SteveDoten@ARH

I can send out bolts on Monday or come up with another solution.

I did inquire about using the oem bolts when you called or PM'd last week, looks like I was wrong regarding the '96 model year.

grandspt

Steve, never mind I ordered ARP p/n 400-1111 stainless bolts from Summit Racing.
Just to show you the stock bolt up to the header.

grandspt

An update to my header install. So the headers are bolted up to the heads, I will get some pics up later. They installed from underneath, just removed some brackets and support rods, spark plugs and wires (I will be replacing both). The headers did fit quite nicely! I have not installed the cats/crossover pipe yet.
One snag is the support rod on the back of the alternator. It does not clear the #1cylinder primary tube. I had to take 1/4" out of it and cut it in two spots. Then I rewelded the support rod back together with different angles as shown in the pics. My welding is not great but it should be plenty strong.

grandspt

Some of the parts I have purchased so far for the install: ARP 400-1111 header bolts, McMaster-Carr p/n 92320A260 18-8 stainless unthreaded spacers, 3/4" od, 1" length, 3/8" screw size 2 pieces. I machined a flat on the 2 spacers to clear the header primary tubes. I reused two of the oem studs for the oil dipstick tube, and the two air conditioner compressor support rods. This is where the spacers were used. More info will follow.

grandspt

A few pictures of my ARH headers installed. Ran into a snag, I need a right rear oxygen sensory extension. Called ARH and they said they will get it out to me.

STL94LT1

Looks nice!

grandspt

STL94LT1, thanks. Now I have to cut my oem ehaust and mount it to the rest of the ARH system. Damn exhaust weighs a lot or maybe I am getting old!
I am also going to install some Thermo Tec adhesive barrier where he ARH cats are so close to the fiberglass.

grandspt

Got some warmer temps. in New England. So I thought I would finish up my ARH 1 3/4" header install today.
Everything fit well, cut my existing exhaust to mate up with the ARH system and it fit. I had to cut my OEM exhaust real close to the factory H pipe (I was worried the factory H pipe would be in the way and not let me connect it up to the ARH system) but it all worked out well.
I installed Thermotec heat shields on my floor and also pipe shields on the Catalytic converters, got the O2 extension from ARH on the passenger side.
I will post some pictures of the heat shield install soon.
The sound from the stock mufflers while in my garage is deeper, maybe a tiny bit louder but not that much. But when you rev it up it sounds healthier. I have to figure out a way to post a sound clip.

grandspt

Here are some pictures of the heat shields:

grandspt

More pictures:

grandspt

You Tube audio clip:

CDN/AZ LT4

Grandspt, thanks for the "tutorial" and the great pics along with the sound clip. I'll be saving this thread. Also for being the pioneer for the LT4 install. I'll be putting mine up on jack stands this week to start exploring the idea of whether or not I want to go your route.

grandspt

Your welcome. I like to think that the forum is here to help all of us out.
And if you decide to bite the bullet and install the headers I will be around if you have questions.
I think the install turned out pretty good considering all the issues I had.

antonioe202

Is there any chance you could take another video of the exhuast with a few revs. Im trying to justify if I should ditch my current headers for the ARH. From the videos ive seen the ARH headers offer a completely different sound of the LT1/Lt4 motors, very unique. Thanks sorry to dig up an old thread.

grandspt

Hi antonioe202, I can try and take another video at some point I have had the system for many years now and I am happy with the setup. This setup is not loud and obnoxious, but when you put your foot down at WOT it gets louder with a real nice bark!
I personally wouldn't change headers just for sound quality unless you are having problems with your existing headers.
But if I get a chance this weekend I will try and post another sound clip while revving the engine.

antonioe202

Great , that would be very helpful! It just seems as though they completely change the tone and almost sounds like its not an lt1 , from the other videos I've seen on YouTube , there is a green lt4 c4 that is just absolutely amazing sounding. Thanks

9T3VETTE

Another video would be great. We've talked before, but I still havn't pulled the trigger on going back to factory mufflers with my ARH. But after a long trip last weekend i'm getting closer to ditching the mangnaflows (even though they sound great). Not sure I could ever justify the cost of a Corsa catback, so factory it is.

Thanks!

Edit: Another question. Did ARH supply you with an x-pipe to adapt to a 2.5" or 3" system? Since factory mufflers are 2.75", not sure which one would adapt.

antonioe202

Also if you could take a video of your setup as well that would be great , I bet your exhaust set up is closer to something that I'd like. I believe I've seen a few of your videos as well just no revs if I remember correctly.

grandspt

I won't be getting under my car any time soon to shoot a video of the setup, sorry. But I will take a shot at the back part by the mufflers with no spare tire installed you should be able to get a good view of that.

grandspt

I requested the X pipe to mate to the stock 2 3/4" pipes. That is what my LT4 has from the factory.
I guess ARH will send you whatever size you request. I had a list of questions when I called ARH before I ordered them. They were helpful but they did omit a few things on my setup.