install time for headers?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 373
Likes: 2
From: White Plains NY
install time for headers?
Hi All,
If you had I lift and all the right tools how long would it take to install a set of long tube headers and free flow cat x-pipes on a "08" C6 LS3?
Thanks,
Mike
If you had I lift and all the right tools how long would it take to install a set of long tube headers and free flow cat x-pipes on a "08" C6 LS3?
Thanks,
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 3
From: Goleta California
I am sure you will be told it can be done in less than two hours, but plan on 4 so you don't have to rush. Also make sure you have all the correct parts before you start, nothing worse than starting a job only to find you have 3 rear o2 sensor extensions and 1 front or worse 3 fronts and one rear!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 14
Its cake. I did the headers in my driveway with ramps only in about 3 hrs. Couldnt be easier. Reuse your stock gaskets and tighten the header bolts from the center bolts and work your way to the outside. 
FYI, always be safe when under the car. Double and triple check the car for stability before getting under it. Be safe and enjoy the install.
FYI, always be safe when under the car. Double and triple check the car for stability before getting under it. Be safe and enjoy the install.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,184
Likes: 78
From: Corpus Christi Texas
3 to 4 hours should be fine for the first time. I just put LG Pros on my C6 in the driveway on ramps. About 3 1/2 hours. The easiest header install I've done. More room than most cars.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 995
Likes: 2
From: Virginia Beach VA
Great times but...
In a perfect world, for people who are mechanically inclined & I am (built my custom Harley from scratch starting w/ aftermarket frame to building the engine to lacing the spokes) & I installed my headers, I agree w/ 3-4 hours. Real world, if you're by yourself, 1st time & you don't do this type of work regularly, then ALL DAY! I did mine in my garage, alone, & just getting it safely in the air took 30 mins. The catback aftermarket (Flowmasters, crap BTW) exhaust had rusted together took longer to break apart than removing the enitre rest of exhaust. So if you're looking for an estimate on how long it should take a shop or you in a friends shop w/ their help 3-4 hours. If your on your own, w/ access to a lift & the tools having never done before count on twice as long.
Last edited by Mike V.; Sep 28, 2008 at 12:37 AM.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,071
Likes: 1,589
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Depends on any number of things. If absoultly no problems and you have a lift and experienced help, yeh 3 to 4 hours best case. Worse case alot longer, all day maybe. Then hope you don't have any flange leaks or a warped header flange. Then take it off and put it back on. Ask me howI know.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,071
Likes: 1,589
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Depends on any number of things. If absoultly no problems and you have a lift and experienced help, yeh 3 to 4 hours best case. Worse case alot longer all day maybe. Then hope you don't have any flange leaks or a warped header flange. Then take it off and put it back on. Ask me howI know.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 14
From: Mechanicsville Maryland
I contacted a few places and was quoted between 100 and 150 dollars for the install if I also had a tune done at the same time. Being as a tune is highly recommended it almost seems worth it to have someone else deal with it. But, the shops I contacted said it's a 90 minute job.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 18,396
Likes: 169
It took 4 hours, start to finish, solo, on my car. DynaTech 1 7/8" with cats and x-pipe. I took my time and I'm a meticulous wrench turner. Honestly, if you can screw in a light bulb, you can install headers on a C6.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 78
From: Miami FL
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16,'17,'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
Tough as in difficult, or just time-consuming? I have seen one recommendation, (from SpinMonster ??) to drill holes in the tunnel plate to run the after-cat O2 sensor wires above the plate.
Any one have details on this approach? I have my Kooks with ceramic coating in the lab, and had MarylandSpeed weld in an extra bung in the merge collector for a wide-band tuning sensor. I have a lift in my air-conditioned lab, and lots of air tools, and a couple of experienced Corvette (amateur) wrenchers to help. No beer until the job is done.
Any one have details on this approach? I have my Kooks with ceramic coating in the lab, and had MarylandSpeed weld in an extra bung in the merge collector for a wide-band tuning sensor. I have a lift in my air-conditioned lab, and lots of air tools, and a couple of experienced Corvette (amateur) wrenchers to help. No beer until the job is done.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 373
Likes: 2
From: White Plains NY
Tough as in difficult, or just time-consuming? I have seen one recommendation, (from SpinMonster ??) to drill holes in the tunnel plate to run the after-cat O2 sensor wires above the plate.
Any one have details on this approach? I have my Kooks with ceramic coating in the lab, and had MarylandSpeed weld in an extra bung in the merge collector for a wide-band tuning sensor. I have a lift in my air-conditioned lab, and lots of air tools, and a couple of experienced Corvette (amateur) wrenchers to help. No beer until the job is done.
Any one have details on this approach? I have my Kooks with ceramic coating in the lab, and had MarylandSpeed weld in an extra bung in the merge collector for a wide-band tuning sensor. I have a lift in my air-conditioned lab, and lots of air tools, and a couple of experienced Corvette (amateur) wrenchers to help. No beer until the job is done.
Mike
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 995
Likes: 2
From: Virginia Beach VA
O2 sensors
O2 sensors are not difficult, & there are some nice pics of Spins rec. out there on the forum. That's what I did, used a few clips mounted in alum. tunnel plate using the mounting screws already there. It's only time consuming 'cuz you need to take a good look & think a little where the best place to run them is, best spot to clip to support away from heat, etc.