C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Header install?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 28, 2003 | 12:25 AM
  #1  
50-50's Avatar
50-50
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Folsom CA
Default Header install?

I just gotta ask... (because I've been wrenching on cars & machines for over 30 years, and I've experienced a few surprises), is it as simple as it looks to replace stock exhaust manifolds with headers on a 2003 C-5?
I'm familiar with the old "missed it by this much" syndrome!
Can the engine remain completely installed, or does it have to be freed up to maneuver headers into place?
I just HATE surprises!@!! :cry :smash:
Any help appreciated. :cheers:
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2003 | 12:31 AM
  #2  
jmX's Avatar
jmX
Drifting
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
Default Re: Header install? (50-50)

Depends on the brand. The ones I've seen go in fine with the engine in place. It really is a simple install.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2003 | 12:34 AM
  #3  
Bill Reid's Avatar
Bill Reid
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 3
From: Chandler AZ
Default Re: Header install? (50-50)

Most headers do not require any movement of the motor off its mounts in order to install the headers. I have installed LG's long tubes, FLP, TPIS, Belangers, and Stainless Works headers. For the most part the driver side installs from the bottom. The passanger side installs from the top... normally I remove the valve cover for that little extra room to work :)
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2003 | 04:28 AM
  #4  
50-50's Avatar
50-50
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Folsom CA
Default Re: Header install? (50-50)

Thanx to jmX & Bill... :cheers: :thumbs:
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2003 | 06:45 AM
  #5  
Allthrottleandsomebottle's Avatar
Allthrottleandsomebottle
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,935
Likes: 26
From: Lackey, my own dragstrip VA.
Virginia Events Coordinator
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
NCM Ambassador
Default Re: Header install? (50-50)

Flps installed fine...........easier than my 74' ford P/U with A/C & 360 :eek:
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2003 | 08:19 AM
  #6  
SideStep's Avatar
SideStep
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 0
Default Re: Header install? (ALLTHROTTLE&NOBOTTLE)

Flps installed fine...........easier than my 74' ford P/U with A/C & 360 :eek:
...what was your install time for the FLPs???
...did you do the install alone???

thanks
:D
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2003 | 08:21 AM
  #7  
jeanlucpicard's Avatar
jeanlucpicard
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands Texas
Default Re: Header install? (50-50)

My SLP headers are great but are a nightmare to install. Have to pull engine mount bolts to lift engine for sufficient clearance to install the headers. Also, tons of remedial & relocation work for heat protection of wiring harnesses, brake lines, clutch line, etc. Great header, nightmarish install. Would never purchase another set of SLP headers - EVER! :nonod:
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2003 | 01:01 PM
  #8  
Allthrottleandsomebottle's Avatar
Allthrottleandsomebottle
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,935
Likes: 26
From: Lackey, my own dragstrip VA.
Virginia Events Coordinator
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
NCM Ambassador
Default Re: Header install? (SideStep)

...what was your install time for the FLPs???
...did you do the install alone:D
I did it myself on my lift over 2 days @ 3 - 4 hours a day with lots of pictures.......... I get in no hurry and check torques & fastners and do cleaning while underneath.......
Can be done in under 6 hours alone or a weekend for the novice.
Shops can do it in 4 hours..........
Check out my sig link to my install if you haven't already :cheers:
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-6

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jan 28, 2003 | 04:21 PM
  #9  
SilverStateZ06's Avatar
SilverStateZ06
Racer
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Default Re: Header install? (ALLTHROTTLE&NOBOTTLE)

FLPs - I installed both sides from the top. On the driver's side, I had to move, but not disconnect the alternator and move the steering shaft. I removed the valve covers for more room.

While you are in there, throw some plugs in and get some spark plug boot heat sleeves.

Oh, did not have to mess with the motor mounts, starter, or anything else.

You might want to put the O2s in before you slide them in there - the passenger side O2 does not give you a lot of room once the headers are installed.

If I had to do it again, I would take ONE of the pipes that hold a REAR O2 and have the bung capped and have a new one welded in closer to the front of the car. This would give you staggered O2 positions and you wouldn't have to stretch your O2 wires to make them fit.

:chevy
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2003 | 04:31 PM
  #10  
Rhynos99's Avatar
Rhynos99
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 767
Likes: 0
From: Fullerton CA
Default Re: Header install? (SilverStateZ06)

It is easier to do it with two people. Just put in my FLP's this last weekend. Well helped anyway. But like said before install took about 5 hours, put in new plugs and wires while I was at it. Old wires fell apart when they were pulled off. :nonod: Passenger side went in through the top and drivers side through the bottom. IMO the hassle of the install is worth the outcome :thumbs:
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2003 | 04:53 PM
  #11  
Sleeknsilver98's Avatar
Sleeknsilver98
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Bloomingdale IL
Default Re: Header install? (50-50)

I had to remove the starter and Oil filter to clear the mounting tabs on my TPIS LT's. Both went in fine from the top.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Header install?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:43 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-1
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE