DIY Header Install?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 139
From: Port St Lucie Florida
DIY Header Install?
Just wondering is it hard to install say aftermarket headers by yourself?
Are there any links that can give me advice of doin it right the first time?
Are there any links that can give me advice of doin it right the first time?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 18,396
Likes: 169
I installed mine, in my garage, solo. Took 4 hours. It's an easy project. I have a shorty lift that gets the car about 30 inches off the floor. Be sure to remove your spark plugs before starting, or you can easily break one. It ain't brain science or rocket surgery.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 111
From: Tucson AZ
The C6 has large catalytic converters up next to the oil pan and block. With these removed you have lots of room making headers easy to install. I installed the last set of American Racing headers on jack stands in about 4 hours.
You will need to buy the matching X pipe from the header manufacturer to mate up with your over axle pipes. Do a search and you will find great how to's with pictures and all the do's and don'ts.
You will need to buy the matching X pipe from the header manufacturer to mate up with your over axle pipes. Do a search and you will find great how to's with pictures and all the do's and don'ts.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 430
Likes: 1
From: Savannah Georiga
i did it myself also had 3 friends just there to help and hang out. took us like 5hrs or so. but we slacked off a lot. Not bad at all. hardest part is trying to get the new headers in. we used jack stands which made it really tough. while your doing headers go ahead and replace with x-pipe, cat delete and mufflers while your down there.
i went with slp long tubes, slp xpipe, cat delete, and magnaflow mufflers. Love it
i went with slp long tubes, slp xpipe, cat delete, and magnaflow mufflers. Love it
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: CA
Don't forget to get new exhaust manifold gaskets and the O2 extentions harnesses. The job is pretty easy. If you do it in the garage on jack stands you need to have the car about 20" or so off the ground. This way you have enough room to install the headers from the bottom.
I don't know what headers you're installing but I'd highly recommend you making sure all wires, lines, etc are not touching the exhaust or you'll run into problems.
I don't know what headers you're installing but I'd highly recommend you making sure all wires, lines, etc are not touching the exhaust or you'll run into problems.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 139
From: Port St Lucie Florida
Thanks for all the responses. I was interested in the Kooks 1 7/8 primaries or ARH headaers whichever are cheapest. I was goin to use 2 ramps up front and 2 jack stands in the back.
Retired & lovin' it!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 547
From: Jackson NJ
I'm not sure what the current prices are for the AR's vs. Kooks, but I can tell you that I had AR's installed couple of years ago in my '05 & have been totally satisfied with the quality, fit & finish. Didn't feel like laying on cold concrete in my garage so had the install done by ECS in NJ.....I've also watched numerous installs during Corvettes at Carlisle. As several of the guys have posted, it can be a DIY project in your garage, but having a lift sure makes it easier. You should also consider a professioinal tune once the instrall is done in order to get the most out of the headers.....fuel/air characteristics do change with the hi-flo cats. Good luck......
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 303
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
I used jack stands and ramps. I used extra heat wrap to protect my o2 sensor wire extensions and tie wrap them away from heat sources.
Took me 8 hours, I installed long tubes, hi flow cats, and x-pipe. After running the car for approx 45 miles the check engine light came on.
Care drove great prior to the check engine light. Maybe it was my imagination, but it seemed to lack the power it had before the light came on.
Took it to England Green and they street tuned the car and ran pretty good.
Picked up 40 rwhp with tune, headers, hi flow cats, x-pipe, intake, and custom catback.
Took me 8 hours, I installed long tubes, hi flow cats, and x-pipe. After running the car for approx 45 miles the check engine light came on.
Care drove great prior to the check engine light. Maybe it was my imagination, but it seemed to lack the power it had before the light came on.
Took it to England Green and they street tuned the car and ran pretty good.
Picked up 40 rwhp with tune, headers, hi flow cats, x-pipe, intake, and custom catback.
Last edited by dkal70; Sep 25, 2010 at 07:25 PM.
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
Do not EVER use the crummy exhaust manifold gaskets that come with the headers. You can reuse the MLS (multi-layer-steel) OEM gasket if it looks good - that is what I did with 6000 miles on the car. Or buy a new set of genuine GM exhaust manifold gaskets - they work better than anything else you can get.
I did it myself with few problems, but I had the use of the lift in my laboratory (air-conditioned too !!)
.
I did it myself with few problems, but I had the use of the lift in my laboratory (air-conditioned too !!)
.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,002
Likes: 1
From: It's warm in Fla!
CI 6-7-8-9-10-12 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '11
I highly recommend a lift! I used a friend's when I did mine, and it makes the install a lot easier. I later bought a four post lift for restoring my '69 Camaro. If you want to drive up to Mims, you're welcome to use mine.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 94
From: Warwick Rhode Island
Just a update, put on obx longtubes no cats, sounds amazing with the borla s type 2s. The sound is a lot differant and much more muscle car sounding. Put the headers on in my apartment parking lot, got the car 15 inches off the ground by using 6 2x12x16 under each tire. Fit was good no major issues with the install. Did take 8 hours with the help of a friend/coworker. We are both Toolmakers and mechanics, not used to working on cars but we build and repair machines daily so not that much of a stretch. THE ONE THING I WILL STRESS IS KEEP THE SLAVE CYLINDER HOSE FOR THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH AWAY FROM THE HEADERS. I MELTED THE HOSE DRIVING THE NEXT DAY AND SPENT 1600 TO GET IT FIXED AT PAUL MASSE CHEVY. The mechanic told me had I moved the hose a 1/4 inch away from the header I would have been fine. Live and learn I guess. I would do it again but would make certain that everything was away from the headers. I wish that I had known before, but hopefully this will help another owner from making the same mistake
