My fair warning for C5 kook 1-7/8" headers installation
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 353
Likes: 3
From: Houston TX
I did my install but while I do admit that the install is not all that easy after doing the process I realized that it was all because of my own stupidity same with OP, if I had to go back and do it again I would be able to get them in no problem, u just have to tilt the engine right. My only and biggest complaint is that the passenger side header rubs against the body, I guess it has to be bent to fit perfectly which I am not happy with.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 3
From: US
I installed a set of the 1 7/8" during my H/C swap and they still wouldn't drop in even with the Heads off! I still had to jack the block up one side at a time and remove the starter just to get them in. But once they got in there the fitment looks perfect.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,278
Likes: 227
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Not bashing Kooks here, they are great headers for performance, but I heeded everyones advice on here and other forums and when I went to 1-7/8" headers for the stroker motor I chose ARH. Easiest header install ever. No BS, they took me all of 2 hours to put on once I got the Dynatechs off. 
Jimbo
Jimbo
Chrysler also chose ARH to design/build the header for the Viper ACX and Challenger Drag Pack
Ford also, FR500 a few years ago
Hand built in the USA
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18,643
Likes: 14
From: Norman Oklahoma - The Only State in the Union with no Blue Counties!
Over the years us NCCO nonmembers have installed many brands on C5's and C6's. LG's, Dynatech's, TPIS and others but no Kooks.
OP, sorry you had so much trouble. Several extra sets of hands help with any LT header install.
OP, sorry you had so much trouble. Several extra sets of hands help with any LT header install.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 3
From: US
Yep, if ever again I bought a set of Longtubes for whatever reason - even though the Kooks Quality is top notch, I would go ARH all the way because install is a very important part.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Both coil packs
Both valve covers
Spark plugs and. Wires
Alternator and alternator bracket
Tempature censor from driver side head unless you want to break it
Remove entire steering shaft
Disconnect power steering resivor and drain oil or big mess will follow
Remove oil filter and if you have an oil block for an oil cooler
Aftermarket fuel rail
Starter
Lower portion of the bell housing
Disconnect sway bar
Disconnect both upper a arms
Disconnect engine rubber mounts
Drop engine cradle
Both valve covers
Spark plugs and. Wires
Alternator and alternator bracket
Tempature censor from driver side head unless you want to break it
Remove entire steering shaft
Disconnect power steering resivor and drain oil or big mess will follow
Remove oil filter and if you have an oil block for an oil cooler
Aftermarket fuel rail
Starter
Lower portion of the bell housing
Disconnect sway bar
Disconnect both upper a arms
Disconnect engine rubber mounts
Drop engine cradle
On my C3, the only thing I removed was the clutch linkage.
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Champaign Illinois
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 3
From: US
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,935
Likes: 26
From: Lackey, my own dragstrip VA.
Virginia Events Coordinator
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looks like the swear jar might get full tonight (if i had a swear jar that is)
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 11
From: Negley Ohio
Glad you got them installed. They are a very good header. But, Just to let you know, If you went with the American Racing LT Headers, You wouldent have to remove much of anything.. ...Just though I would let you know....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,077
Likes: 4
From: Scarborough ONTARIO
I happen to install these 1-7/8" kooks in a C5 however he has LS2 engine with no batwing oil pan, boy was it easy to install......yes sire i just had to loosen engine mounts, both valve covers taken off....and off it goes boom, took me 4 hrs that includes uninstall his old LG headers and install these....these were off Road W/O air tubes and no cats.
I can imagine how brutal it would be with LS1/6 engine, however since i love challenge i might install these on a C5 with c5 engine.
I can imagine how brutal it would be with LS1/6 engine, however since i love challenge i might install these on a C5 with c5 engine.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
I had a shop do mine for 500 that included install and dyno tune after. I couldn't pass that up and he said it was the easiest set he has ever installed on a vette. Almost 40hp gain you can't beat that
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
If it makes anyone feel better, the shop that installed my Doug Thorley LTs in my 68 C3 told me they underestimated the time it would take to get them in. We're talkin small block with no power steering, brakes or air conditioning (lots of space).
LTs are illegal on C5s here in Cali but many guys play Russian Roulette by installing them and then hoping that they don't get noticed. The same thing happens with Vararam intakes; I would hate to have to replace both, every two years.
LTs are illegal on C5s here in Cali but many guys play Russian Roulette by installing them and then hoping that they don't get noticed. The same thing happens with Vararam intakes; I would hate to have to replace both, every two years.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Portland OR
I recently had the pleasure of installing some kook 1-7/8" headers on my 99 C5. I will say they have a great fit once they are installed, besides that they are a mother ****** to install.
These headers will not slide in by any means unless you remove parts
This is my story.
I have to remove the following parts to get the headers to slide in.
The list of removed parts:
Both coil packs
Both valve covers
Spark plugs and. Wires
Alternator and alternator bracket
Tempature censor from driver side head unless you want to break it
Remove entire steering shaft
Disconnect power steering resivor and drain oil or big mess will follow
Remove oil filter and if you have an oil block for an oil cooler
Aftermarket fuel rail
Starter
Lower portion of the bell housing
Disconnect sway bar
Disconnect both upper a arms
Disconnect engine rubber mounts
Drop engine cradle
You will have to replenish the engine oil, coolant, oil filter, power steering oil, and in my case the brake oil because I had to remove the line lock.
Driver side came in from the top and the passenger from the bottom.
All was possible from a combination of dropping the cradle and swinging it out the way and lifting the engine and rocking it side to side with a ratchet strap.
To the guy that designed the instructions and the headers FUC$ you.
Would I ever install a set again, yes I would because I know what is involved in the installation.
I took around three days to install them because I worked on the car here and there. I did have to walk away many times because I was so pissed at the fact that the more parts I took off the car the headers would not go in.
Roger
These headers will not slide in by any means unless you remove parts
This is my story.
I have to remove the following parts to get the headers to slide in.
The list of removed parts:
Both coil packs
Both valve covers
Spark plugs and. Wires
Alternator and alternator bracket
Tempature censor from driver side head unless you want to break it
Remove entire steering shaft
Disconnect power steering resivor and drain oil or big mess will follow
Remove oil filter and if you have an oil block for an oil cooler
Aftermarket fuel rail
Starter
Lower portion of the bell housing
Disconnect sway bar
Disconnect both upper a arms
Disconnect engine rubber mounts
Drop engine cradle
You will have to replenish the engine oil, coolant, oil filter, power steering oil, and in my case the brake oil because I had to remove the line lock.
Driver side came in from the top and the passenger from the bottom.
All was possible from a combination of dropping the cradle and swinging it out the way and lifting the engine and rocking it side to side with a ratchet strap.
To the guy that designed the instructions and the headers FUC$ you.
Would I ever install a set again, yes I would because I know what is involved in the installation.
I took around three days to install them because I worked on the car here and there. I did have to walk away many times because I was so pissed at the fact that the more parts I took off the car the headers would not go in.
Roger