Header Install
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
Header Install
I have the L83 and my headers came in today. Now I'm ready to install them! I got the car up in the air and ready to go. I looked it over and I can do this myself, no problem. I only have to fairly easy questions for you guys. 1) Do you recommend I use header wrap on them? By the way these are Heddman Headers, only painted not ceramic. and 2) what should I do about the o2 sensor? Right now its on the drivers side exhaust manifold and located in the vertical pipe of the manifold. What effect if any will it have if I relocated down near the chamber of the header? Or do I just get rid of it and if I do can I just jumper the lead out so my "check engine" light doesn't go on?
Thanks guys for your help once again.
Thanks guys for your help once again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 8,683
Likes: 6
From: Phoenix AZ
I do NOT recommend header wrap on any street-driven cars. They can be prone to fire because the can catch and soak oil if any drips on it. Also, they can absorb moisture and cause premature rusting if your headers don't have any coating on them.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Please may I suggest that you have your headers ceramic coated. It's a wise investment unless you enjoy replacing headers every few years. I hope Headman has improved their line of headers.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Originally Posted by qws
I could always change them out for the ceramic that wouldn't be a problem. What do you think about the o2 sensor?
I've had Headman headers in the past on other vehicles and I was never really impressed with their fit or longevity, but they were cheap. I really believe you should have your headers coated with something like JetHot's Sterling Ceramic or something similar. Better yet, look at a set of EM, Hooker or TPIS headers already coated inside and out.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
After reading some of the replies I've gotten I am going to get them coated. I already plan on welding the adapter on for the o2, but where should I put it or doesn't it really matter? I'm thinking by the chamber is going to be really the only place.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
Originally Posted by Spankyellow
Put the collecter bung down where the 4 tubes come together. Make sure its easy to access. Muffler shops should stock them if you dont have one. 
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,721
Likes: 1
From: Beautiful Down Town "SWINDLEHURST" Long Island NY
And if you please take lots of pixs-- for I to am going to partake in the quest for horsepower and nicer sounding exaust, ( sounds kind of fancy don't it?) 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
Originally Posted by RICEKILA
And if you please take lots of pixs-- for I to am going to partake in the quest for horsepower and nicer sounding exaust, ( sounds kind of fancy don't it?)
I already love the way it sounds. I have the Borla mufflers on it and I feel there's no better sound than those. Nice a deep at idle yet no over loud but when you get on it you can hear it.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,212
Likes: 10
From: Sun City West Az
As said before, keep the O2 as high in the exhaust flow as reasonable. It needs to get to appx. 600 degrees to start operation so the ECM can go closed loop. Placed to far downstream, reaching and maintaining heat becomes a problem for the O2.....hence the need for heated one(s).
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,721
Likes: 1
From: Beautiful Down Town "SWINDLEHURST" Long Island NY
I gots me Flowmaster 40's , when your done if you could post a sound clip I mite convert? 
PS-- In my younger days I used to climb on rocks up by you.
PS-- In my younger days I used to climb on rocks up by you.
Last edited by RICEKILA; Jan 28, 2006 at 07:28 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
Originally Posted by RICEKILA
I gots me Flowmaster 40's , when your done if you could post a sound clip I mite convert?
PS-- In my younger days I used to climb on rocks up by you.
PS-- In my younger days I used to climb on rocks up by you.
I do have one other question about these headers though. After the chamber where the adapters are placed to my existing exhaust do these have to be welded? Or can I just use muffler clamps?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
Originally Posted by 93cruiser
I have a 93 vert. Can you guys suggest a good coated header. It appears my LT1 has a EGR valve. Am I correct? Also, what brand of cats do you reccomend?
Thanks,
93 cruiser
Thanks,
93 cruiser
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: crystal lake IL
Originally Posted by 93cruiser
I have a 93 vert. Can you guys suggest a good coated header. It appears my LT1 has a EGR valve. Am I correct? Also, what brand of cats do you reccomend?
Thanks,
93 cruiser
Thanks,
93 cruiser
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by qws
I'd rather not block off the air pump so I am going to get everything sized up, bung located, and the air injection manifold welded on then hook em up, so it will be a few days.
RACE ON!!!
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
Am I following this thread correctly? You have returned your uncoated headers for the more costly ceramic coated headers, and now you are going to ruin that expensive coating by welding in the O2 bung and the A.I.R. tree? Are you planning to pay extra to have the headers re coated? Why not buy a set of smog compliant, coated, headers, to start with? You can't be saving any money.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
I knew I couldn't be the only one thinking that! 
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 505
Likes: 1
From: Guntersville Alabama
No, I donot live in a state requires testing. I assumed that the car would not run correctly without the cats. I believe the oringinal cats are bad because I am getting a intermittant check engine light. They are not clogged though because the car runs great and I get 21 mpg in town, rural town. The car has over 100k miles. The reason I can't say for sure is that the odometer has been tampered with. I am about to remove the water pump today. Thanks for the reply and advice on the headers.
93cruiser
93cruiser
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
Am I following this thread correctly? You have returned your uncoated headers for the more costly ceramic coated headers, and now you are going to ruin that expensive coating by welding in the O2 bung and the A.I.R. tree? Are you planning to pay extra to have the headers re coated? Why not buy a set of smog compliant, coated, headers, to start with? You can't be saving any money.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!