C7 Tech/Performance Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Kook Headers & X-pipe Install Help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 25, 2017 | 05:03 AM
  #1  
Chazzmania's Avatar
Chazzmania
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 769
Likes: 88
From: Ewa Beach Hawaii
Default Kook Headers & X-pipe Install Help

Hi Guys,


Hopefully this is the correct place to post this. I purchases some Kook LT Headers along with the green X-pipe. I received a quote from a local shop here in Hawaii for possibly 600-650 to install them. I am thinking about trying to do this myself. I don't have a lift and the car will be on jack stands. I have seen many post about the challenges people have with the small area under the car to work. I would like any opinions people might have on doing this install myself. Any pics or videos of someone doing this would be great. Any foreseen issues that could come up doing the install. These will be going on a 2016 C7 Z51.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2017 | 01:14 PM
  #2  
konqueror5's Avatar
konqueror5
Instructor
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 142
Likes: 16
From: Chicagoland
Default

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...r-install.html
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2017 | 06:24 PM
  #3  
Chazzmania's Avatar
Chazzmania
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 769
Likes: 88
From: Ewa Beach Hawaii
Default

Thanks for this. Hopefully it's as simple as the instructions.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2017 | 04:00 PM
  #4  
robert miller's Avatar
robert miller
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,062
Likes: 1,838
From: cookeville tennessee
Default ttt

I would see if it was me if I could rent a 4 post lift r 2 post lift from a person are some kind of shop close by are a garage. it will not take you over 3 hours are that is what it took me to do mine on the car.

Now if you are a young guy a lot has done it like you have said. But that is why I went out and got me a 4 post lift & put in my garage. Just to old to do it any more on my back & up and down so much It would have taking me all day to do it like that. Robert
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2017 | 05:06 AM
  #5  
Chazzmania's Avatar
Chazzmania
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 769
Likes: 88
From: Ewa Beach Hawaii
Default

Originally Posted by robert miller
I would see if it was me if I could rent a 4 post lift r 2 post lift from a person are some kind of shop close by are a garage. it will not take you over 3 hours are that is what it took me to do mine on the car.

Now if you are a young guy a lot has done it like you have said. But that is why I went out and got me a 4 post lift & put in my garage. Just to old to do it any more on my back & up and down so much It would have taking me all day to do it like that. Robert

Rob did you have to remove xtra like the directions in the above post stated? Where you able to do everything from the bottom of the car? Any other tips would be greatly appreciated.
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 06:47 PM
  #6  
lakemg's Avatar
lakemg
Melting Slicks
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,746
Likes: 916
Default

Here's a reasonable video with some pointers:

On edit: I don't remember needing to remove the starter to get the Kooks installed, so you should be good too. Mine is a 2015 Z51.

I did mine using race ramps in the front and some wooden blocks to keep the rear off the ground along with multiple jack stands to keep things safe. It was still low enough in the front to access components in the engine compartment:



Last edited by lakemg; Jul 30, 2017 at 06:52 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 08:01 PM
  #7  
uneedthis2's Avatar
uneedthis2
Instructor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 166
Likes: 40
Default

Anybody with input around having to disconnect the lines to the dry sump? When you disconnect them, do you need to be prepared to catch a bunch of oil?
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 08:13 PM
  #8  
lakemg's Avatar
lakemg
Melting Slicks
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,746
Likes: 916
Default

If you drain the oil out of the pan first, then pull the lines, not a whole lot of oil comes out from what I recall.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Sep 2, 2017 | 09:57 AM
  #9  
Chazzmania's Avatar
Chazzmania
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 769
Likes: 88
From: Ewa Beach Hawaii
Default

Bump
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2017 | 10:58 PM
  #10  
lakemg's Avatar
lakemg
Melting Slicks
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,746
Likes: 916
Default

Hey buddy, have you started the install yet?
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2017 | 11:26 PM
  #11  
Chazzmania's Avatar
Chazzmania
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 769
Likes: 88
From: Ewa Beach Hawaii
Default

Originally Posted by lakemg
Hey buddy, have you started the install yet?

Hey man, I plan to start in two weeks. All the parts should be here this week. Just need to pick up the swivel sockets. I am having my mirrors wrapping and the chrome strip on the front bumper wrapped next weekend. After that's done imma start the Install. Hopefully I can get it done in a day.
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2017 | 11:32 PM
  #12  
lakemg's Avatar
lakemg
Melting Slicks
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,746
Likes: 916
Default

Awesome!!! Sounds like a good plan.
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2017 | 12:36 AM
  #13  
Chazzmania's Avatar
Chazzmania
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 769
Likes: 88
From: Ewa Beach Hawaii
Default

Originally Posted by lakemg
Awesome!!! Sounds like a good plan.
Do you mind pm your number just in case in run into any issues I could shoot you a text?
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2017 | 01:32 AM
  #14  
tuboy19's Avatar
tuboy19
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 250
Likes: 12
From: Manayunk PA
Default

Originally Posted by uneedthis2
Anybody with input around having to disconnect the lines to the dry sump? When you disconnect them, do you need to be prepared to catch a bunch of oil?
FYI Kooks do not require the lines to be removed to install the headers
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2017 | 08:41 AM
  #15  
vtmike24's Avatar
vtmike24
Intermediate
 
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 37
Likes: 5
Default

Originally Posted by tuboy19
FYI Kooks do not require the lines to be removed to install the headers
May not be required, but it definitely makes it easier. It is not hard to do. Just drain your oil from the two drain plugs like normal, then take out the two(?) bolts for the flange on each line. It takes a bit of effort to pull the lines out of the sump since they are fairly stiff and the are inserted about 3/4" into the sump. A good amount of oil will come out, so be prepared. I just zip tied a rag to the end of the lines to prevent them from dripping all over the place while I worked.
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2017 | 10:53 PM
  #16  
brettmess24's Avatar
brettmess24
Racer
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 310
Likes: 45
Default

Originally Posted by tuboy19
FYI Kooks do not require the lines to be removed to install the headers
I had to remove mine to get my kooks headers on. Took me almost eight hours for the headers and Halltech CAI everything fought me on this install but damn is it worth it

I actually ended up cutting my passenger side cats in order to get them out. I had no way to access two of the four bolts that connect the cats to the manifold. That and getting the kooks cats just right took me the longest.

Good luck man, Ill check in here when you do the install.

Last edited by brettmess24; Sep 8, 2017 at 10:54 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2017 | 09:56 AM
  #17  
vtmike24's Avatar
vtmike24
Intermediate
 
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 37
Likes: 5
Default

Originally Posted by brettmess24
I had to remove mine to get my kooks headers on. Took me almost eight hours for the headers and Halltech CAI everything fought me on this install but damn is it worth it

I actually ended up cutting my passenger side cats in order to get them out. I had no way to access two of the four bolts that connect the cats to the manifold. That and getting the kooks cats just right took me the longest.

Good luck man, Ill check in here when you do the install.
I had a hell of a time with those bolts too. I spent the majority of my time figuring out how to get those off using a combination of deep sockets, regular sockets, breaker bar, and an open end wrench. I ended up hitting one of those tools with a rubber mallet to break the bolts loose. I can't remember which lol.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Kook Headers & X-pipe Install Help

Old Sep 14, 2017 | 07:45 AM
  #18  
Chazzmania's Avatar
Chazzmania
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 769
Likes: 88
From: Ewa Beach Hawaii
Default

Thanks for all the tips guys. I am excited about getting these on. When my wrap is finished up I will start the install.
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2017 | 11:06 PM
  #19  
brettmess24's Avatar
brettmess24
Racer
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 310
Likes: 45
Default

Finished wiring up my AEM wideband monitor tonight
And purchased a katech ptb might as well put that on too😂

Are you going to tune it or hope for the best?

my iPhone pictures during install



Last edited by brettmess24; Sep 14, 2017 at 11:15 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2017 | 04:12 AM
  #20  
Chazzmania's Avatar
Chazzmania
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 769
Likes: 88
From: Ewa Beach Hawaii
Default

Originally Posted by brettmess24
Finished wiring up my AEM wideband monitor tonight
And purchased a katech ptb might as well put that on too😂

Are you going to tune it or hope for the best?

my iPhone pictures during install





As of now I don't plan on getting a tune. Trying to keep the warranty a little bit longer. I will be running the LTs with the green cats, so fingers crossed I don't need anything special.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:59 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE