Ok, looking at Black Magic's install instructions and pictures this looks very easy. My concern is on the FLP page it says install is aprox 6 hours for them to do it and $450. If it takes them 6 hours, how long would it take me? All weekend? Can this be done on jack stands?

Hey Mean Green, wanna help me tackle this mod? You seem fearless. :p:

For those of you that have did this install, how long did it take?

Also, I would love to see another "special" price on these. Back in May, Xtreme offered a nice deal, seems about time for another one. :yesnod:


[Modified by John's vette, 2:16 AM 8/27/2002]

 

http://www.tpis.com
Download their install instructions. Do all of it but remove the fuel line. You can do it. It's very straight forward and you'll save $450 :D

 

Having watched my tuner do it, I think its a fairly straightforward install, but you need to take your time. I would plan on 8-10 hrs.

 

Probably 8-10 hours on the ground with no air tools if you are good fooling with cars. Thats about what it took me also installing a new exhaust, took a while to line everything up so the tips looked even. Biggest pita was getting the flanges on the cats lined up perfect so they didnt leak. I didnt have to take the steering shaft bolt out to get the driver's side header up from the bottom, it takes some wiggling but it goes in :)

Its a pretty easy install even on jackstands.

 

John,

I installed the FLP Header System on my 1999, C5 Coupe (6 Speed) a couple of weeks ago. . . . a pretty easy job as far as header installs go. It can be done by one person, but I would recommend you have a second pair of hands. . . makes for a much easier job.

I did my installation job myself along with the expert assistance of our Corvette Club's "Honorary Machine" - Carlos. It took us 4.5 hours from the time I pulled into bay until the time I backed out of the bay for the first test run. Yes, we use a lift. . . but it can be done with gorilla ramps (not easy and I wouldn't recommend it, but it can be done). Use a lift !

For my install job I had to remove another header system that I had installed earlier, but weren't working . . . . leaks everywhere and my Vette wouldn't run . . . at all (another story) !

If you're running a stock exaust maniafold and exhause system the removal should be pretty straight forward.

Here are the steps I used during my installation process. I started with disconnecting the battery ground cable, then remove the fuel rail covers, remove the spark plug wires (I didn't have to remover the plugs, but you should be prepaired to do so), disconnect the "Coil Packs" from the valve covers and lay them on the intake maniflod, remove the dip stick and disconnect the dip stick tub, then disconnect the steering shaft/column at the coupling (mark the shaft/column on both ends for reconnection), plus disconnect the power brake boster hose (disconnect only - removal not required) . . . . It just pulls right out from the boster.

Then I had to remove the old header system (that took the longest time). That's about it as far as getting the car ready for the FLP System.

HO2 Sensors - Instruction say install the HO2 Sensors on the header prior to installing the headers. I recommend you don't (do not) do this. Again, I know the instruction will say install HO2 Sensors at this point, but you'll find it's a lot easier to install the headers (without the HO2 Sensors preinstalled), plus you shouldn't have to remove the starter to get the header in place. Just my recommendation.

During My FLP install - On the driver side (from the top) there was a little twisting, pushing, and pulling to find the right angle for the header to drop down through, but no big deal (be carfule at this point if you leave spark plug installed). Also, this is where a second pair of hands and a lift come in handy. Once in possition secure the header in place (don't tightened down) with a header bolt.

On the passanger side it was a snap. The header droped right in place (again from the top) and I didn't have to remove the starter.

After the headers are in position don't tighten them down yet. You can install the HO2 Sensors now, or wait a until all of the other header system components are in place. You may find it easier to install HO2 sensors now, becasue clearance (room) gets pretty tight between the undercarrage and the pipes once everything is connected together and you're trying to get those HO2 sensors to go in.

Once all of your FLP header components are connected (snug, but not tight), line everything up and make sure everything is in place.

Then, starting from the rear with the (X-Pipes), work your way forward (to the headers) tighten everything down as you move forward. You may have to make one or two finial adjustments (or not).

Replace (reconnect) all the stuff in the enging compartment, dip stick tub and dip stick, coil packs, spark plug wires (and plugs if you decided to remover them), make sure your plug wires are seated snuggly on the coil pack connections and the plugs, reconnect the steering shaft/column (make sure your marks line up), replace the fuel rail covers, and you should be ready for your first engine fire up. Check for leaks (make adjustments if found) and you should be good to go !

My FLP install was right on the first time. . . no leaks, engin fired right up ! All in all, a pretty easy header installations job if you ask me ! Thanks FLP !

Well, I hope this helps. . . . sorry for bening so long winded. Good luck with your installation. I think you'll like the results !

Later,

Cecil
Heidelberg, Germany
The German-American Corvette Club
of Baden-Werttemberg
:flag


[Modified by davisce, 12:48 PM 8/27/2002]

 

I did this install by myself using a lift about 3 months ago with great success... It took me about 6 hours to complete the job but I took my time and aligned everything to perfection... Goodluck with the upgrade for your going to have a big ! :D :cheers:

 

Wow thanks Davisce for the details. I also plan on doing a dyno run after the install to get a good handle on what I gained. I am still nervous about the install but can't see paying $400 plus dollars for install when this is all bolt on.

 

This is a fun install. I did my FLP's with the help of a good friend and forum member, Wt99C5, aka Al my pal. :lol:

We used Rhino Ramps on the front and jack stands on the rear. For sure, a lift would have made it easier but it obviously isn't a requirement. They went in without any major incident but with some minor fitment issues which they have apparently addressed recently.

Get an early start and have a friend help you for a fun day and a great way to learn more about your car. The best part is when you start it up after the install. The sound is intoxicating and you'll feel the difference.

Save your money and enjoy yourself to boot. :cheers:

 

When are you going to do this? I want to make sure I'm out of town that weekend. :D