Easiest Headers to Install Myself

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Feb 16, 2005 | 12:51 PM

CaptainCrunch

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Pro

Joined: May 2004

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From: Tucson, AZ

Easiest Headers to Install Myself

Hey everyone,
Is there one brand of HEADER ONLY (no cats or rest of system) that is easier to install on a 2001 M6 C5 with Borla catback? I dont have the cash for the rest of the system or to pay someone else to install it, so I am in the market for a used set of long tube headers that I can install myself over a weekend...I have access to a lift and all the tools I would need, but I don't really have any experience doing exhaust systems on the new vettes as most of my work has been on old cars (primarily a 1968 firebird)...So I am competant when it comes to working on cars, but not a pro by any means...Oh, and one other thing, I'd really prefer not to have to cut anything to make them fit! Any input you guys can give me is great!

Last edited by CaptainCrunch; Feb 16, 2005 at 12:54 PM.

Feb 16, 2005 | 01:08 PM

93Polo

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From: Guinness Its whats for B'fast JAWGA

CI 3-4-5-9 Veteran

If you keep the factory cats and mid section you will have to cut the pipe just before the cats and weld a stub to connect to the collector of the LTs.

Everyone has their favorite install I have talked to some who said the Kooks were easiest and others love the LGs etc etc.

Feb 16, 2005 | 04:07 PM

creighton

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2004

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From: Dallas TX

Just wrapped up my kook install. I love them plain and simple. Install can be done in one day. Plan on approx. 4-6 hours if you don't have a lift and are only doing the headers.

Feb 16, 2005 | 06:40 PM

'06 Quicksilver Z06

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Installed my own KOOKS headers too. The original C5 KOOKS headers which came out in 2003, I believe were difficult to install. They were redesigned in '04 and are not difficult to install at all.

If you are doing just headers and keeping your stock cats, etc, then you will need to do some measuring, cutting and welding too. Which won't be easy.

Feb 16, 2005 | 10:29 PM

dvandentop

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Joined: Dec 2000

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From: Sioux Falls SD

FLP, LGM are all easy no welding needed

Feb 16, 2005 | 10:34 PM

'06 Quicksilver Z06

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There is no welding "needed" with KOOKS either, if you go with the entire system.

But he originally said

Quote:

Hey everyone,
Is there one brand of HEADER ONLY (no cats or rest of system).....

This implies that he is considering keeping his stock cats, if he is to run cats and the rest of his exhaust system. This would require some cutting.

Last edited by '06 Quicksilver Z06; Feb 16, 2005 at 10:37 PM.

Feb 16, 2005 | 10:37 PM

dvandentop

Race Director

Joined: Dec 2000

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From: Sioux Falls SD

kooks are good too

Feb 16, 2005 | 10:48 PM

ArKay99

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 3,558

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From: Cape Coral FL

Stainless Works has a pipe that will connect to your stock cats. Two problems here. 1) Without going with the aftermarket cats and xpipe you will have to cut your stock exhaust and weld the collectors to the cats, not something you want to do according to your post. 2) You will be leaving about 6-10hp on the table by leaving stock cats and not using an xpipe. One last consideration is the weight you will be keeping with the stock cats and midsection. That stuff is heavy.