how long does it normally take on a LTx car? i know its not easy by anymeans. what does alldata call for in terms of hours? is there a writeup on how to do it? i have to do the fuel pump in my car next week but am already thinking about what to buy next for my car. wanting to do headers before the cam cause im wondering if i will have problems with it not being able to breath with stock manifolds. maybe i will be alright. just curious.

 

Same question I have. I want to know if you're just as well off to have a good shop do it.

 

Usually the biggest PITA is getting the stock stuff off. The cat brackets that bolt to the trans can be a bitch. If things are frozen, a torch is very handy. Putting the headers on an LT1 is really one of the easier installations I've ever done. The starter can stay on, just remove the plugs, dipstick tube and temperature sender (in the RH head) and they slip right up into place from the bottom. If your headers come with spacers for the accessory bracket supports and dipstick tube it's pretty much a bolt-in. Either buy the connectors and mini cats or have an exhaust shop do the hook-up. These things vary by automatic or manual, what exhaust you have, preferences, etc. Definitely a worthwhile mod on these cars, especially if you're planning more future ones.

 

FWIW, I got raped for...I mean, paid for 12 hrs of labor. Actually, it took longer, but the shop owner felt bad that it took so freakin long (dropped it off on a Friday morning, picked it up Tuesday noonish). Unfortunately, it was this shop's first C4 header install, so I paid for a lot of staring and head-scratching.

From what I hear, EM can knock it out at their shop in about half that time, so it's do-able - just know your shop.

 

so i need to plan for over 6 hours?

 

I would quote about 6 hours for installing a set of EM Headers. It took me about 7 hours for the first set I did. And that included running back and forth to the exhaust shop to make some connectors.

 

dude, I'm doing that install right now. What a PITA to get the stock crap out. My headers don't fit without shaving the engine mount bolts....I've spent 6 hours so far and I have about 3 left. I'm not fast, though.

 

If you are planning on doing it, don't put yourself in a time crunch situation. There is nothing worse than doing a project like this while watching the clock. Too easy to make mistakes. I'd plan on a nice weekend and have a good muffler shop lined up to do your connections. If someone else is doing it, make sure they have done it before and are familar with Vettes. If you are near any Corvette clubs, join one and see if anyone is willing to help. Make sure you have all the parts needed, ie, header gaskets, header bolts, bullet cats (if used), anti-seize, etc. Tip, while you have the old exhaust out, replace your fuel filter, easier to get at.

Note: just putting on long tube headers may reduce your low end torque, but your high end will improve. Now once you upgrade your cam and heads, now you'll see improvements.

 

lose torque? everyone that i have seen put on longtubes that dynoed it afterwords said they picked up a decent amount of hp AND TQ

 

Shaving engine mount bolts?? I never had to do that. The drivers side bolt has to be swapped so that it inserts the mount from the rear of the mount so that the nut goes on the front of the mount. This gives adequate clearance for the header tubes.

I have seen some tight clearances on the passenger side. One forum member here had that problem with a tube hitting the frame. and the K frame cross member had to be notched. It is strange that some has this problem and others don't, as far as I know its a rare issure but it does happen.

Any more these days when I have to install a set of LT headers in a LT1 car. I remove the passenger side CAT hangers, but I use my plasma cutter to remove the drivers side bracket. For real stubborn older systems, I use the plasma to just cut it all out Boy that is one great invention. Much cleaner than the old style blue tipped wrench, almost like a surgeons scalple.

Just take your time. Its a nasty job if you have never done it before. Not to mention having to do it on your back on the floor. I have lifts in my shop which gives me an unfair advantage over those having to do it at home.

 

on top of that the very last header bolt fire wall area is nightmare. That bolt there take up a lot of time and patience. Probably take 6-8 hrs from start to finish.

 

I'm in the middle of putting on my new EM long tubes on my 93. Take a can of liquid wrench and spray down all of your exhaust bolts the night before removal and it will save you some time and pain. Like others have said, don't worry about the hours give yourself a weekend and take your time. My EM's have fit like a glove so far. My only complaint is that they talked me into buying some $49 locking header bolts which when I received them they only sent me 6 bolts and none of the locking clips will fit over the bolt heads because of clearance. The package says you can shave down the clips for clearance but I'm not spending the rest of my weekend shaving down clips. Not a good purchase IMHP. The EM headers and Random tech cats look awesome though, can't wait to fire it up and wake the neighbors.

 

I agree with Strick "QUOTE Note: just putting on long tube headers may reduce your low end torque, but your high end will improve. Now once you upgrade your cam and heads, now you'll see improvements. "

Opening the exhuast usually does not help the low end, they help higher up the rev range just like ported heads, high performance cams, and BIG VALVEs

 

Glad to hear this as I'm waiting to pick up my set of EM LT Headers and I dread the thought of having to fabricate/ jury rig my Vette to fit the headers. Do you just put the Random Tech Cats on the headers and then connect to the catback?