Long tube header install experts...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,226
Likes: 33
From: Morton illinois
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
Long tube header install experts...
So, a guy I know wants me to do a header install for him. I know how fast I can do it, but I was wondering what shops are charging for the same thing? I think I can do it in 3 hours. Drive in, drive out. But I think shops charge 6 hours labor or so. Thoughts?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 6
From: Alamosa CO
What brand of headers? If they are ARH and he is a friend of yours you should take it pretty easy on him. (say around $400) If they are the old style Kooks I would double that. Dynatech's are pretty easy and so are the LG Pro's and Super-pro's. Never done a set of Stainless Works on a Vette but haven't heard any horror stories about them. As far as the "off-brand" imported ones I think its just going to be a guess there on your part. Good luck!
Jimbo
Jimbo
Former Vendor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Chagrin Falls Ohio
A few hours at a shop rate can be expected, majority of any issue with the install will be removal of the old exhaust components. Things like broken stud, rusted bolts etc... will cause havoc on your time frame. Yes, cheapo knock off versions will be much harder to install as they "should" fit but the variance in tolerance between all the components will increase the PITA factor.
Paul@StainlessWorks.net
800-878-3635 ext 1011
Paul@StainlessWorks.net
800-878-3635 ext 1011
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,226
Likes: 33
From: Morton illinois
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
He is looking at the OBX brand. Cheaper, but it have heard good things. They just don't have the big name. I have tpis on my car and they were a breeze. Been on the 416 for years, no issues. Sometimes I think pipe is pipe. I have heard kooks are a pita, not sure why though
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 502
Likes: 4
From: Huntsville, AL Relaxed!
I installed a set of the "old style" Kooks....they were INDEED a PITA!! I had to remove the alt, valve covers, intake, battery, starter....had to lift the engine waaaay up (which is why I had to remove the intake) to get clearance to install the headers. Oh, yeah...you have to have the starter removed to get the header in, but the starter has to be installed before you bolt the header on....
If I had it to do again, I would DEFINITELY do more research for a more user-friendly header!
Good luck!
KoreaJon
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 501
From: Rio Rancho NM
I installed a set of the "old style" Kooks....they were INDEED a PITA!! I had to remove the alt, valve covers, intake, battery, starter....had to lift the engine waaaay up (which is why I had to remove the intake) to get clearance to install the headers. Oh, yeah...you have to have the starter removed to get the header in, but the starter has to be installed before you bolt the header on....
If I had it to do again, I would DEFINITELY do more research for a more user-friendly header!
Good luck!
KoreaJon
If I had it to do again, I would DEFINITELY do more research for a more user-friendly header!
Good luck!
KoreaJon
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 355
From: Rochester New York
I quote customers 5 hours labor. I also don't rush through and make sure everything is done 100%, harnesses are tucked away neatly, etc... It usually takes me the full 5 hours, and I've installed dozens of LTH on Vettes.
If my priority was speed, 3 hours is not impossible.
If my priority was speed, 3 hours is not impossible.
