LT1 FL HEADERS, HELP PLEASE!!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 18
From: Panhandle FL
LT1 FL HEADERS, HELP PLEASE!!
I've finnaly got the money to purchase full length headers for my 92 LT1.I would like to keep the emissions equipment in tact.No cats of course.I'm thinking about the Hooker super comps.My question is how hard are they to install.I put headers on my camaro so I know what to expect,but I've heard stories about motormounts and all kinds of crazy stuff it takes for a vette install.
If your running long tubes on your LT1 please chime in with what brand and how hard the install was.Also please let me know if your happy with the brand you chose.Thanks in advance.
:hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray:
If your running long tubes on your LT1 please chime in with what brand and how hard the install was.Also please let me know if your happy with the brand you chose.Thanks in advance.
:hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray:
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Tx
Re: LT1 FL HEADERS, HELP PLEASE!! (SPEED750)
Biggest problem in FL LT1/4 headers is the catalytic converters. If you want to keep the ability to pass an emission test, you have to reengineer the cats. Fortunately on a 6 speed, you can use dual Random Cats downstream of the header collectors and then route the pipes back to the center. Best to wrap the headers to keep in the heat for fast cat light off. Also, wrapping the cats and front exhaust pipes will save nearby components.
Second problem is O2 Sensors. You need to trial install the headers and pick a suitable location for the sensors in the header collectors, then weld the bungs (most mount the sensors horizontally to the outside) If the headers are not wrapped, you will probably need heated O2 sensors, with their wiring.
AIR and EGR plumbing is straightforward.
Minor problems are making sure the accessory brackets all bolt up properly and making sure the plug wires are routed appropriately.
Be sure to use antiseize on the header bolts and retorque them after a couple of days, and again after 2 weeks.
With a suitable cat-back exhaust system, the HP gains are worth the effort.
Not nearly as easy as on a C3, however.
Second problem is O2 Sensors. You need to trial install the headers and pick a suitable location for the sensors in the header collectors, then weld the bungs (most mount the sensors horizontally to the outside) If the headers are not wrapped, you will probably need heated O2 sensors, with their wiring.
AIR and EGR plumbing is straightforward.
Minor problems are making sure the accessory brackets all bolt up properly and making sure the plug wires are routed appropriately.
Be sure to use antiseize on the header bolts and retorque them after a couple of days, and again after 2 weeks.
With a suitable cat-back exhaust system, the HP gains are worth the effort.
Not nearly as easy as on a C3, however.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 4
From: Severna Park MD
Re: LT1 FL HEADERS, HELP PLEASE!! (SPEED750)
I just ordered a set of TPIS headers for my 94. They tell me eveything fits perfectly , Except... there's a frame brace under the passenger side I'm going to have to notch to clear the number 2 down tube. It's going to be interesting.
I also ordered Random Tech cats to go along with it, then I'm going to get a shop to bend up some 3 " custom pipe. And the AIR pipe is supposed to bolt up perfectly :rolleyes: . In the end I should have an emissions legal LT setup.
I won't get the headers for a month so the story won't really begin till then. I'm not that great mechanically, don't have a lot of tools, and my bod is showing its age. If I can do it anyone can. We will see.
I also ordered Random Tech cats to go along with it, then I'm going to get a shop to bend up some 3 " custom pipe. And the AIR pipe is supposed to bolt up perfectly :rolleyes: . In the end I should have an emissions legal LT setup.
I won't get the headers for a month so the story won't really begin till then. I'm not that great mechanically, don't have a lot of tools, and my bod is showing its age. If I can do it anyone can. We will see.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Chandler Az.
Re: LT1 FL HEADERS, HELP PLEASE!! (SPEED750)
I have Exotic Muscle L/T headers, Random Tech. 3" high Flow cats, B&B 3" cat back exhaust system and it all fits with the x-brace in place on my vert. The headers fit great ! Dyno tested to provide 18 horsepower. If you want more info call Merle or Trevor@Exotic Muscle (480)967-4222.... :D
[Modified by ziggy57, 7:32 PM 7/19/2003]
[Modified by ziggy57, 7:32 PM 7/19/2003]
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 700
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Re: LT1 FL HEADERS, HELP PLEASE!! (SPEED750)
I installed the Super Comp (coated) headers. It wasn't that bad.
Had to reverse the Motor mount bolts.
I didn't reinstall the cat's. I did swap out the Resonator with the an x-pipe.
You will not be able to re-install one of the Alt brackets.
The emmisions will fit but you'll need to be creative.
Make sure you install the o2 sensor on the collectors and cap off the single pipe o2 connector.
These headers fit great. plenty of ground clearance . I've seen other headers that hang too low towards the ground.
Hank
Had to reverse the Motor mount bolts.
I didn't reinstall the cat's. I did swap out the Resonator with the an x-pipe.
You will not be able to re-install one of the Alt brackets.
The emmisions will fit but you'll need to be creative.
Make sure you install the o2 sensor on the collectors and cap off the single pipe o2 connector.
These headers fit great. plenty of ground clearance . I've seen other headers that hang too low towards the ground.
Hank
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Lawrenceville GA
Re: LT1 FL HEADERS, HELP PLEASE!! (ziggy57)
I was looking at those on that website myself... Did you have yours ceramic coated? Just to satisfy my curiousity, what exhaust are you using to go with those headers?
I have Exotic Muscle L/T headers, Random Tech. 3" high Flow cats, B&B 3" cat back exhaust system and it all fits with the x-brace in place on my vert. The headers fit great ! Dyno tested to provide 18 horsepower. If you want more info call Merle or Trevor@Exotic Muscle (480)967-4222.... :D
[Modified by ziggy57, 7:32 PM 7/19/2003]
[Modified by ziggy57, 7:32 PM 7/19/2003]
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 4
From: Severna Park MD
Re: LT1 FL HEADERS, HELP PLEASE!! (SPEED750)
Mr UPS guy brought me the Random Tech cats today. Doggone, those things are small and light, they would be good for getting more space under any car.
The UPS guy commented on my Vette in the garage. What's with those UPS guys and Torch Red LT1s? I thought they wanted to race the big brown truck?
Who knows when I'll hear from TPIS.
[Modified by 94lt1torchred, 3:10 PM 7/25/2003]
The UPS guy commented on my Vette in the garage. What's with those UPS guys and Torch Red LT1s? I thought they wanted to race the big brown truck?
Who knows when I'll hear from TPIS.
[Modified by 94lt1torchred, 3:10 PM 7/25/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
From: Olive Branch (Memphis suburb) MS
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: LT1 FL HEADERS, HELP PLEASE!! (ziggy57)
John, since you have a 96 LT1 I'll assume it's an automatic. Any chance you could shoot me some picture of exactly how and where you have the cats located. I have the EM LTs and the B&B 3inch with Xpipe ready to install on my 92 when I put the 396 in. Man those rims look good on your vert. :steering:
