Help with headers and install info for C6
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Fort Walton Beach FL
Help with headers and install info for C6
Ok, I have read ALOT of header threads here on the forum and I didnt get alot of specific stuff. I want to install headers on my 05 vete. I did see that alot of people have many different opinions about what to use Kooks, Hookers etc. BUT what about the cats? Do they go back on at all? I live in FL. Should i just leave them off? O2 sensors? What do i need to do with them. I have a Borla Cat Back with an LPE intake. Is there going to be a problem putting all this together? What about flippin the check engine light? ANY kind of info would be MUCH appreciated. Thanx guys.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 0
From: Denver PA
St. Jude Donor '07
Each brand of headers are a little different. The original cats can't be used with LT headers. You will also need another X-pipe, with or W/o cats. You will also need(4) 02 sensor extensions, as the orginal ones are too short. A word of advice, get new GM manifold gaskets as most gaskets supplied with the headers will eventually leak.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Fort Walton Beach FL
So I CAN leave the cats off right? Livin in FL right now with no inspections helps true but I will keep them just in case. OK so GM gaskets, O2 sensors extensions. But why a new X pipe? It has the whole Borla system in it. Including X pipe. Thanx for the help
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Kailua-Kona Hawaii
LT means long tube headers. They are going to eliminate the cats that are on the stock manifold. I put my B&B headers on last weekend and I am fighting the problem with the check engine light right now. The car is running too rich. Probably the best scenario is to do all your mods, get the computer tuned, pay the cash and go to their shop for a dyno run, and you'll get the best setup.
You can leave the cats off with no inspection in Florida. However it is against the law to remove the cats, or even mess with them for that matter. But, the EPA isn't enforcing their laws and how would anyone know unless you rolled up to the EPA and popped the hood. They'd probably try and nail you if you were street racing and got caught.
My B&B headers have ports for the O2 sensors, but still are causing a check engine light. There is alot of info on this on my current thread about headers and my check engine light that is current right now. I'd imagine a good tune would fix all that up.
You can leave the cats off with no inspection in Florida. However it is against the law to remove the cats, or even mess with them for that matter. But, the EPA isn't enforcing their laws and how would anyone know unless you rolled up to the EPA and popped the hood. They'd probably try and nail you if you were street racing and got caught.
My B&B headers have ports for the O2 sensors, but still are causing a check engine light. There is alot of info on this on my current thread about headers and my check engine light that is current right now. I'd imagine a good tune would fix all that up.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Fort Walton Beach FL
OK so can i install the headers with NO cats and leave the X pipe from the Borla exhaust?? IF SO.... how bad is it going to make the car go crazy without the cats. LIKE pissin off the computer where the light nevers goes off.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 549
Likes: 0
Definitely worth doing a tune after the header install. I don't know the specifics of what was changed, but I had a tune done by MTI Racing after my LG headers. It hasn't had a CEL at all. The car doesn't cut power during shifts (MN6) like it did before - torque mgmt changes? They also got rid of the CAGS and the associated light on the instrument panel no longer comes on. That was very welcome. There had to be some air/fuel optimization in there as well which was probably good for a decent power increase. Can't argue with 397 RWHP 396 RWTQ from headers, tune, 160 stat, Honker, and plug wires.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,866
Likes: 107
From: God's Country, ID
Originally Posted by crawdog450
OK so can i install the headers with NO cats and leave the X pipe from the Borla exhaust?? IF SO.... how bad is it going to make the car go crazy without the cats. LIKE pissin off the computer where the light nevers goes off.
I just installed LT's (w/cats) on my 06 A6. First, I had the headers ceramic coated. After 3 days, no issues with a CEL yet. Unfortunately, no one in my area has the software to do a complete reprogram (damn A6 transmission) so I am keeping my fingers crossed at this point. Others, I read, have been able to disconnect the battery and reset the computer several times thus eliminating the CEL.
To answer your question about the car going crazy, running bad, if it has a CEL on. I had the CEL on (because of LT's) on the 05 before tuning and it ran fine. It may have ran a slight bit richer however which could have been hurting the performance but not by much if any. I doubt it will harm the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 0
From: Denver PA
St. Jude Donor '07
A dyno tune will do the following.
1. Get the correct fuel/air ratio.
2. Adjust the timing.
3. Can adjust the Torque Management for better performance.
4. Can eliminate the Launch Control.
5. Can eliminate the CAGS
6. Can adjust shift pionts in an automatic.
15-20 rwhp can be gained from a good dyno tune.
1. Get the correct fuel/air ratio.
2. Adjust the timing.
3. Can adjust the Torque Management for better performance.
4. Can eliminate the Launch Control.
5. Can eliminate the CAGS
6. Can adjust shift pionts in an automatic.
15-20 rwhp can be gained from a good dyno tune.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Fort Walton Beach FL
THANX FOR ALL THE HELP GUYS!!! I think i will go with the "OFF-ROAD" package. No cats but will save all the stuff if military moves me to Cali. OK so I have one more! When i pull the cats off and put on the new LT headers will it or SHOULD it bolt right up to the exhaust? Will i need to do some fab work to get it to fit and can i leave the borla x pipe? THANX AGAIN FOR ALL THE HELP!!!!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
sorry but there are no corvette tuners in my area so what should i do??
i think a tune will void the warranty so i have to put back the stock tune for service...??
installing LG LT Headers and Vararam air intake
(B&B Bullets already on)
thanxx
i think a tune will void the warranty so i have to put back the stock tune for service...??
installing LG LT Headers and Vararam air intake
(B&B Bullets already on)
thanxx
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Fort Walton Beach FL
Well from the info i have gathered .......... RWTD!!! for Diablo Tune 1 year free tunes but if you want dyno youll have to go find one. The Preadator says you can restore original data back to take it to the dealer but i am new to this game so thats all i found out so far. GOOD LUCK
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 0
From: Denver PA
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by Black-Bullet
sorry but there are no corvette tuners in my area so what should i do??
i think a tune will void the warranty so i have to put back the stock tune for service...??
installing LG LT Headers and Vararam air intake
(B&B Bullets already on)
thanxx
i think a tune will void the warranty so i have to put back the stock tune for service...??
installing LG LT Headers and Vararam air intake
(B&B Bullets already on)
thanxx
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Fort Walton Beach FL
OK thanx for all the help..... BUT i have one more question. How loud will the car be with the borla cat back and NO cats....... Will it be just insane or liveable?? I dont want the cart too loud
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by crawdog450
OK thanx for all the help..... BUT i have one more question. How loud will the car be with the borla cat back and NO cats....... Will it be just insane or liveable?? I dont want the cart too loud
) but i dont think louder than mine with the B&B Bullets...i think it would nice and it depend on you how u like the sound...hope you will like it
