thinking of doing headers install myself..
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 768
Likes: 101
From: Miami FL
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Unmodified
thinking of doing headers install myself..
so i think in the near future i plan to purchase some OBX headers with high flow cats and save me some good amount of $$ and do the install myself..can anyone who has done the install themselves educate me on what i'am expected..is it a hard install? how long does it take..and can i mount on full length headers on my straight pipe mufflers ?(all i did was cut the muffler box off and weld a straight pipe so i still have the stock muffler pipe size)
thanks in advanced
thanks in advanced
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 219
Likes: 1
From: Winnipeg
You can do it yourself, theres no doubt. It won't be easy. On a lift at work, by myself it took me about 3 hours start to finish. You can bolt the OBX system right up to your stock axle back if you'd like, so if your current system is together, it will be all okay. You will also need 36" extensions for the front and 24" extensions for the rear 02 sensors.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,157
Likes: 37
From: North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'11-'12
Here's a write up I did when I installed the LG headers on my 06 ...same basic steps for any brand
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...up-beware.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...up-beware.html
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I did the entire job on four jack stands in my drive way in the winter!! You gain 4-5 without CATS. IMHO,,, its NOT worth the hassle or smell and legality to go catless.
YES,, Use the OEM stock header gaskets.
I used XS Power CATTED headers sold by SUPERMAN 09 (forum sponsor) They fit excellent and perform par with brand name headers.
PM Him for the details and price!!
VERY happy with the fitment, quality and performance results.
NOTE,, After a header install, a TUNE in NOT mandatory but,,,,,,,,,,,, I would do as many MODs as possible and get a full dyno tune for optimum performance and efficiency.
I added the headers, VARARAM, Ported TB and a 160 deg stat. The Chuck Cow (Corvettes of Westchester) tune made all the difference in the world. She runs clean and mean!
The first time install will take you about 4-6 hrs. I can do a C6 XS Power header install in about 3 hours now!
They are some of the easiest headers to install IMHO!
Bill
YES,, Use the OEM stock header gaskets.
I used XS Power CATTED headers sold by SUPERMAN 09 (forum sponsor) They fit excellent and perform par with brand name headers.
PM Him for the details and price!!
VERY happy with the fitment, quality and performance results.
NOTE,, After a header install, a TUNE in NOT mandatory but,,,,,,,,,,,, I would do as many MODs as possible and get a full dyno tune for optimum performance and efficiency.
I added the headers, VARARAM, Ported TB and a 160 deg stat. The Chuck Cow (Corvettes of Westchester) tune made all the difference in the world. She runs clean and mean!
The first time install will take you about 4-6 hrs. I can do a C6 XS Power header install in about 3 hours now!
They are some of the easiest headers to install IMHO!Bill
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 768
Likes: 101
From: Miami FL
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Unmodified
I already have straight pipes so I might as well add on no cats..I'm looking at obx full length headers..won't it throw codes after header install?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 1
From: Lake Delton (WI Dells) WI
I just installed AR headers and it was a snap. I do have a KwikLift and full set of air tools though. Ait tools make removal of the stock exhaust a piece of cake. Having an air ratchet also really helps with removal of the 37(?) screws holding the tunnel plate on. 
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 418
Likes: 3
From: Fallsington PA
Why did you have to take the tunnel plate off? It isnt required for a header swap.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 11,792
Likes: 255
From: Ossining New York
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'12-'13-'14
I can give you 10 customers names and phone #'s...
so i think in the near future i plan to purchase some OBX headers with high flow cats and save me some good amount of $$ and do the install myself..can anyone who has done the install themselves educate me on what i'am expected..is it a hard install? how long does it take..and can i mount on full length headers on my straight pipe mufflers ?(all i did was cut the muffler box off and weld a straight pipe so i still have the stock muffler pipe size)
thanks in advanced
thanks in advanced
you shouldn't do it yourself..... The did it themselves, and when they were done
they will tell you why they would never do it again....
On another note, I can tell you why I prefer NOT to tune cars where the customer did
their own install......ESPECIALLY HEADERS....
Unless you're set up for it.... Leave it to someone that does it all the time....
Some guys can get it done right, but for MOST of you....
PAY A PROFESSIONAL.
Chuck CoW
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 1
From: Lake Delton (WI Dells) WI
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 18
From: Missouri City Texas
~5 hours, two jackstands and a basic socket set will have the job done. The only "special" tool you'll likely need is the O2 socket which you can "rent" from Autozone.
It's a very simple install even for first-timers. Just give yourself a little time and it's a breeze.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,169
Likes: 199
From: Your Sister's Bedroom
Those 10 customers must also struggle with simple day-to-day chores
~5 hours, two jackstands and a basic socket set will have the job done. The only "special" tool you'll likely need is the O2 socket which you can "rent" from Autozone.
It's a very simple install even for first-timers. Just give yourself a little time and it's a breeze.
~5 hours, two jackstands and a basic socket set will have the job done. The only "special" tool you'll likely need is the O2 socket which you can "rent" from Autozone.
It's a very simple install even for first-timers. Just give yourself a little time and it's a breeze.
Headers are not difficult.. At all....The only way I would recommend you dont install your own headers is if you cannot change your own oil. They only go in one way, not really possible to screw it up unless your a total idiot.
Last edited by breecher_7; Mar 26, 2012 at 04:48 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 940
Likes: 1
From: Long Island NY
Straight pipes or mufflers has nothing to do with cats or no cats. What everybody has been saying is unless you want the bad smell, go with cats. Mufflers or not have nothing to do with reducing the smell.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 7
From: Indy
I completed my Kook header install in around 4 hours. It's not to bad as long as you have some basic understanding on how these cars work. Just make sure you are careful with the sensors and plus/wires. Everything else is very strait forward.
You should find some stuff on the forums that will give you a basic "step by step".
Well worth it, and plus you get to brag to all your friends when starting the beast up
You should find some stuff on the forums that will give you a basic "step by step".
Well worth it, and plus you get to brag to all your friends when starting the beast up
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 768
Likes: 101
From: Miami FL
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Unmodified
i have some good knowledge about my car..installed an airaid, 160 stat and vr tb spacer alone..but not 100% sure about headers..local muffler shop told me 350$ for install..i plan on getting some obx no cats full length headers..just debating on attempting it or just paying a pro to do it