[Z06] Header install
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Header install
Generally, how long does it take to install a set of headers on a c5z? I'm wondering how much it would roughly cost if I brought it to a shop to have them installed. What have you guys paid for your installs?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,405
Likes: 353
From: New Castle Del.
St. Jude Donor '09
We charge 450 for ARH Headers. 500 for other brands.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 27
From: Torrance Calif
The gaskets will cost you around $30.00 and good hardware (ARP) another $100.00.
It takes an afternoon and maybe a little longer if you have lunch and dinner.
DUCK SOUP, but you do need to jack up the car.
It takes an afternoon and maybe a little longer if you have lunch and dinner.
DUCK SOUP, but you do need to jack up the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Some jackstands and a jack plus a bunch of hand tools. I realize not every one can do this stuff but this isn't that difficult a job if you take your time and are careful. Plan a weekend if you've never done this stuff before. It took me a weekend to do my LG's but I had several things I wanted to do all at once, aside from the headers, too. You'll also have a bonding experience with your car and know more about it. There are some good threads here on the forum with pictures to guide you. I think Cajundude posted good instructions with pics. Good luck if you try it.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 5
From: Mechanicsville VA
St. Jude Donor '08
The hardest part of the install, for me, was the removal of the exhaust manifolds along with the plugs and getting everything loose without breaking anything. Once this was done the rest went just fine.
Gene
Gene
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 21
From: Orlando Florida
Since the plugs and wires have to be removed, I'm changing them out. I figure the extra money is well spent since the work has to be done anyway. I've got about 52k on the car and assume that it's the factory plugs and wires.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 16
From: Anchorage Alaska
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
My bro and I installed LG long tubes on my car last month. It took a weekend; about 5 hours the first day and maybe 2 hours the second day. We did this on jackstands, no lift... wasn't TOO hard. As far as why it took as long as it did:
1) We had never done headers before;
2) We had fitment issues (some pipe ends were oblong and didn't want to sleeve over the next pipe properly... some time with a C-clamp massaged the problem ends back to round)
3) We spent a lot of time going back and forth between the car and a laptop with Cajundude's instructions.
4) Time included installing a new tunnel plate also.
All in all... it was a fun experience and I feel like I know my car just a bit better now! Just gotta be patient but it does go together.
1) We had never done headers before;
2) We had fitment issues (some pipe ends were oblong and didn't want to sleeve over the next pipe properly... some time with a C-clamp massaged the problem ends back to round)
3) We spent a lot of time going back and forth between the car and a laptop with Cajundude's instructions.
4) Time included installing a new tunnel plate also.
All in all... it was a fun experience and I feel like I know my car just a bit better now! Just gotta be patient but it does go together.
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 27
From: Torrance Calif
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 21
From: Orlando Florida
$100 for a set of bolts...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 25
From: Blue Ridge Georgia
I've used every type of header bolts and this is what I use now and will use in the future.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Percy%26%23039...21001/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Percy%26%23039...21001/10002/-1
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 21
From: Orlando Florida
I've used every type of header bolts and this is what I use now and will use in the future.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Percy%26%23039...21001/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Percy%26%23039...21001/10002/-1
I'll have to check out what other bolt applications they have.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,551
Likes: 934
From: Communist Colorado
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,272
Likes: 225
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
about 1.5 hours w/ 2 people at the Carlisle event, we had 2 lifts last year
www.americanracingheaders.com
the stock header bolts will work fine, complete waste of money on anything else
if you have questions post or pm, I've done a few sets
www.americanracingheaders.com
the stock header bolts will work fine, complete waste of money on anything else
if you have questions post or pm, I've done a few sets
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,674
Likes: 57
From: Mt Pleasant, TN
Stock bolts and stock GM LS2 header gaskets
The time it takes also depends on the headers being installed, for example and set of 1-7/8" headers are much more of a PITA than standard 1-3/4", a set of the older Kooks takes a little more effort than there newer sets due to some of the bends, etc... Most of the newer stuff goes in pretty easy for the most part though.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Hey guys question on headers.. Some headers don't have o2 bungs correct? If i install headers on with no cats and use all o2 simulators, will i have any type of issues with the way the car will run? Also will my car throw any codes due to this? Thanks!
Edit: If i get a tune the outcome would be the same correct - if i plugged my car into the computer to get it inspected would it pass?
Edit: If i get a tune the outcome would be the same correct - if i plugged my car into the computer to get it inspected would it pass?
Last edited by Z0Slow6; Mar 4, 2010 at 09:51 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 94
From: Warwick Rhode Island
Just a update, put on obx longtubes no cats, sounds amazing with the borla s type 2s. The sound is a lot differant and much more muscle car sounding. Put the headers on in my apartment parking lot, got the car 15 inches off the ground by using 6 2x12x16 under each tire. Fit was good no major issues with the install. Did take 8 hours with the help of a friend/coworker. We are both Toolmakers and mechanics, not used to working on cars but we build and repair machines daily so not that much of a stretch. THE ONE THING I WILL STRESS IS KEEP THE SLAVE CYLINDER HOSE FOR THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH AWAY FROM THE HEADERS. I MELTED THE HOSE DRIVING THE NEXT DAY AND SPENT 1600 TO GET IT FIXED AT PAUL MASSE CHEVY. The mechanic told me had I moved the hose a 1/4 inch away from the header I would have been fine. Live and learn I guess. 
Pro
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 692
Likes: 13
From: Lithia Springs Georgia
I'm having American Racing headers w/ x pipe installed and car dynotuned at Vengeance. Total out the door with tax and everything right at $3000. But figure they charge $590 for the tune, and the American system is $1800, so ~$600 for labor, supplies, and tax for the install by one of the best shops in the southeast.
