Installing OBX Headers and Sidepipes
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 24
From: Austin TX
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 691
Likes: 25
From: Boynton Beach Florida
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 24
From: Austin TX
12 point probably work better then?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
12 pt would be my choice, I have them in a couple of problem spots, ARP has a set at summit.
These are stainless, 12pt head 5/16 wrench, 3/8 x 1". http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-400-1209/ These give better clearance for the box end wrench due to the smaller head, but they come in a set of 12. To get a set of 16, you have to go the the larger 3/8 wrench size and lose a bit of accessibility. Here is a set of steel black oxide using the 5/16 wrench http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-100-1210/.
These are stainless, 12pt head 5/16 wrench, 3/8 x 1". http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-400-1209/ These give better clearance for the box end wrench due to the smaller head, but they come in a set of 12. To get a set of 16, you have to go the the larger 3/8 wrench size and lose a bit of accessibility. Here is a set of steel black oxide using the 5/16 wrench http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-100-1210/.
Last edited by '75; Jul 23, 2012 at 08:14 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 24
From: Austin TX
12 pt would be my choice, I have them in a couple of problem spots, ARP has a set at summit.
These are stainless, 12pt head 5/16 wrench, 3/8 x 1". http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-400-1209/ These give better clearance for the box end wrench due to the smaller head, but they come in a set of 12. To get a set of 16, you have to go the the larger 3/8 wrench size and lose a bit of accessibility. Here is a set of steel black oxide using the 5/16 wrench http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-100-1210/.
These are stainless, 12pt head 5/16 wrench, 3/8 x 1". http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-400-1209/ These give better clearance for the box end wrench due to the smaller head, but they come in a set of 12. To get a set of 16, you have to go the the larger 3/8 wrench size and lose a bit of accessibility. Here is a set of steel black oxide using the 5/16 wrench http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-100-1210/.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 691
Likes: 25
From: Boynton Beach Florida
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
From: Clawson Michigan
I just recieved my OBX sidemounts, I ordered summit copper gaskets Summit Racing SUM-111406, Arp bolts ARP 400-1109 and the hooker sidepipe instal kit. I am planning to start the header install this weekend. 1980 l-48 4 sp.
It looks like its going to be a real tight fit, any idea how high the car need to be jacked?
And idea how to post pictures in these replies?
It looks like its going to be a real tight fit, any idea how high the car need to be jacked?
And idea how to post pictures in these replies?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
From: Clawson Michigan
The drivers side pipe slides over the header perfectly. On the passenger side it seems the header collector is out of round, I can almost squeeze it with my hands to insert the sidepipe. I am planning to use a 4" hose clamp positioned 3/8" from the end of the header collector to squeeze the pipe round, just enough to get the side pipe started, and I am also going to use anti seize before I slide the side pipes all the way on.
Here is the link to my photos.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/album.php?albumid=27602
Here is the link to my photos.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/album.php?albumid=27602
Last edited by Flyinace3; Aug 1, 2012 at 10:46 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 691
Likes: 25
From: Boynton Beach Florida
I had one collector that had a slight depression or out of round appearance so I straightened it with a pair of angle pliers. The driver's side on mine was more difficult to get started than the passenger side. If I remember correctly I had to start the tube on an outward and slightly downward angle rotating it in a circular manner until it would start.
2 things that you'll want to do and that will help the tube slip on easier. Use some anti-seize on either the inside tube or the outer part of the collector in a thin layer then use some Permatex Copper RTV again in a thin layer. Both of mine leaked a little the first time I tried it with anti-seize only. After you slide the tubes on and they are in position wipe of the excess that squeezes out with a rag and some mineral spirits or carb spray (watch your paint) then finish tightening down the mounting bolts for the side tubes and you'll be good to go.
2 things that you'll want to do and that will help the tube slip on easier. Use some anti-seize on either the inside tube or the outer part of the collector in a thin layer then use some Permatex Copper RTV again in a thin layer. Both of mine leaked a little the first time I tried it with anti-seize only. After you slide the tubes on and they are in position wipe of the excess that squeezes out with a rag and some mineral spirits or carb spray (watch your paint) then finish tightening down the mounting bolts for the side tubes and you'll be good to go.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 24
From: Austin TX
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 613
Likes: 11
From: EVANSVILLE Wisconsin
The drivers side pipe slides over the header perfectly. On the passenger side it seems the header collector is out of round, I can almost squeeze it with my hands to insert the sidepipe. I am planning to use a 4" hose clamp positioned 3/8" from the end of the header collector to squeeze the pipe round, just enough to get the side pipe started, and I am also going to use anti seize before I slide the side pipes all the way on.
Here is the link to my photos.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/album.php?albumid=27602
Here is the link to my photos.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/album.php?albumid=27602
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
From: Clawson Michigan
I havent worked on my car since fall. I will be resuming header install very soon and will keep this post updated on my progress
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 24
From: Austin TX
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
From: Clawson Michigan
How high did you have to lift your car to get the headers in to position? The drivers side looks really tight. I may pull my trans first to replace the drive shaft u joints, clutch and and possibly trans tail shaft. I bought hooker max flo inserts for mine. I am not sure how to hold the insert into the side pipe though. I don't want to weld it in so I was thinking about some small stainless screws on the back side of the sidepipe. Any info you can give me on this install would be greatly appreciated.
