hello all, i am gonna install my speed engineering headers on my M6 C6. basically just wanted to know if you guys have any tips on what i should do or avoid doing to make the process easier. its my first time installing headers on any vehicle, but it doesnt seem to be a hard task. i changed an 02 sensor that went bad on the car and it was tough to take off, i had to turn the car on so it could heat up then take it off. i think what im most scared of is breaking any bolts. so with that said, any info/tips is greatly appreciated. thanks.

 

Pretty straightforward on a C6. One of the easier cars I’ve done headers on.

 

Lots of threads on header installs. Do some searching around and you should find what you need.

 

Some people have been using studs in place of re-using the exhaust manifold bolts. I don't know what sizes to use however. It makes sense that it would be a stronger solution because the stud is threaded all of the way into the hole, gives you a place to hang the header while under the car, then just a nut and lockwasher to seal it up. You may or may not have to retorque the nuts after the first couple of heat cycles.

 

I also have the speed engineering headers, tip number one, use your old manifold bolts. Tip number two get 31 inch 02 extensions. Good luck.

 

Make sure you have every thing there when you start the job. Also, get a heat shield for the starter, it will have to come off anyway to get the header on. Here's a link to the shield.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...at-shield.html

 

My C6 was the first car I ever put headers on. I feared the bolts braking off as well, but as I got into it..... no issues. the corvette is not like the normal daily drivers that we run in snow/salt and all conditions for years of rust and corrosion to build.

I did mine by myself in my garage with the car on jack stands. my experience would prompt me to give the following tips:

1. As stated above, if you are going to do a starter shield .... do it while you have the header(s) off - I did not have to remove my starter to install the headers, so i figured I'd add a shield IF/WHEN the starter fails. there are mixed opinions about if it is needed (more towards yes)
2. buy some quality exhaust clamps (see pic & part number above) . don't waste your time on cheap ones that LOOK like this as they WILL NOT WORK WELL. I tried three different clamps before these ones to get rid of my exhaust leak(s)
3. get good gaskets for the manifold to reduce the chance of leaks
4. remove your spark plugs
5. if you don't have protectors for the fenders, buy some! you will be hanging inside the hood frequently and you don't want to scratch the $h!t out of your car
6. consider putting a heat shield above the X/H pipe since you will be right there
7. get the extenders for the O2 sensors and wrap the wires in heat shielded tape as the plastic loom tubing will melt - also , you may have to tie them out of the way of the pipe so they don't lay on the exhaust. I used little metal straps on the bolts that hold the heat shield in
8. wear some thin gloves to protect the back of your hands and knuckles form scrapes and cuts - it's a tight space to work in
9. hav ea 3 ft pc of rubber hose handy when done. you can use it like a stethoscope to locate exhaust leaks

I'm sure I could think of more, but just take your time and look for anything else that you may want to clean/fix while you're in there.

have fuN!