TPIS Headers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 314
Likes: 20
From: Wareham, MA
TPIS Headers
I just bought a set of used TPIS Headers and Y pipe (great price), for my 85.
Looking at the installation instructions on the TPIS site it mentions that it is a direct fit no alterations. But reading various posts on header installations I need to replace my starter with the smaller unit.
The question is do I need to replace or can I keep it?
Also, I could not fin an ARP part number for stock bolts for the exhaust manifold, when I replace them with the headers I want new hardware as well does anyone have a part number? I saw some at Corvette Central, would that be my best options.
Thanks
Looking at the installation instructions on the TPIS site it mentions that it is a direct fit no alterations. But reading various posts on header installations I need to replace my starter with the smaller unit.
The question is do I need to replace or can I keep it?
Also, I could not fin an ARP part number for stock bolts for the exhaust manifold, when I replace them with the headers I want new hardware as well does anyone have a part number? I saw some at Corvette Central, would that be my best options.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 120
From: AZ
I will never install headers again that are not ceramic coated. Thos, especially true with most 'new' cars that are built with so much underhood plastic.
A prime reason I went with an IMI (American made) mini-starter was to get more clearance from the exhaust due to hot start problems. It was part of, not the entire, cure.
A prime reason I went with an IMI (American made) mini-starter was to get more clearance from the exhaust due to hot start problems. It was part of, not the entire, cure.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,127
Likes: 1,727
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Have to? no, i didn't on the 86 and its the same starter as 85. Its just very tight, and then prone to heat soaking, even with the ceramic coating.
I do still recommend that you change to the later starter though. After I swapped i was very happy with clearance, it fired up like a snap and had zero heat soak problems.
I do still recommend that you change to the later starter though. After I swapped i was very happy with clearance, it fired up like a snap and had zero heat soak problems.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 314
Likes: 20
From: Wareham, MA
Have to? no, i didn't on the 86 and its the same starter as 85. Its just very tight, and then prone to heat soaking, even with the ceramic coating.
I do still recommend that you change to the later starter though. After I swapped i was very happy with clearance, it fired up like a snap and had zero heat soak problems.
I do still recommend that you change to the later starter though. After I swapped i was very happy with clearance, it fired up like a snap and had zero heat soak problems.
Thanks again
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,127
Likes: 1,727
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
You can change the wire to the 88-91's wire, which is a little longer, or splice and solder the wires to the solenoid to make them extend long enough. I didn't have to do that. I have seen where others here over the years had to shim it to make it fit perfect, but I didn't have to do that either.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 7
From: Fort Ripley Minnesota
I just bought a set of used TPIS Headers and Y pipe (great price), for my 85.
Looking at the installation instructions on the TPIS site it mentions that it is a direct fit no alterations. But reading various posts on header installations I need to replace my starter with the smaller unit.
The question is do I need to replace or can I keep it?
Also, I could not fin an ARP part number for stock bolts for the exhaust manifold, when I replace them with the headers I want new hardware as well does anyone have a part number? I saw some at Corvette Central, would that be my best options.
Thanks
Looking at the installation instructions on the TPIS site it mentions that it is a direct fit no alterations. But reading various posts on header installations I need to replace my starter with the smaller unit.
The question is do I need to replace or can I keep it?
Also, I could not fin an ARP part number for stock bolts for the exhaust manifold, when I replace them with the headers I want new hardware as well does anyone have a part number? I saw some at Corvette Central, would that be my best options.
Thanks
I have them on my '90 which may have a smaller starter then the '85. The headers should bolt up to your exciting setup, they can and will run very close to the right side X-brace but, they will clear.
If you don't have an MA exhaust law... you could think about changing things after the Y-pipe.. maybe open things up just a bit.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 76
From: Santa Maria, CA
I installed TPiS headers on my 85 with the stock starter. They've been on there for 6 years now with no issues. As far as bolts go, I use the stock bolts where accessories attach. I use stainless allen bolts for all the rest. As I recall they were 3/8-16 x 2". I did wrap the starter wires and other wires that were close to the headers with heat tape.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 28
From: Montclair New Jersey
Starter
Have to? no, i didn't on the 86 and its the same starter as 85. Its just very tight, and then prone to heat soaking, even with the ceramic coating.
I do still recommend that you change to the later starter though. After I swapped i was very happy with clearance, it fired up like a snap and had zero heat soak problems.
I do still recommend that you change to the later starter though. After I swapped i was very happy with clearance, it fired up like a snap and had zero heat soak problems.
thanks
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