Will install headers soon...what should I expect?
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
Will install headers soon...what should I expect?
I have a full Dynatech set and I want to put them on this month. Should I expect any issues like codes? Will I need a computer tune afterward, or can I simply go with it as is? I have a 97 with Corsas and a Halltech cold air. I am pondering having the headers coated prior to install. 
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,526
Likes: 18
From: Santa Fe TX
You'll need a tune, mainly to turn off rear o2 codes. You may also get front codes, but it is less likely if you carefully tape the wires + extensions away from hot things and sheild them with heat wrap tape.
As far as what else to expect? LOUD. and SMILE.
As far as what else to expect? LOUD. and SMILE.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
Wouldn't ceramic coating the headers prevent codes due to heat effects?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 1
From: Rugby North Dakota
Dynatechs are a GREAT fit and not bad to install - I did mine w/ the car on jackstands - as I recall, the pass side goes in from the top then down, and the drivers side goes in from under the car then up
you might need a helper, a mirror, and a snagging wire (to snag the dipstick) in order to get the dipstick back into it's hole
codes / tune wise, you can drive it for a while w/o a tune, but you will likely get air sensor codes, so at a minimum, you might want a bench tune
you will LOVE these headers
you might need a helper, a mirror, and a snagging wire (to snag the dipstick) in order to get the dipstick back into it's hole
codes / tune wise, you can drive it for a while w/o a tune, but you will likely get air sensor codes, so at a minimum, you might want a bench tune
you will LOVE these headers
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
From: Omaha NE
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 600
Likes: 11
From: Wilmington NC
You will definately get codes. A tune will fix that one for you. I have LG Pro LTs...The install is easy and straight forward. You will expect some low end power gains and plenty of sound pollution
This will really make a catback exhaust sing a better note. It won't hurt you to not have the headers coated. I didn't bother doing it to mine and everything works out great.
This will really make a catback exhaust sing a better note. It won't hurt you to not have the headers coated. I didn't bother doing it to mine and everything works out great.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
just put these on and I get the the O2 codes, but they come and go... when i plan on doing my tune i will set them to not report..... you will absolutely love these.... i went with catted x-pipe and borla stingers.... probably the best sounding set up in my opinion
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
not to hijack the thread, but i'm also curious on what to expect. i've searched and haven't found the exact answer i'm looking for.
2001 zo6 just ordered lg streets, off road x pipe, b&b bullets.
i need to have my rear o2's tuned OUT correct?
this thread is the 1st i've read anything about any kind of o2 extensions for the front????
2001 zo6 just ordered lg streets, off road x pipe, b&b bullets.
i need to have my rear o2's tuned OUT correct?
this thread is the 1st i've read anything about any kind of o2 extensions for the front????
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8,466
Likes: 51
St. Jude Donor '17
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
Regarding this tune business, is it possible to improve gas mileage? I feel my car idles too high some times, and the 97 fuel line setup might run richer than newer C5s, no? I hear guys getting way better mileage than I get, which is 20 mpg around town, and maybe 24-6 highway. I've never had it on a long trip but find it difficult to believe I could get 33 or so like some people claim. Again, can it be tuned for better fuel economy?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,188
Likes: 10
From: New Smyrna Beach Florida
I would expect O2 codes such as P1153 and P420. If you car is running rich a tune will improve your fuel economy. Anyhow, the car should be street tuned for a header install.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 600
Likes: 11
From: Wilmington NC
Regarding this tune business, is it possible to improve gas mileage? I feel my car idles too high some times, and the 97 fuel line setup might run richer than newer C5s, no? I hear guys getting way better mileage than I get, which is 20 mpg around town, and maybe 24-6 highway. I've never had it on a long trip but find it difficult to believe I could get 33 or so like some people claim. Again, can it be tuned for better fuel economy?
The price you pay to go fast
You can lean out the fuel with a tune and get more power and better mileage for sure.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
Wow, that's a big reduction. I have the wimpy 2.73 gears, which I believe would yield the best fuel mileage. I would love to get 34 on my A4.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 2
From: Cedarburg, WI
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 600
Likes: 11
From: Wilmington NC
When my H/C/I package is installed I anticipate mileage to go up a couple points but nothing above 25. 3.73's are very convincing gears to try out if you ever thought about gear swaps. All my friends that have driven the car love them! 3.15's were great but 3.73's have bigger muscles