Header install help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Header install help
Is there one brand over the other of long tubes that are any easier to install? is this something one can install in an afternoon? Also, what is the difference in size of headers? Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
The more knowledge & research, the easier it will be to do the install.
As far as time limits. It all depends upon the individual performing the work. What tools, lifting devices, helping hand etc.
Usually 1-3/4" are easier to slide in place than the 1- 7/8"
Above all, think & work safely.
There is no wiggle room of getting out from under a Corvette, falling on you.
As far as time limits. It all depends upon the individual performing the work. What tools, lifting devices, helping hand etc.
Usually 1-3/4" are easier to slide in place than the 1- 7/8"
Above all, think & work safely.
There is no wiggle room of getting out from under a Corvette, falling on you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
I put in my texas speed ones in an afternoon. They both went in from the top. you have to remove the steering shaft on the drivers side and the valve covers and they dropped right in and lined right up.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 6
From: Omaha Nebraska
Melrose..........super easy install, IF you have a set of truck size jackstands to get floor clearance or a lift. The driver side goes in from the bottom and the passenger in from the top.......slick........
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,755
Likes: 1,214
From: Wisconsin
the enclosed instructions mention you might have to loosen the motor mounts on the ARH 1 7/8 I just bought, I have talked to Nic at ARH and he said the should just slide once you hit the sweet spot, well see
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 278
Likes: 17
From: Auburn/Dacula/Lawrenceville Georgia
I've installed every C5/C6 header on the planet. LG or the TSP(direct copy of LG) are hands down the absolute easiest/best to install. If you knock off the tab on the bottom of the passenger side header, it literally will "fall" into the engine bay and slip right past the starter.
Kooks are the absolute worst, and I will NEVER install another set unless the customer agree's to pay a substantial amount for the install. You have to take half the top end apart, both engine mounts have to be unbolted, and in some cases the intake manifold has to come off so you can get the motor high enough to get them in. I've never had 1 single performance modification make me hate my life so much. Kooks are very nice headers, make great power and work well but I would never recommend them unless you have the heads off. It's not necessary to go through all that trouble when their competitors will slip right in without taking anything off.
Kooks are the absolute worst, and I will NEVER install another set unless the customer agree's to pay a substantial amount for the install. You have to take half the top end apart, both engine mounts have to be unbolted, and in some cases the intake manifold has to come off so you can get the motor high enough to get them in. I've never had 1 single performance modification make me hate my life so much. Kooks are very nice headers, make great power and work well but I would never recommend them unless you have the heads off. It's not necessary to go through all that trouble when their competitors will slip right in without taking anything off.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
Like I said, on my TSPs I unbolted the steering shaft (5 mins) and the valve covers (5 mins) and the AIR stuff (5 mins) and had both headers on from the top in an hour. The X pipe however took a little longer just to get it lined up correctly but all together start to finish was like 4 hours.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
From: Aquadale Speed Shop NC
LGs fall right in, pass drops in from top, driver from bottom, just be careful of the coolant and oil temp sensors! took me 2.5 hours to do full headers and x-pipe, included removing old stuff along with AIR delete..... but I have a shop and lift and done several so I know a few little tricks. Its nothing you cant tackle with enough time and patience. And unless you ever plan on going FI, 1 3/4 will be fine
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 1,115
From: Hereford AZ
I would plan on a good saturday if I were you. I have the LG street headers and they are very easy to install. Get the car good and high with good jack stands. Once in, start it up first with open headers, sounds good and the neighbors love it.....
To many get 1 7/8 for no reason.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 5
From: Mechanicsville VA
St. Jude Donor '08
Have installed 2 sets of the LG Streets with no problems except for one item. The replacement of the AIR tube on the 99 model. It was a pain in the butt. Take the intake off and no problem.
Gene
Gene
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 4
From: Dorr MI
It figures 99's would be a PITA, that's what I have. Are all headers like that? Is it possible just to not use it? No emissions testing here.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 6,569
Likes: 2,403
From: Redacted
I may be in the minority, but I really liked the Dynatech Supermaxx kit. For starters, it installs quite easily, and second, it was a very complete kit. Came with all bolts, gaskets, O2 harness extensions, etc. It even came with a small packet of anti-seize for the bolts going into the aluminum heads. Ive done 3 Supermaxx installs now, 2 on vettes and one on a 5.3L truck...all were completed in 1 solid afternoon of work. If youve never done it before, Id budget a full weekend. By comparison, I found the Kooks kit to be much less complete....no gaskets or O2 extensions, and was substancially more difficult to install. Just my .02 Good luck!