LS3 Header install question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
LS3 Header install question
I am thinking their might be some headers in my future..
Would like to hear from those who took the DIY route...
overall experience, level of difficulty.. etc..
Thinking about a set of kooks, long tube with cats.. Are they smog legal ? Do you need O2 simms.
Can I do it in my garage on jackstands, enough clearance to drop pipes..etc.
The old days we had to remove the starter and there were shimms and junk like that... anything like that now.. especially interested in LS3 if it's different in any way. thanks
Would like to hear from those who took the DIY route...
overall experience, level of difficulty.. etc..
Thinking about a set of kooks, long tube with cats.. Are they smog legal ? Do you need O2 simms.
Can I do it in my garage on jackstands, enough clearance to drop pipes..etc.
The old days we had to remove the starter and there were shimms and junk like that... anything like that now.. especially interested in LS3 if it's different in any way. thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 13
From: east norriton pa
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,511
Likes: 22
From: Southern MD
It is ones of those "So easy a caveman could do it" kind of things..very easy and straight forward.
As for being smog legal I am guessing you are referring to if they have a CARB number. No LT's can get a CARB certification because they relocate the cats. That being said, CARB only effects California, and there is no reason that a properly tuned Corvette with a catted crossover cannot pass an emissions test.
As for O2 sims, they are illegal, and very hard to come by now. First off you have to understand why you get a code when you install LT headers. Basically, what happens is that you replace your factory cats with high flow cats, or not cats (if you get an off road X-pipe). When you do this, it increases the tempatures that that rear O2 sensors see, and it throws a O2 sensor related code/CEL. The way people handle the O2 codes now is through how the car is tuned. Basically, when you get the car tuned, the tuner will reprogram the computer to not read from the rear O2 sensors. This prevents any O2 related codes from changing the cats/going catless. The rear O2 sensors are not needed for the car to run right, so this has no effect on performance.
If you have any more questions, or want to order, just give us a call.
Thanks!
----------------------------------------------------------------
www.MarylandSpeed.com- Unmatched Service & Great Prices!
We Have a Sale on Kooks Headers Going!
Current Poject- 2007 Loaded Machine Metallic LT3, A6 Targa (Not Stock
)
As for being smog legal I am guessing you are referring to if they have a CARB number. No LT's can get a CARB certification because they relocate the cats. That being said, CARB only effects California, and there is no reason that a properly tuned Corvette with a catted crossover cannot pass an emissions test.
As for O2 sims, they are illegal, and very hard to come by now. First off you have to understand why you get a code when you install LT headers. Basically, what happens is that you replace your factory cats with high flow cats, or not cats (if you get an off road X-pipe). When you do this, it increases the tempatures that that rear O2 sensors see, and it throws a O2 sensor related code/CEL. The way people handle the O2 codes now is through how the car is tuned. Basically, when you get the car tuned, the tuner will reprogram the computer to not read from the rear O2 sensors. This prevents any O2 related codes from changing the cats/going catless. The rear O2 sensors are not needed for the car to run right, so this has no effect on performance.
If you have any more questions, or want to order, just give us a call.
Thanks!
----------------------------------------------------------------
www.MarylandSpeed.com- Unmatched Service & Great Prices!
We Have a Sale on Kooks Headers Going!
Current Poject- 2007 Loaded Machine Metallic LT3, A6 Targa (Not Stock
)I am thinking their might be some headers in my future..
Would like to hear from those who took the DIY route...
overall experience, level of difficulty.. etc..
Thinking about a set of kooks, long tube with cats.. Are they smog legal ? Do you need O2 simms.
Can I do it in my garage on jackstands, enough clearance to drop pipes..etc.
The old days we had to remove the starter and there were shimms and junk like that... anything like that now.. especially interested in LS3 if it's different in any way. thanks
Would like to hear from those who took the DIY route...
overall experience, level of difficulty.. etc..
Thinking about a set of kooks, long tube with cats.. Are they smog legal ? Do you need O2 simms.
Can I do it in my garage on jackstands, enough clearance to drop pipes..etc.
The old days we had to remove the starter and there were shimms and junk like that... anything like that now.. especially interested in LS3 if it's different in any way. thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,939
Likes: 448
From: CHOCOWINITY NC
Pretty good "How-To" install with lots of pics here:
http://www.gmhightechperformance.com..._installation/
http://www.gmhightechperformance.com..._installation/
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 695
Likes: 19
I just put on a set of headers last weekend. It took me a while because I needed a deep 15mm socket for everything under the car, and a couple different extensions so it took me a couple trips to the store.
The only trouble I had was that the stock cat on the driver's side had seized to the manifold. You can take it off without removing the car though so no big deal. The passenger side nuts spun right off though with minial effort.
Check this thread out
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...ad.php?t=57740
The only trouble I had was that the stock cat on the driver's side had seized to the manifold. You can take it off without removing the car though so no big deal. The passenger side nuts spun right off though with minial effort.
Check this thread out
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...ad.php?t=57740
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Awesome.. thanks for the detailed response. I am in NC, we have our cars inspected. All they do is hook-up to the OBD port and check for codes. I was worried about the visual inspection.. thinking they would ask for CARB info if they saw non-OEM setup.
Thanks.. I am still thinking about doing headers/CAI and a tune.. car is only 3 weeks old.. but life is short... so I am thinking hard on it.
Thanks.. I am still thinking about doing headers/CAI and a tune.. car is only 3 weeks old.. but life is short... so I am thinking hard on it.
It is ones of those "So easy a caveman could do it" kind of things..very easy and straight forward.
As for being smog legal I am guessing you are referring to if they have a CARB number. No LT's can get a CARB certification because they relocate the cats. That being said, CARB only effects California, and there is no reason that a properly tuned Corvette with a catted crossover cannot pass an emissions test.
As for O2 sims, they are illegal, and very hard to come by now. First off you have to understand why you get a code when you install LT headers. Basically, what happens is that you replace your factory cats with high flow cats, or not cats (if you get an off road X-pipe). When you do this, it increases the tempatures that that rear O2 sensors see, and it throws a O2 sensor related code/CEL. The way people handle the O2 codes now is through how the car is tuned. Basically, when you get the car tuned, the tuner will reprogram the computer to not read from the rear O2 sensors. This prevents any O2 related codes from changing the cats/going catless. The rear O2 sensors are not needed for the car to run right, so this has no effect on performance.
If you have any more questions, or want to order, just give us a call.
Thanks!
----------------------------------------------------------------
www.MarylandSpeed.com- Unmatched Service & Great Prices!
We Have a Sale on Kooks Headers Going!
Current Poject- 2007 Loaded Machine Metallic LT3, A6 Targa (Not Stock)
As for being smog legal I am guessing you are referring to if they have a CARB number. No LT's can get a CARB certification because they relocate the cats. That being said, CARB only effects California, and there is no reason that a properly tuned Corvette with a catted crossover cannot pass an emissions test.
As for O2 sims, they are illegal, and very hard to come by now. First off you have to understand why you get a code when you install LT headers. Basically, what happens is that you replace your factory cats with high flow cats, or not cats (if you get an off road X-pipe). When you do this, it increases the tempatures that that rear O2 sensors see, and it throws a O2 sensor related code/CEL. The way people handle the O2 codes now is through how the car is tuned. Basically, when you get the car tuned, the tuner will reprogram the computer to not read from the rear O2 sensors. This prevents any O2 related codes from changing the cats/going catless. The rear O2 sensors are not needed for the car to run right, so this has no effect on performance.
If you have any more questions, or want to order, just give us a call.
Thanks!
----------------------------------------------------------------
www.MarylandSpeed.com- Unmatched Service & Great Prices!
We Have a Sale on Kooks Headers Going!
Current Poject- 2007 Loaded Machine Metallic LT3, A6 Targa (Not Stock
)
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,939
Likes: 448
From: CHOCOWINITY NC
C6-Missle....
Not sure where you are in NC (I'm in Greenville), but there is a very good shop in the Raleigh area:
http://www.mayhemmotorsports.net/
I recently spent a day there while they installed headers and did a Dyno tune on Zpirates '06. Very nice guys, Knowledgeable and careful. Another forum member here has had a lot of work done by them and has been Very pleased and referred us. When I get my Longtubes on, I plan to visit them for the requisite tune. Jeff is the head Tech, and Jay is his partner/front office guy. After spending time with them and watching them work, I'm sure you'd be pleased...They're real straight shooters and reasonable on pricing..
Not sure where you are in NC (I'm in Greenville), but there is a very good shop in the Raleigh area:
http://www.mayhemmotorsports.net/
I recently spent a day there while they installed headers and did a Dyno tune on Zpirates '06. Very nice guys, Knowledgeable and careful. Another forum member here has had a lot of work done by them and has been Very pleased and referred us. When I get my Longtubes on, I plan to visit them for the requisite tune. Jeff is the head Tech, and Jay is his partner/front office guy. After spending time with them and watching them work, I'm sure you'd be pleased...They're real straight shooters and reasonable on pricing..
Last edited by Modshack; Oct 26, 2007 at 02:07 PM.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Thanks for the info! I can probably do the headers myself.. but I will certainly need someone to do a tune.. Great info.. Thanks again!
C6-Missle....
Not sure where you are in NC (I'm in Greenville), but there is a very good shop in the Raleigh area:
http://www.mayhemmotorsports.net/
I recently spent a day there while they installed headers and did a Dyno tune on Zpirates '06. Very nice guys, Knowledgeable and careful. Another forum member here has had a lot of work done by them and has been Very pleased and referred us. When I get my Longtubes on, I plan to visit them for the requisite tune. Jeff is the head Tech, and Jay is his partner/front office guy. After spending time with them and watching them work, I'm sure you'd be pleased...They're real straight shooters and reasonable on pricing..
Not sure where you are in NC (I'm in Greenville), but there is a very good shop in the Raleigh area:
http://www.mayhemmotorsports.net/
I recently spent a day there while they installed headers and did a Dyno tune on Zpirates '06. Very nice guys, Knowledgeable and careful. Another forum member here has had a lot of work done by them and has been Very pleased and referred us. When I get my Longtubes on, I plan to visit them for the requisite tune. Jeff is the head Tech, and Jay is his partner/front office guy. After spending time with them and watching them work, I'm sure you'd be pleased...They're real straight shooters and reasonable on pricing..
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Any issues with heat and noise? No plug wire meltdowns or anything. Does the engine sound much louder inside the car, as in more mechanical noise.. resonance issues..
thanks again
thanks again
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,905
Likes: 1
The only noise I've gotten is the pinging when they heat up and cool down, is normal though. A little more heat in the center console,knee area at long idles....not bad though. Much less heat than inside a viper.......
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,939
Likes: 448
From: CHOCOWINITY NC
I spent 2 hours in Zpirate's car before, and 2 after.....No real noise issues unless you go WOT. He's happy enough with how it sounds now, he's not gonna do an exhaust. The car has a little more mechanical tone...Subtle and almst unnoticeable unless you drive it hard. He's liking them (Kooks). I've got LG's to put on mine and with the NPP I'm sure they'll be howlers when on the gas! No wring or other isssues noted on John's car..
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
It is ones of those "So easy a caveman could do it" kind of things..very easy and straight forward.
As for being smog legal I am guessing you are referring to if they have a CARB number. No LT's can get a CARB certification because they relocate the cats. That being said, CARB only effects California, and there is no reason that a properly tuned Corvette with a catted crossover cannot pass an emissions test.
As for O2 sims, they are illegal, and very hard to come by now. First off you have to understand why you get a code when you install LT headers. Basically, what happens is that you replace your factory cats with high flow cats, or not cats (if you get an off road X-pipe). When you do this, it increases the tempatures that that rear O2 sensors see, and it throws a O2 sensor related code/CEL. The way people handle the O2 codes now is through how the car is tuned. Basically, when you get the car tuned, the tuner will reprogram the computer to not read from the rear O2 sensors. This prevents any O2 related codes from changing the cats/going catless. The rear O2 sensors are not needed for the car to run right, so this has no effect on performance.
If you have any more questions, or want to order, just give us a call.
Thanks!
----------------------------------------------------------------
www.MarylandSpeed.com- Unmatched Service & Great Prices!
We Have a Sale on Kooks Headers Going!
Current Poject- 2007 Loaded Machine Metallic LT3, A6
Targa (Not Stock)
As for being smog legal I am guessing you are referring to if they have a CARB number. No LT's can get a CARB certification because they relocate the cats. That being said, CARB only effects California, and there is no reason that a properly tuned Corvette with a catted crossover cannot pass an emissions test.
As for O2 sims, they are illegal, and very hard to come by now. First off you have to understand why you get a code when you install LT headers. Basically, what happens is that you replace your factory cats with high flow cats, or not cats (if you get an off road X-pipe). When you do this, it increases the tempatures that that rear O2 sensors see, and it throws a O2 sensor related code/CEL. The way people handle the O2 codes now is through how the car is tuned. Basically, when you get the car tuned, the tuner will reprogram the computer to not read from the rear O2 sensors. This prevents any O2 related codes from changing the cats/going catless. The rear O2 sensors are not needed for the car to run right, so this has no effect on performance.
If you have any more questions, or want to order, just give us a call.
Thanks!
----------------------------------------------------------------
www.MarylandSpeed.com- Unmatched Service & Great Prices!
We Have a Sale on Kooks Headers Going!
Current Poject- 2007 Loaded Machine Metallic LT3, A6
Targa (Not Stock
)
Just got my coated Kooks and Vararam tuned. That You sent out the right stuff, really fast for a really great deal.and took I care of all the good stuff with the tuner today.
cags. TM. cel,
