header/exhaust install DIY? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

full of days · 12-14-2009, 09:01 PM

Who has installed their headers/exhaust themselves? I'm considering bolting on the dynaflow long headers and MBRP exhaust myself but would rather avoid any complications while installing or issues post install without having a tune, et al-- so I'm thinking about having a tuning shop install for me.

For those that have done their own install--
How difficult were the headers to install? Was there a great deal of labor involved? Was it driveable pre tune?

What about cat back exhaust install?

Thanks!

ThunderSS · 12-15-2009, 07:41 AM

headers should take you a couple of hours.. not to bad.. general wrenching.
cat back takes about an hour or 2. you will need to line everything up, and make sure it tucks up nice and neat. so as not to touch any part of the body, or supports..
on a scale of 1-10. 1 being super easy, and 10 being take it to a certified mechanic..
I give it a 3.

toehead93 · 12-15-2009, 07:46 AM

I agree, the catback is straight forward. My first to mechanical jobs I ever did was my CAI and Catback on my old Z28. I did header too, but on that LT1 it was a PITA. From what I see and what I've heard there is a lot more room and installing LT headers on your 2010 SS in the garage won't be too tought. You just need a set of jackstands and wrenches.

full of days · 12-15-2009, 10:18 AM

I'm going to borrow some jackstands and a 3 ton jack from a buddy. all the tools I need will be metric, right? Crazy Aussie designers :-D

Is there much stuff I will need to remove by way of coolant hoses, wiring harnesses, et al for an install on Dynatech long headers? It seems that the MBRP cat back exhaust is rather straightforward. I'm sure both the headers and exhaust will have instructions too, right?

POWERFREAK · 12-15-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by full of days

I'm going to borrow some jackstands and a 3 ton jack from a buddy. all the tools I need will be metric, right? Crazy Aussie designers :-D

Is there much stuff I will need to remove by way of coolant hoses, wiring harnesses, et al for an install on Dynamax long headers? It seems that the MBRP cat back exhaust is rather straightforward. I'm sure both the headers and exhaust will have instructions too, right?

all you have to take off will be your oil dipstick, plugs/wires, disconnect O2 sensors and steering shaft. I have AR headers, but I doubt they'd be any different to install. Yes, everything is metric.

full of days · 12-24-2009, 07:48 AM

This was the easiest project I've done. Really is just a bolt on application. PLUS I got intimate with the working parts on my new car. I'd suggest anyone with space and tools tackle headers/exhaust on their own. Your experiences may vary. Just got her tuned yesterday 414/415 Hp/Tq :-D

herkman · 12-26-2009, 03:44 PM

Whatever you do....remove your spark plugs! I didn't think I hit mine but after a 20 mile drive my service stabilitrac DIC along with three lights came on and I was running on 7 cylinders. Auto Zone read it as a number 5 cylinder misfire and I pulled the plug. It was cracked in two places and black where it was misfiring. I should have read the instructions!

Josh @ Spartan LSX · 01-02-2010, 12:10 PM

As long as you have the tools, it's easy on these cars.

And yes, you always remove spark plugs when doing headers. Makes the job much easier and eliminates the risk of cracking a plug trying to fight the headers in/out. Plugs are cheap (if you use the right kind and not the double platinum garbage) and should be replaced during a header install anyway.

SSTony · 01-04-2010, 07:53 PM

I was doing so well till a bolt slipped and i cracked a spark plug. I was able to get the broken one out easy. i am having a hard time doing my headers cause of the cat issue. Either i put the header up and just put bolts in to hold it there and fight to get the cat on between the header and stock pipe or I install the cat on the header and fight for hrs trying to align the bolts. I am sure doing the passenger side will be easier. At least i hope.

Anyone know what the stock spark plug is for a 2010 camaro ls3?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damian

As long as you have the tools, it's easy on these cars.

And yes, you always remove spark plugs when doing headers. Makes the job much easier and eliminates the risk of cracking a plug trying to fight the headers in/out. Plugs are cheap (if you use the right kind and not the double platinum garbage) and should be replaced during a header install anyway.

SSTony · 01-06-2010, 02:38 PM

herkman · 01-06-2010, 09:54 PM

SSTony

Stock plug is an AC Delco 41-110 and Advance Auto Parts had these in stock. I think I got two for around $6.00

12-14-2009, 09:01 PM	#1
full of days Drives: Camaro GT Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Charlotte Posts: 723	header/exhaust install DIY? Who has installed their headers/exhaust themselves? I'm considering bolting on the dynaflow long headers and MBRP exhaust myself but would rather avoid any complications while installing or issues post install without having a tune, et al-- so I'm thinking about having a tuning shop install for me. For those that have done their own install-- How difficult were the headers to install? Was there a great deal of labor involved? Was it driveable pre tune? What about cat back exhaust install? Thanks!

12-15-2009, 07:41 AM	#2
ThunderSS Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: East of Houston Posts: 804 View My Garage	headers should take you a couple of hours.. not to bad.. general wrenching. cat back takes about an hour or 2. you will need to line everything up, and make sure it tucks up nice and neat. so as not to touch any part of the body, or supports.. on a scale of 1-10. 1 being super easy, and 10 being take it to a certified mechanic.. I give it a 3. __________________ 2010 Camaro SS/RS HKE Forged 416 CID http://www.fquick.com/ThunderZ28 510 HP/485 Ft. Lbs

12-15-2009, 07:46 AM	#3
toehead93 Drives: 2014 2SS/1LE Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: wpb fl Posts: 3,136 View My Garage	I agree, the catback is straight forward. My first to mechanical jobs I ever did was my CAI and Catback on my old Z28. I did header too, but on that LT1 it was a PITA. From what I see and what I've heard there is a lot more room and installing LT headers on your 2010 SS in the garage won't be too tought. You just need a set of jackstands and wrenches. __________________ Used Racing Brake 2 Peice Rotors for sale: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=344754 Summit White 2014 2SS 1LE Recaros, NPP exhaust, Nav 2010 2SS A6 - sold.

12-26-2009, 03:44 PM	#7
herkman Drives: 2010 IOM SS/RS, 69 Camaro Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 563	Whatever you do....remove your spark plugs! I didn't think I hit mine but after a 20 mile drive my service stabilitrac DIC along with three lights came on and I was running on 7 cylinders. Auto Zone read it as a number 5 cylinder misfire and I pulled the plug. It was cracked in two places and black where it was misfiring. I should have read the instructions! __________________ R6P - Kooks 1-7/8 Catted LT Headers, Roto-Fab CAI, MGW Shifter, Revolution SS Front Spoiler, Unrestricted Motorsports Rear Spoiler, Razzi Side and Rear EFX, Heritage Grill, Hawk HPS Pads, G2 Matched Calipers, SAV-3 Wheels, Vengeance Racing Stage II Cam 227/239.614/.624 115+3, 25% Underdrive Pulley, Oil Catch Can, 461 RWHP - 420 Torque

01-06-2010, 09:54 PM	#11
herkman Drives: 2010 IOM SS/RS, 69 Camaro Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 563	SSTony Stock plug is an AC Delco 41-110 and Advance Auto Parts had these in stock. I think I got two for around $6.00 __________________ R6P - Kooks 1-7/8 Catted LT Headers, Roto-Fab CAI, MGW Shifter, Revolution SS Front Spoiler, Unrestricted Motorsports Rear Spoiler, Razzi Side and Rear EFX, Heritage Grill, Hawk HPS Pads, G2 Matched Calipers, SAV-3 Wheels, Vengeance Racing Stage II Cam 227/239.614/.624 115+3, 25% Underdrive Pulley, Oil Catch Can, 461 RWHP - 420 Torque

12-15-2009, 10:18 AM	#4
full of days Drives: Camaro GT Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Charlotte Posts: 723	I'm going to borrow some jackstands and a 3 ton jack from a buddy. all the tools I need will be metric, right? Crazy Aussie designers :-D Is there much stuff I will need to remove by way of coolant hoses, wiring harnesses, et al for an install on Dynatech long headers? It seems that the MBRP cat back exhaust is rather straightforward. I'm sure both the headers and exhaust will have instructions too, right?

01-02-2010, 12:10 PM	#8
Josh @ Spartan LSX Drives: A wrench Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: East Atlanta Posts: 353	As long as you have the tools, it's easy on these cars. And yes, you always remove spark plugs when doing headers. Makes the job much easier and eliminates the risk of cracking a plug trying to fight the headers in/out. Plugs are cheap (if you use the right kind and not the double platinum garbage) and should be replaced during a header install anyway.

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