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Old Jul 14, 2015 | 03:32 PM
  #1  
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Default Texas speed headers

Any of you guys put the Texas speed headers on your c5 zo6 if so any problems with them. Thanks
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Old Jul 14, 2015 | 03:44 PM
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I did, and yes unfortunately.
As received the flanges were warped far beyond use. From the edge of one port to the end of the flange right next to it there was a wow of around .080" (0.080" in 2" of flange). I work in a steel shop, so had them mill the flanges, TSP reimbursed me for this.
Install was fairly decent, the PS from top nothing to remove except the valve cover. The DS from the bottom, had to remove the alternator (to get the stock manifolds out only I think) and a bolt at the rear of the engine. I think that was it. The car had to be about 26-28" off the floor...
Once installed one collector sits about an inch lower than the other pointing up, the other pointing down. I made my own mid-pipe so unsure if this would affect the mid-pipe from them, but I do know another poster here recently mentioned the same and did have an issue with the mid-pipe.
My header pipes, although I have never bottomed out on them, hang lower than I anticipated/wished they would. I've thought about lowering my Z on the factory bolts, but with the pipes that low, unlikely it's possible.
From an appearance POV they look nice. Honestly though, I don't really care what they look like, not a pretty engine compartment guy. Just wish they would have fit better.
For $500 (about $1000 CAD by the time all was said and done) I guess I can't complain too much. Or can I?
P.S. I have an appointment tomorrow to get a leak fixed. In the headers itself or the mid-pipe? Unsure at this point. I just know it's down in the collector area, and don't have the equipment to weld up any leaks myself.

Last edited by grantv; Jul 14, 2015 at 03:53 PM.
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Old Jul 14, 2015 | 04:03 PM
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Thanks for the feed back. That's just what I was looking for
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Old Jul 14, 2015 | 10:00 PM
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I just ordered a set and they arrive tomorrow. I plan on putting them on ASAP. I have the car all ready to install.
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Old Jul 14, 2015 | 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted by FutureOWNR
I just ordered a set and they arrive tomorrow. I plan on putting them on ASAP. I have the car all ready to install.
Many people have had success without issues, hope you do. My worst part is I'm on Canada, very difficult, costly, border issues... to return...
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Old Jul 14, 2015 | 10:31 PM
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Is it possible for 1 person to install these or do I really need 1 man on the ground and 1 man up top?
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Old Jul 14, 2015 | 10:38 PM
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Originally Posted by FutureOWNR
Is it possible for 1 person to install these or do I really need 1 man on the ground and 1 man up top?
I've been a one man worker on most projects I've done (I installed a 350# steel beam in my basement solo a few years back), including this. Just need to be a bit creative once they pop in place to keep them from falling. I used a Jerry can on a 2 x 10 at one point for example.
PM me at any time if you need anything, I'd love to help where I can. First thing, get a long flat edge and make sure the flanges are flat!
Another pre install tip, ensure the threads are clean before, thread one of the sensors in each header when they're not in the car is a heck'o easier.
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Old Jul 14, 2015 | 10:55 PM
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Thanks for the tips, I figured I may have to get creative for this.
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Old Jul 14, 2015 | 11:35 PM
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TSP Most likely has one of the best LSX reputation around...it's hard to believe they would produce such an inferior product, from a fitment standpoint anyways.
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Old Jul 14, 2015 | 11:59 PM
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Originally Posted by chassed
TSP Most likely has one of the best LSX reputation around...it's hard to believe they would produce such an inferior product, from a fitment standpoint anyways.
I did research before choosing TSP, and trusted they would fit well. I took pictures of the flanges, probably still have them. I could take pictures of the kiltered collectors and how low they are. I can scan copies of the work order to mill the flanges...
Not saying you don't believe me, but if you're curious, no problem.
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Old Jul 15, 2015 | 01:52 AM
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I'm really looking to see if they bottom out that the real question
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Old Jul 15, 2015 | 02:58 PM
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I installed my LG's by my self in my garage on Jack stands.
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Old Jul 15, 2015 | 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by chassed
I installed my LG's by my self in my garage on Jack stands.
Same, I'd think that's 90% of us TBH...
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Old Jul 15, 2015 | 07:20 PM
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Is it possible to install the driver side through the top? My car is only 14 inches off the ground. I may need a taller jack to get it any higher.
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Old Jul 15, 2015 | 08:04 PM
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Originally Posted by FutureOWNR
Is it possible to install the driver side through the top? My car is only 14 inches off the ground. I may need a taller jack to get it any higher.
From everything I read and from my install and trying from the top, not even a chance. I'm guessing, but think you'd have to remove the steering column, maybe the alternator bracket, and probably the master cylinder assembly.
P.S. I ended up borrowing some heavy truck axle stands from my FIL who used to be a 5T driver.
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Old Jul 16, 2015 | 04:23 AM
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I ended up installing both side from the top. For the driver side I removed the valve cover, oil filter and alternator. I also loosened the engine mount and pushed the engine over and it slid right in.

I used a straight edge and both header flanges were straight and the 02's threaded in nicely. I do have to clearance the heat shield for the driver side 02 sensor. So far so good, I hope to have this done tomorrow.
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Old Jul 16, 2015 | 05:08 AM
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Mine fit perfectly and performed great for many years until I went bigger. They were easy to install as I did both in driveway in about 2hrs. Best bang for the buck out there for C5 headers.
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To Texas speed headers

Old Jul 16, 2015 | 10:32 AM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by FutureOWNR
I ended up installing both side from the top. For the driver side I removed the valve cover, oil filter and alternator. I also loosened the engine mount and pushed the engine over and it slid right in.

I used a straight edge and both header flanges were straight and the 02's threaded in nicely. I do have to clearance the heat shield for the driver side 02 sensor. So far so good, I hope to have this done tomorrow.
Ahah, yes, move the engine over might have been a better option looking back. Oh well, it wasn't impossible from under. Next time...
How are your collectors? Level with one another? All pipes high enough to make you happy?
This is the latest guy who wasn't too happy about his collector angle on drivers side header.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rs-anyone.html
C5Natie, I recall your name when making my choice to go with Texas Speed. Too bad I got a lemon pair... If I were in the US I would have returned them.
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Old Jul 16, 2015 | 12:03 PM
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The collectors look good, they are nice and level and pointing straight. I am having a real hard time with the dipstick though.
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Old Jul 16, 2015 | 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by FutureOWNR
The collectors look good, they are nice and level and pointing straight. I am having a real hard time with the dipstick though.
Good to hear, glad yours are straight! Re the dipstick tube, what year is your car?
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