Has anybody out there installed their own headers? If so how hard was it? I'm wanting to install a set of long tubes but I'm not sure if it's gonna be a huge job. I've done this on other cars, but always had to remove engine mounts, jack motor around, etc. etc. Would appreciate any opinions on different manufacturers and also the various pitfalls.............well you get the idea. HHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPP P!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS
:)

 

You usually don't have to jack the engine, but sounds like you have the experience to cover it. The tought part is usually moving the starter around enough to get the passenger side done. Also, go ahead and remove the alternator, coil packs, valve covers, and spark plugs. It may look like you can leave the covers on, but don't bother.

Dave

 

CTHOREEN,
Don't know what headers you're installing. But do a search in C5 Tech/Performance for FLP, look in archived and you'll find 117 post on the subject. Good details, what you need to remove, what you need to loosen and what you need extra.

Getting ready to drop my FLPs on this month. Best advice I can offer is look at all the post, print some of them out that list the details, read them 4 or 5 times and then have at it. That's my rules of engagement.

later,

 

I specifically bought the FLP's because they were a complete header system, that required NO weldind. I put them on in my garage, with basic hand tools. If you want to see a very good install website, then please click here:

http://www.stl-vettes.com/Headers/Header_Install.asp

I did it with a floor jack, and two pairs of jackstands.It's much easier if you pre-assemble them on the floor first, as the clamps can be tricky. Just be patient, take your time, and most importantly, BE SAFE! Good Luck!

 

Hey! Thanks for the advice. It sounds like FLP is a favorite so I'll look into those. Also, thanks for the tip on the archive thing. I'm pretty new to the forum and I didn't know that you could do that!!!!!!
:)

 

You left out the most critical mental lubricant BEER. :cheers:

 

It is my understanding that if you have a lift, you can install the FLP's from underneath, without having to remove all of those parts.....

any comments on this?

 

I too am interested in FLPs and Shawn at LAPD told me they are easier to install from underneath.

 

I was going to post about looking at my web site for FLP install but other have already done so :) :) Thanks Click Here

As far as doing it: Just take your time, I did mine over a two day period. Check and recheck as you go along. A buddy would help (I did mine ALL by myself). I'm 60 years old (gezzer) and would do it again. Now for that SC project :) :)







[Modified by Black_Magic, 12:42 PM 2/2/2003]

 

I too used Black_Magic's nicely documented installation guide (thanks again B_M) and evrything went smoothly. Do the "FLP" search and you'll find a wealth of experience to draw on. I am very pleased with the results too.

 

Look at the link in my sig for my FLP install fun :yesnod:

 

George I wish I'd had your help this weekend. Installing the TTS longtubes, solo, is a pain in the a5s! :smash:

 

OK! I'm convinced. The FLP's are the way to go. I have access to a lift, so all I have to do is find a place to buy them. Is FLP the only source or do others sell them? This is going on a 2003.

 

How much HP gain do you get with an FLP headers?
How much HP gain do you get if you add it on a Magnuson SC'ed C5?

 

I did mine with a lift and if you take your time plan on spending 6-7 hours on a quality job... :D

 

[QUOTE]How much HP gain do you get with an FLP headers?QUOTE]

I did pickup 12 hp & 15 TQ with the FLPs on a stock motor.
Dyno curve was smooth on the 3rd run.
I hoped for more, but looking around, 10/15 for a dyno is the norm on a stock A4 motor.
SOTP on the fly says bigger improvement factoring the ram air from the vortex intake. It also took out the tin-e-ness out of the PRTs and deepened the tone some.
Time will tell in the 1/4............. :D :D

 

CTHOREEN,
Go to LAPD and ask for Shawn - he'll cut you a good deal. Tell him you want the same deal he cut for Loren Dial - good price.

later,

 

I'm lucky enough to live near FLP, and picked mine up at the shop. At the time, they had a 20% off of everything sale going. Cheapest that I found them. Wish that I'd have bought a Level IV trans too.

 

Davidfarmer,

Yeap, I Installed my FLP Long Tube Headers, with High Flow CATs and X-Pipe with the help of one other person (would highly recommend you have at least one person to help).

The install took 4.5 hours (from the time I drove the car on the lift to the time I drove it off for the first test drive).

I had to remove Fuel Rail Covers; disconnect the steering wheel shaft (mark both ends for reconnection). Then disconnect both sets of coil packs (did not have to remove from the car); remove spark plug wires and plugs (I didn't remove the plugs, but was real careful), remove the dipstick and stock exhaust manafold. (I had different set of headers on my Vette at the time, so they were a little harder to get off than the stock manafolds).

Both FLP Header dropped in from the top; driver's side required a little more effort, but no real problems. Passenger side went right in real easy.

Don't (DO NOT) install the "front O2 Sensors" in the Header Collector as per instruction. . . . . the headers go in easier with them out and they (02 Sensors) are easy to install from the bottom after you drop the headers in (BEFORE YOU TIGHTEN THINGS UP).

I didn't (Did Not) have to loosen motor mounts, jack the engine up, or remove the starter, or whatever else.

Now, I have a 6 speed transmission on my Vette. I don't know if the install will quit as easy with an automatic Trans or not.

I really like the FLP System. . . . they sound great and the preformance is outstanding . . . . I hope this helps answer some of your questions. . . good luck !

Cecil
Heidelberg, Germany
:flag

 

does the flp package come with everything you need? I see on black-magic's (outstanding) guide that o2 sensors and x-pipes are listed, are they necessary though? my ('97 6 speed) car is stock except for the stingers.


[Modified by Red Gump, 5:09 PM 2/5/2003]