Header install
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Header install
I plan on installing a set of headers and x-pipe in a few weeks, from looking on LS1howto it seems really really complicated. I wanted to to do this myself, but is it really necessary to remove the alternator, passenger valve cover, coil packs, ect...? Is their an easier way to do it?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I don't have headers on my car, but I've asked this same question myself. The issue doesn't bother many owners since they pay someone to do the install and then get a tune.
There just isn't enough space in a C5/Z06 to install (most) long tube headers w/o removal of parts. Short tube headers might not need as much preparation (?).
Now, if someone just made inflatable long tube headers...
There just isn't enough space in a C5/Z06 to install (most) long tube headers w/o removal of parts. Short tube headers might not need as much preparation (?).
Now, if someone just made inflatable long tube headers...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 12
From: Farnham Virginia
Yes it is necessary to remove these parts to install long tube headers. I just installed a set of LG Streets with cats last weekend. What year is your C5? The reason for my question is that the biggest PIA of the install was changing out the AIR tube that runs behind the intake. This is only an issue on 2000 & older cars.
Beside the ls1howto site, check out http://www.cajundude.com/c5techhome.htm
cajundude used the ls1howto instructions and enhanced them. He supplies pictures with every step.
What headers are you planning to install? If you decide to do the install yourself, I'll be glad to provide any hits/suggestions that I can.
Good luck,
Wayne
Beside the ls1howto site, check out http://www.cajundude.com/c5techhome.htm
cajundude used the ls1howto instructions and enhanced them. He supplies pictures with every step.
What headers are you planning to install? If you decide to do the install yourself, I'll be glad to provide any hits/suggestions that I can.
Good luck,
Wayne
Drifting
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 2
From: Raleigh NC
Yes, you must remove the alternator, coil packs, and valve covers. It's really not that bad. The alternator can be out in a couple of minutes. Coil packs can be out in less than 10 minutes. The only delay there is the bolt in the back. Valve covers can be off in a couple of minutes. That's the easy part. The hard part is getting all the header bolts started on the head. I found it easier to start with the bolts in the middle and then the rear.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 776
Likes: 0
From: Mount Juliet Tennessee
Yes, you must remove the alternator, coil packs, and valve covers. It's really not that bad. The alternator can be out in a couple of minutes. Coil packs can be out in less than 10 minutes. The only delay there is the bolt in the back. Valve covers can be off in a couple of minutes. That's the easy part. The hard part is getting all the header bolts started on the head. I found it easier to start with the bolts in the middle and then the rear.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Yes it is necessary to remove these parts to install long tube headers. I just installed a set of LG Streets with cats last weekend. What year is your C5? The reason for my question is that the biggest PIA of the install was changing out the AIR tube that runs behind the intake. This is only an issue on 2000 & older cars.
Beside the ls1howto site, check out http://www.cajundude.com/c5techhome.htm
cajundude used the ls1howto instructions and enhanced them. He supplies pictures with every step.
What headers are you planning to install? If you decide to do the install yourself, I'll be glad to provide any hits/suggestions that I can.
Good luck,
Wayne
Beside the ls1howto site, check out http://www.cajundude.com/c5techhome.htm
cajundude used the ls1howto instructions and enhanced them. He supplies pictures with every step.
What headers are you planning to install? If you decide to do the install yourself, I'll be glad to provide any hits/suggestions that I can.
Good luck,
Wayne
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 12
From: Farnham Virginia
Model year 2000 are great cars. However the location of the AIR tube mounting bracket was a poor design. You have to unbolt the intake, move it ahead about 4 inches, then you can see the bracket/bolt. If I remember it is a 13mm bolt & you need Elf sized hands to get to it. I don't have small hands so I left a few chucks of skin in my engine compartment! 
If you decide to install them yourself, PM me if you have any questions. Just as a reference point in your decision, I got an estimate from a shop first. They wanted $600.00 to do the install.
If you decide to install them yourself, PM me if you have any questions. Just as a reference point in your decision, I got an estimate from a shop first. They wanted $600.00 to do the install.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Model year 2000 are great cars. However the location of the AIR tube mounting bracket was a poor design. You have to unbolt the intake, move it ahead about 4 inches, then you can see the bracket/bolt. If I remember it is a 13mm bolt & you need Elf sized hands to get to it. I don't have small hands so I left a few chucks of skin in my engine compartment!
If you decide to install them yourself, PM me if you have any questions. Just as a reference point in your decision, I got an estimate from a shop first. They wanted $600.00 to do the install.
If you decide to install them yourself, PM me if you have any questions. Just as a reference point in your decision, I got an estimate from a shop first. They wanted $600.00 to do the install.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 752
Likes: 1
From: Tulsa OK
What you have to remove depends on the brand of headers. I installed a set of Kooks myself and the alternator, coil packs had to come off but the I didn't have to touch the valve covers. Both headers dropped right in from the top. I had a helper down below to guide the collectors past any obstructions that I couldn't see from above. Not all headers are the same though. Each company should provide instructions for their headers that will describe the easiest way to install their particular design.
It really is a pretty easy job - maybe a 1 six pack project.
Good Luck
It really is a pretty easy job - maybe a 1 six pack project.
Good Luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 40
From: Edmonton Alberta
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
With American Racing Headers (1 3/4") you do NOT have to remove valve covers.
But do have to remove the alternator and coil packs, loosen, reposition the brake vacuum booster , remove the wires from the starter and the engine block grounds....
the old manifolds come out from above, the new headers installed from below.
But do have to remove the alternator and coil packs, loosen, reposition the brake vacuum booster , remove the wires from the starter and the engine block grounds....
the old manifolds come out from above, the new headers installed from below.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
I don't have headers on my car, but I've asked this same question myself. The issue doesn't bother many owners since they pay someone to do the install and then get a tune.
There just isn't enough space in a C5/Z06 to install (most) long tube headers w/o removal of parts. Short tube headers might not need as much preparation (?).
Now, if someone just made inflatable long tube headers...
There just isn't enough space in a C5/Z06 to install (most) long tube headers w/o removal of parts. Short tube headers might not need as much preparation (?).
Now, if someone just made inflatable long tube headers...
also do the X pipe and the cats back.....
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 571
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee Wi
I didn't have to remove the valve covers to install the LG pro's either set. I did have to move the starter around though. I put the driver's side in from the bottom and the passenger side from the top.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 12
From: Farnham Virginia
I installed the LG Street. Only had to remove the valve cover on the passenger side. Did have to unbolt the intake since I had to change out the AIR tube. I didn't have to unbolt the starter. Same here on install: drivers side from the bottom & pass. side from the top.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Ringgold GA
LG Streets, yes on alternator and coil packs (both sides). No on starter and valve covers. In from top on passenger side and from bottom up on driver side. Driver's side was a little tougher but will come on through if you just move around slowly to find the right fit.
I did have the inspection plate off the bell housing too, may have let me wiggle things around a little more. Don't forget to replace this before you snug your headers up or you'll get to loosen them again
I did have the inspection plate off the bell housing too, may have let me wiggle things around a little more. Don't forget to replace this before you snug your headers up or you'll get to loosen them again