow passing inspection.

ptroxx

Abel also did my set up. Mine is an auto though. Had to bring to my muffler shop to have them finish the install. Spread the hpipe. Made a few extra brackets to hold it apart. They also did the muffler mod for me.

5 hours at 50 an hour. Not to bad. Paid 285 for my exhaust set up already had mufflers.

Mike's LS3

Fortunately I did not need to do the muffler mod. I was able to find 2011 Z06 mufflers which is when GM changed to a solid bypass pipe like the ZR1 and NPP.

nick14003

pretty sure these cars come stock with headers

Mike's LS3

The LS7/LS9 exhaust manifolds are very similar to shorty headers, four individual short pipes to a collector. The LS2/LS3 exhaust manifolds share piping before the collector. Long tube headers have four individual pipes extending further downstream to a collector. Long tube headers are not stock in corvettes. Long tube headers are illegal in some states becuase it relocates the catalytic converter further away from the oem exhaust manifold.

In the 60's, long tube headers were a dealer installed option on some performance vehicles.

96GS#007

Everything required to install a Z06 / ZR-1 exhaust from the manifolds to the mufflers is here

For an automatic equipped car you will need to do some massaging to get the passenger side over-axle pipe to clear the transmission. Any competent shop can do that quickly and cheaply.

boonie c4

THANK you very much your input was invaluable.