As some of you may know I recently decided to try and install a set of Dynatech Longtube headers and catted x-pipe on my 03Z. I am by no means a mechanic and really hadn't turned a wrench on this car since I bought it last May but wanted to attempt this install.

I started by looking at as many threads as possible regarding header installs on C5 Vettes. After reading a few, I jacked the car up, put it on jack stands, and tore into her!

It took me about 2:30-3:00 hours to remove the old system and this was taking it slow so that I didn't screw anything up. I used some penetrating oil on all bolts and everything came apart easily.

Once the old sytem was out, I started the install of the new exhaust. I put the passenger side in first from the top and had to loosen the starter just a bit to get the header tab past it.

I then raised the car so that it was 20 inches off the ground and removed the engine ground strap and moved some wiring on the drivers side and slid the drivers side header in. This header was a bit trickier to get in but after some patient manouvering and a bit of swearing it popped in.

I then wrapped the o2 wires with heat shielding, wraped the clutch line and did my best to tuck all wiring as far away as possible from the exhaust. The rest of the system was easily installed and fit perfectly. I then torqued all header bolts and A.I.R. bolts to spec and re-installed all parts that were previously removed for the install like the alternator and coil packs.

I re-checked everything and lowered the car. It fired up and I found I have two leaks coming from where the intermediate pipes join the x-pipe. I put a bead of high temp gasket rtv on each leaking joint, let it cure over night, and it sealed perfectly by the next day! I took the car out for a spin today (first drive of the season) and loved the exhaust note through my factory TI exhaust and the extra SOTP horsepower. My MSD wires should be here tomorrow and I'll install them as well as a set of kool sox.

Here are some pics, not great, but the best I could do at the time.









As a side note, is it normal to smell smoke after driving it for the first time? It's hard to describe the smell, kind of a metalic smell. I highly recommend the Dynatech system and found it fairly easy to install, even for a DIY newbee like myself. If you decide to tackle a header install, please buy a 10mm gear wrench to save yourself a lot of aggrevation!

Later

 

That is so awesome!

How many hours did it take you in total? Did you have any help?

I'm thinking of installing some headers as well but I'll probably have to rent out a garage for a day since I'll be moving into a condo. I'm hoping it's something that an amateur mechanic can do in a day...

 

Ken,

I think it took approximately 9 hours in total and that's with no help and having a few issues along the way. The one tool I highly recommend is a 10mm gear wrench as I bought one after messing around trying to remove the most rearward manifold bolt on the drivers side. I don't see why you couldn't do the install in a day? I am a complete amateur when it comes to this sort of thing and it went well for me.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Tyler

 

Nice, u saved 350-400 bucks and have fun doin it, and learned too. Great i like threads like this one, have fun tyler and here's one for u . Now Ken its ur turn