Headers how hard to install?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,713
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From: Littleton CO
Headers how hard to install?
I was just wondering how hard it is to replace the headers? Do you have to be gumby to get at all the bolts or is it pretty straight forward? Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: NE OH
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Originally Posted by sweetcharity
I did mine alone with my car on jackstands and Rhino ramps. Not too tough, but some mechanical aptitude is pre-requisite I would think.
Used these two how-to's, very effective:
http://www.cajundude.com/longtubes.htm
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=29
Worst bolt is last one on drivers side exhaust manifold, closest to firewall. It sux. All others easy.
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Doesn't sound all that bad - been wondering if I could do it myself too. Shops around here want around $400 to install headers/x-pipe/cats.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
It's a can do. I've installed 3 sets in my garage. I'd give it a 5 on a scale of 1-10
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 2001
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Originally Posted by sweetcharity
I did mine alone with my car on jackstands and Rhino ramps. Not too tough, but some mechanical aptitude is pre-requisite I would think.
you should be somewhat mechanically inclined. The job itself is not hard to do though.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: clackamas oregon
did mine myself. well... my 18 yr old helped alot. took some time and had to go to several places to find the correct size and strengh bolts for the collector flanges. the stk ones are a wierd design and do not work for headers. i think that is the only reason it was a all day event. would have taken around 4 hrs including the hr it took to do the spark plug wires after the install. well worth the time spent on the car. both the sound and the fun and satisfaction of working on the car myself. the mechanics at work could not believe i did it myself. i did have a p0410 code drive me nuts for quite a while afterwards. it is a code for the air pump unit. after numerous attempts to correct it. it finally has decided to take a break from tripping the check engine light.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 270
Likes: 1
From: Springfield OH
I installed my headers with the vette on jackstands. Read through the directions a couple times and make sure you have all the tools you need. And if you don't have the tools, buy them and you'll be prepared for future mods. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,997
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From: Life is a game/Golf is serious. IA
Originally Posted by BudgetPlan1
Used these two how-to's, very effective:
http://www.cajundude.com/longtubes.htm
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=29
Worst bolt is last one on drivers side exhaust manifold, closest to firewall. It sux. All others easy.
I shouldn't have read this. Now I want to do it!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 3
From: Simi Valley CA
I did the dynatechs last week and it was very easy. Like said, the last bolt on the drivers side is a pain pita. Other than that, it was easy. Just make sure you have the right tools. I recomend the Dynatechs, because they come with every nut, bolt, and gasket you need for the install. Good luck
Scientific Negotiator
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,721
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From: USA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'10, '14
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Doesn't sound all that bad - been wondering if I could do it myself too. Shops around here want around $400 to install headers/x-pipe/cats.
(I installed them on mine in a few hours, and I am the dumbest SOB here)....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,261
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From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
I've read a few posts where people break the QD on the clutch line, that would make for an expensive install or at least labor intensive
A lift will chop the time involved in less than half
A lift will chop the time involved in less than half
Race Director
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Originally Posted by devnull
Based off of the posts of yours I have read in the past, I know you can do this...
Originally Posted by devnull
(I installed them on mine in a few hours, and I am the dumbest SOB here)....
again 
(no can defend) 
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 611
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From: Benvenidos!!
This post makes me want headers more, and while not everyone who owns a Vette has alot of money, I would just as soon pay a shop or someone I know to do it with the thinking that if can afford to own a vette you can afford to have things installed. It also depends on how much your time is worth. And then there are those who rather work on their car because that is their hobby and they are mechanically inclined. Just my thoughts on the subject. Headers and intake are obviously a must if you are into performance. Thanks a million for the quality of instruction!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,420
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From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
Originally Posted by devnull
Based off of the posts of yours I have read in the past, I know you can do this...
(I installed them on mine in a few hours, and I am the dumbest SOB here)....
(I installed them on mine in a few hours, and I am the dumbest SOB here)....
