Like the title says, here in a few weeks I plan on putting some texas speed headers on my '01 Z06. Is there any other mods I should look at while they're off and Im down there?? FYI, Im in college and dont have a ton of mula...so before someone says the "Throw a supercharger on it!!" phrase.... Any little mods that arnt too expensive and could be a pain later on.
Thanks guys,
Nate

 

Put in a thicker tunnel plate while the x pipe is off.

 

ok, here a great mod that I plan on doing when I install my headers. Insulate the tunnel area under the console. You can buy a special kit but they are too much if you ask me. I found the same material for @ $30 on Ebay and you can just trim it to fit. You can also find it at Summit and other stores

Do a search for DEI Floor Tunnel Shield 24" x 21" Heat Shield Barrier

You can also buy this in larger sizes.




How about posting some pics and feedback on those headers. I don't remember seeing much on those.

 

x2 on that one

 

x3

 

Go ahead and put an A&A supercharger kit while you have the hood up

 

I KNEW IT!!!!!! AHHHH!!! Hahahaa, thanks..thanks a lot..

So I understand that the tunnel will help with heat...but is that just from heat getting to the undercarriage or what? What is the main reason for doing it?
Thanks,
Nate

 

Hey my Texas speed headers are on this way and should be here by Friday!!! Let me know how much a pain in the *** you have with em. Did you get the dead O2 plugs? if so where did ya get em?

 

And get a tune.

 

If you gotta drop the exhaust (not sure if it's necessary or not for a header install) it's not a bad idea to swap the fuel filter...

 

You obviously are going to replace the spark plugs... Do you have a good boot puller tool? Penetrating oil on the bolts the night before. Good time to check the starter wiring, look for any hot spots in the wiring. Might consider a starter heat shield??

As for the Tunnel heat shield. It's hard to explain but cool as heck...There is a link to photos at the bottom:
1) Remove tunnel plate and write top on the top side of the plate.
2) Place tunnel plate over center of sheet of DEI heat shielding (adhesive backing facing up).
3) Trace outline of tunnel plate and "most" of the bolt holes along the perimeter.
4) Look at DEI material and make a free-hand line just inside all the bolt holes about 1/2-3/4"
5) Take a knife and carefully cut the adhesive backing protector along the free-hand lines you created and remove adhesive backing ONLY from the middle (see photos at bottom).
6) Place tunnel plate with "TOP" facing up, carefully over exposed adhesive backing using original tracing lines. Once lined up press onto the DEI material and press down along the entire tunnel plate.
7) Flip over and fold "wings" inward to expose your bolt holes. Trim wings down as desired.
8) Re-install tunnel plate bolts.
9) Press wings against tunnel sides to keep heat away from both the top and sides of the tunnel. You're done!!!

Here is a gallery of photos:
http://www.pbase.com/callaway/tunnel

I've done this twice and I didn't secure them in any other fashion. Mine has held for 10k miles with no issues. The material is rigid so it holds it's form once you get it pressed against the sides of the tunnel. A rubber mallet can be helpful but watch what's behind the material. I've seen some people put a couple rivets in on the ends of the tunnel plate. Although the one I did in the photos we took to a Kansas City performance shop to install. The idiot at the shop removed the backing even though you can clearly see we wrote on both sides to not remove it. He said he thought it looked better No telling how we will get that tunnel plate out.

 

I did the heat shield when I had mine off - incredible difference. I had the thicker tunnel plate w/coating, but it didn't help as much as the stick on stuff I got from summit. Torque tube just about has to be off to get it on good though. It wouldn't be a bad idea to remove the A.I.R. crap if you haven't already. It will give you more room to work now and later on. You can get the block off plates for like $14 from vendors. Do post about the headers review as I am looking to go to 1 7/8 and the TSP are a pretty good deal. Are you doing a new header gasket also? HTH.

 

WOW!!!! Thanks a ton guys. I didnt expect this many responses already. Ive looked on a couple other threads and found that the whole process takes about 6+ hours, so I figured that Id just turn it into a full weekend process and get everything that I could out of the way.

Torch Baron, it might be a few weeks before I find time to do the install. This weekend is packed, next weekend is national guard weekend....soooo hopefully in 3 weekends Ill be able to put them on. So you might actually beat me, but if you have any questions, feel free to throw them my way. I dont know a ton, but just like everyone else here, love to help
Nate

 

KCvetteowner, that's a great write up and the pics help too. I have never used that stuff but when I saw it I knew what I would do when I got the chance. What size sheet insulation did you start with?

Great stuff

 

Quick questions... When you say remove the A.I.R crap...you mean permanently?? My understanding is that it just helps warm up the O2 sensors....am I right? Do you really need it?
Thanks,
Nate

 

Nate, AIR helps to 'light' off the OE cats

you will hear the pump spin sometimes, it sits below your LHS headlight

the motor looks cool w/out the AIR stuff and makes swapping plugs are installing LT's are more fun process, more fun is better

 

Thanks Steve!! So it wont hurt it at all to take them off? Does this require a re-tune? Does it free up any hp?
Nate

 

I used the DEI 010412 48"x36" it runs about $52 at Summit Racing.

 

I will be installing some LG Streets on my 01 C5Z within the next couple of weeks myself.. My only other mod is a Halltech.. i will also have the car tuned w NO cat's... We should do a comparison... think that may help some others out with there choices.. Not like it has not been beat into the ground already...

 

When you say comparison..do you mean comparison on the install?? Im not doing to have mine dyno'd. Since tuning was brought up...can we tune them ourselves with a Diablo Predator.
Nate