Well, I (acutally me and my dad) started my Stainless Works header install today. First off, these headers appear to be top notch, quality wise. Instructions are a little lacking, but what can you do.

Passenger side stock manifold came off pretty easily, drivers side is a PITA. Those back 2 bolts are killer! After we removed stock manifolds, the rest of the the exaust has to be dropped. Only problem we ran into was the O2 sensor on the h pipe was siezed up, and the threads were gone. Might have to pick a new one up, but my brother said he could just tach it in place. Have to see how that turns out tomorrow. That damn thing probably took a good 45 mins to get off.

After that, we installed the passenger header from the top. Instructions said to removed the starter, but we got it in there without removing it. Then we did the drivers side from the bottom. Definately a tight fit to get those wedged up in there. Just have to keep working at it and do a lot of jiggling.

After that, my brother cut the old pipes off, with his plasma cutter, before the cats and cleaned up the welds with a grinder. Then he tapped the O2 sensor hole, so we might be able to reuse the old one. That's where we left off. Total time spent working on it today was ~6 hours. Hopefully we can finish up in about 3 hours tomorrow.

I'll post back tomorrow, and give you my first impressions on how it drives/feels.


[Modified by GmasterB, 8:39 PM 11/28/2002]

 

:cheers: Keep us posted.

' spent a few days in Goodyear, haven't seen any Corvettes around.

 

:D

 

OK...all done! First off, these headers look awesome under the hood. They sound bad butt when I nail it. The Corsa Indy's love these headers :D . I can definately feel the difference. Also, there is a lot more room now for changing out plugs and working around the headers. A definite buy, in case any of you are on the fence.

Now for the rest of the install. Worked about 4 hours today on finishing up. Total time involved was ~10 hours, and that was with 2.5 people (my brother did the welding stuff). Well, like I said before, the instructions supplied suck. The big time killer today was the fact that we had to remove 2.5 inches from each pipe (the H-Pipe assembly) to get them back to the proper length to bolt up. Also, the O2 sensors on the headers now sit further back, so we had to removed the the wires/clamp things from the side of the engine bay to allow them to reach. Then we had to zip tie them out of the way so they don't get burned. Some of that little stuff is really a PITA :mad . Overall, it went well, but I would definately say it's not a DIY project for a normal handy man. You really need access to a TIG Welder, Plasma Cutter, grinder, and a big cutter to cut 2 1/2 inches off the pipes in the exact same place (we did them at the same time, in a straight line) Luckily my brother fabricates stuff out of metal so he had all this stuff, but I don't think the average person does.

Well, I need to go drive some more so I can enjoy the new mod :cheers:


[Modified by GmasterB, 8:38 PM 11/28/2002]

 

Thanks for the write up, mine are in the basement awaiting install. :cheers:

 

I just got done with he same install with TPIS went with them due to the coating... about the same story here but did not go from the bottom on the drivers side elected to remove the alt and valve covers.
Preety easy if you take your time and have the tools.
Cant wait till spring to see what they feel like