Header install complete
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 866
Header install complete
Hello guys,first off just wanted to thank everyone with they’re helpful tips for a header install. I’m by no means a mechanic I am however very particular on making sure all is done right and everything looks professionally done. I went with kooks headers. 1 7/8 with the high flow cats.I really took my time and found a great deal on a used set for about half the price.They looked almost new. Install was a bit of time,I bet I have at least 16 hrs in my install but again I am very picky and if wiring wasn’t looking perfect and out of the way and fastened well out of harms way,I would redo the route.(I put in an afr gage with ethanol content reader also.bung is already in headers for the afr) install was fairly straight forward and my car is a z51 so I removed dry sump lines only .2 minutes and made things easy. If someone says to take something off cuz it makes it easier for install just do it. Headers just fell in place from bottom and I have to say they look like absolute artwork!! Kooks did an amazing job! I couldn’t believe how crappy the stock manifolds are once off and heavy! Garbage. Just seeing the things I replaced was worth it alone. Soooo much cleaner. Then the real good........the start up. This wasn’t all that much of a huge difference. Then off I went for a short run on my cold Ohio roads. And wow as those rpms climbed so did that amazing sound!! Not so much like a muscle car but more exotic. The party kept ending around 3800-4200 thru the 7 speed cuz the tires would break loose but even so I was greatly satisfied!!! Fitment was spot on with no bending or adding shims to the belly pan or any other bandaids to make the job perfect.no rubbing,no noises. If your on the fence I’d say it’s a no brainer!! Can’t wait to tune(yes tune) and some warmer temps!! Thx again for all your input! Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,746
Likes: 916
Congrats!!! I have the same LTs, but with Kooks Green catted x-pipe and absolutely love the setup. Fit and finish was amazing. I keep telling people to get rid of all the factory junk exhaust components between the engine and axle backs, but folks keep wanting to dick around with swapping out either the x-pipe or axle backs. Even with a tune the hp/dollar ratio isn't very rewarding, but the sound is worth every damn penny and busted knuckles received during the install. They should have come from the factory like this.
On edit: I meant to also add that I totally agree with the headers/high flow cats yielding an exotic sound. These LT series engines definitely sound different than the LS series with similar exhaust setup and I'm really digging it.
On edit: I meant to also add that I totally agree with the headers/high flow cats yielding an exotic sound. These LT series engines definitely sound different than the LS series with similar exhaust setup and I'm really digging it.
Last edited by lakemg; Dec 21, 2018 at 11:44 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 866
I agree 100% lakemg. I believe you were one of the guys who made me jump the fence. I’m am very pleased. And with the npp(like you I believe) can make it sound stock with no drone!!! What’s not to like????
Last edited by Gary barnes 1098; Dec 22, 2018 at 11:15 AM. Reason: Spelling
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,746
Likes: 916
As a side note, what part of OH are you in? I'm just a little north of Cincinnati.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 306
Likes: 15
Hello guys,first off just wanted to thank everyone with they’re helpful tips for a header install. I’m by no means a mechanic I am however very particular on making sure all is done right and everything looks professionally done. I went with kooks headers. 1 7/8 with the high flow cats.I really took my time and found a great deal on a used set for about half the price.They looked almost new. Install was a bit of time,I bet I have at least 16 hrs in my install but again I am very picky and if wiring wasn’t looking perfect and out of the way and fastened well out of harms way,I would redo the route.(I put in an afr gage with ethanol content reader also.bung is already in headers for the afr) install was fairly straight forward and my car is a z51 so I removed dry sump lines only .2 minutes and made things easy. If someone says to take something off cuz it makes it easier for install just do it. Headers just fell in place from bottom and I have to say they look like absolute artwork!! Kooks did an amazing job! I couldn’t believe how crappy the stock manifolds are once off and heavy! Garbage. Just seeing the things I replaced was worth it alone. Soooo much cleaner. Then the real good........the start up. This wasn’t all that much of a huge difference. Then off I went for a short run on my cold Ohio roads. And wow as those rpms climbed so did that amazing sound!! Not so much like a muscle car but more exotic. The party kept ending around 3800-4200 thru the 7 speed cuz the tires would break loose but even so I was greatly satisfied!!! Fitment was spot on with no bending or adding shims to the belly pan or any other bandaids to make the job perfect.no rubbing,no noises. If your on the fence I’d say it’s a no brainer!! Can’t wait to tune(yes tune) and some warmer temps!! Thx again for all your input! Gary
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 866
I removed the passenger valve cover. The aluminum one. It took all of 5 minutes and made things much easier. Believe me I hate removing things if I don’t have to but really was worth it. I’m in Youngstown!!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 866
Yes. This is a must. Again not a big deal. However the nut on rear of fuse block holding down power lines was as usual frozen. The answer for this was a TINY pencil torch to heat the nut for about 15 seconds or so and voila.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 866
You will get a code most likely. The car runs leaner. Many people don’t tune it and have no issues,however still get a cel. You will not reap all the benefits out of the headers if you don’t tune. Mine will be tuned as soon as the Ohio weather allows me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,457
Likes: 131
From: Lewisville, TX
Gotcha, cool thanks. I'd prefer a tune anyway lol.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 739
Likes: 324
Where are you getting it tuned? I’m in Youngstown too. 17 GS convertible. I’ve been on the fence about headers for sometime now. There is a corvette dealer in Columbiana that told me $300 for a header install and they have tuning done at Hutter Performance. They like Stainless Works headers. ARH and LG stepped are on my shortlist if I ever man up. Stainless Works are local so I might consider them too.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 866
300$ is a bargain! I’d be concerned about them doing it right for that amount of money. As far as tuning goes I’m leaning towards Dynotune Motorsports in Galloway Ohio. I believe he’s just north of Columbus. He seems to understand e85 and I’m running that setup also.i actually haven’t heard of the tuner your thinking about just do some research. If anybody has any recommendations let me know!!! Thx