DIY header installation?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Collinsville Texas
DIY header installation?
Yesterday i purchased a set of stainless works long tubes from a forum member here, very nice guy. I was hoping to knock out the install myself today. Are there any walk through installation guides? Anything with steps, tools needed, and methods would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 2
From: Denver CO
I won't be doing this untill next year but I'm interested in real life, done in your garage, installation how tos as well.
It seems as though I've seen step by step instructions on a header retailer's web site. Maybe that will help. The search function may be a resource as well.
Good luck and document your endeavor for the rest of us.
It seems as though I've seen step by step instructions on a header retailer's web site. Maybe that will help. The search function may be a resource as well.
Good luck and document your endeavor for the rest of us.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,246
Likes: 1,095
From: Dyer, IN
Yesterday i purchased a set of stainless works long tubes from a forum member here, very nice guy. I was hoping to knock out the install myself today. Are there any walk through installation guides? Anything with steps, tools needed, and methods would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 13,206
Likes: 2,501
From: Bluffton SC via Canton Oh
It's not that big of a deal really. I read the instructions in the link......I did not need to drop the starter or mess with the steering linkage. Of course having a lift is a big help. When I installed mine I also installed hi flow cats from TPIS with an X pipe I bought from either them or Corsa. So it was all unbolt and rebolt, no cutting, welding, burring pipes etc. Best mod I ever did regarding performance!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 927
Likes: 6
From: King George VA
Take it from me...Pay VERY close attention to the O2 sensors. If you switch them, the car will run fine until it warms up. Then you'll be throwing DTCs and the car won't run for ****. Driver side sensor goes to driver side header, and vice versa.
Also, a lift will make the job a million times easier. It took myself and a buddy (both previously virgins to installing headers on a Corvette) about 6 hours total (with beer breaks). Had it not been for swapping the O2 sensors, the install would have gone much more smoothly.
Also, a lift will make the job a million times easier. It took myself and a buddy (both previously virgins to installing headers on a Corvette) about 6 hours total (with beer breaks). Had it not been for swapping the O2 sensors, the install would have gone much more smoothly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 219
From: West Branch, MI
Here's another good link for the DIY LT header installs...
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=29
And please pay attention to LiteraCola's post and MARK the O2 sensors when removing so that you can restore them back to their proper locations. Will save you a possible hassle later.
One last thing, here in OKC we have a place that you can rent a lift for $15/hr. I'd bet there is a place similar to that in Dallas. Might be worth the expense if you don't have a lift. I've read of many installs in the home garage however, just using jack stands, etc. If I remember correctly, you need to get the car up about 24" off the ground to allow for enough clearance. Good luck !!
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=29
And please pay attention to LiteraCola's post and MARK the O2 sensors when removing so that you can restore them back to their proper locations. Will save you a possible hassle later.
One last thing, here in OKC we have a place that you can rent a lift for $15/hr. I'd bet there is a place similar to that in Dallas. Might be worth the expense if you don't have a lift. I've read of many installs in the home garage however, just using jack stands, etc. If I remember correctly, you need to get the car up about 24" off the ground to allow for enough clearance. Good luck !!
Last edited by CactusCat; Oct 28, 2012 at 09:54 AM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 606
Likes: 3
From: Long Island
Here's another good link for the DIY LT header installs...
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=29
And please pay attention to LiteraCola's post and MARK the O2 sensors when removing so that you can restore them back to their proper locations. Will save you a possible hassle later.
One last thing, here in OKC we have a place that you can rent a lift for $15/hr. I'd bet there is a place similar to that in Dallas. Might be worth the expense if you don't have a lift. I've read of many installs in the home garage however, just using jack stands, etc. If I remember correctly, you need to get the car up about 24" off the ground to allow for enough clearance. Good luck !!
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=29
And please pay attention to LiteraCola's post and MARK the O2 sensors when removing so that you can restore them back to their proper locations. Will save you a possible hassle later.
One last thing, here in OKC we have a place that you can rent a lift for $15/hr. I'd bet there is a place similar to that in Dallas. Might be worth the expense if you don't have a lift. I've read of many installs in the home garage however, just using jack stands, etc. If I remember correctly, you need to get the car up about 24" off the ground to allow for enough clearance. Good luck !!
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 606
Likes: 3
From: Long Island
So far, so good. This site, along with others, have been very helpful during the install. I'm taking my sweet time, really enjoying myself.I started working on it yesterday afternoon. I'll have it buttoned up sometime tonight or tomorrow morning. Can't wait to key it up for the first time...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 8
From: Sacramento California
I'm curious. How far off the ground did you have to get your car? Mine is up on stands right now. I have to replace a damaged engine cradle and radiator cage/skid plate. When I pull the cradle out, I'm gonna have all kinds of room in there so I might as well do headers now. Question is, which ones??? The Pfadt ones are sure looking sweet but it may be a while before the C5 versions are ready to ship.
Also, did you guys who installed your own headers have to drive right over to get a tune? Or does the motor run fine without?
Also, did you guys who installed your own headers have to drive right over to get a tune? Or does the motor run fine without?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 404
From: Portland OR
I'm curious. How far off the ground did you have to get your car? Mine is up on stands right now. I have to replace a damaged engine cradle and radiator cage/skid plate. When I pull the cradle out, I'm gonna have all kinds of room in there so I might as well do headers now. Question is, which ones??? The Pfadt ones are sure looking sweet but it may be a while before the C5 versions are ready to ship.
Also, did you guys who installed your own headers have to drive right over to get a tune? Or does the motor run fine without?
Also, did you guys who installed your own headers have to drive right over to get a tune? Or does the motor run fine without?
Sounds like you have in interesting project!
Ron
Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 606
Likes: 3
From: Long Island
Hope this helps.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 606
Likes: 3
From: Long Island
I buttoned it up on Sunday early afternoon. No issues, no surprises. I installed ARH's 1-7/8" headers, their flow thru cats, and three inch pipes. I used my stock Ti Z06 mufflers. The sound is incredible. It's hard to accurately explain how the exhaust sounds now... It sings. It sounds like a european exotic. No real noise increase in the cabin. No drone either. Couldn't be happier, and really glad I tackled the install myself.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 51
From: Gastonia North Carolina
I buttoned it up on Sunday early afternoon. No issues, no surprises. I installed ARH's 1-7/8" headers, their flow thru cats, and three inch pipes. I used my stock Ti Z06 mufflers. The sound is incredible. It's hard to accurately explain how the exhaust sounds now... It sings. It sounds like a european exotic. No real noise increase in the cabin. No drone either. Couldn't be happier, and really glad I tackled the install myself.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 606
Likes: 3
From: Long Island
No codes yet. Only drove it to and from work- 12 miles. Maybe it'll pop codes after a few more miles.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 606
Likes: 3
From: Long Island
I loosened the motor mount nuts in order to get the passenger side header up into place.
I did not remove the starter. Nor did I loosen/remove any starter wiring. Jacking the motor on loose mounts gave me the room I needed for the p/s header to slip in.
I also carefully bent the ac lines from the compressor closer to the chassis using steady pressure with just my hands.
I forgot where the dipstick got inserted into the block (duh..), but found the answer after a quick search.
I did the whole thing by myself. Soup to nuts. No help. That's not intended to sound boastful, that's meant to inspire confidence.
I'm sure that I'm missing something, so just ask, and I'll do my best to answer!
Hope this helps.