OBX Headers 2010 V6 LLT eninge with MRT 2.0

[rtcat600man]

AIR TOOLS…..AIR TOOLS…..AIR TOOLS……Never again would I do this project without AIR TOOLS.

Also, If you plan to install OBX headers with MRT's I HIGHLY recommend getting the Mangaflow Resonated X Pipe (part no. 11386). This will help tone down the bad sounds you will experience at the 2500 to 3500 rpm range.

Ok that said. Let’s get into what it will take to install the OBX Headers. Here are some of my tips and experiences. I bought new bolts and new stock gaskets from the dealer. Is it required? NO. But I was not taking on any chances on any leaks because I re-used the old bolts or used stock gaskets. From what everything I read, you cannot beat the GM stock gaskets so I was not going to use the ones supplied with the headers.

First, find a friend who is a master mechanic and is willing to give up his day to help you out. THANK - YOU JOE for all your help. Without you I would still be out there busting a few more knuckles.

Second for those who wondered about the weight, the OBX headers will save you 8 lbs per side, or 16 lbs off the front end. The Stock set-up weighed in at 20 lbs, the OBX’s weigh only 12 lbs. per side.

Ok on to the exchange.

I put my Camaro in the air on 4 jack stands. (The tires are off because I am rotating the tires at this time too).

Disconnect the battery wire at its post in the engine bay.

Remove the engine cover and remove the oil dipstick and tube.

Loosen the exhaust clamps holding the cats to the exhaust system.

Remove the cross member, this will allow the exhaust to drop and slide the manifolds and cats from each other.

Disconnect the alternator to create the much needed room for your arms to work the manifold bolts loose.

Unplug the O2 sensors, all four of them. If you haven’t bought the front extenders you should do so. You will need the trapezoid style 12” extensions is plenty? Will it work without them? Probably, maybe, but it is a stretch and I thought why make it that tight when I can just purchase the 12” extenders.

Start removing the 7 bolts per side that hold the manifolds in place. By the way these bolts are ½” not the 13mm I keep reading about from other installs. This is where air tools sure would be handy. There just is not much room for you to reach in there and get the bolts out. Many are more reachable from below than above. Again thank – you JOE for taking the time to help get all those bolts out.

Once you have the manifolds down and out along with the cats, you can now take and remove the O2 sensors from the cats and pipes.

We then reinstalled the O2 sensors into the new set-up and tighten these down.

Install the new gaskets and manifolds. New 14 bolts, tightening all of these to 18ft. lbs. We did not install the starter shield on the driver’s side. There was not enough room to allow this shield to fit. The shield was more there for protection from the heat that the catalytic convertor generated than what the long tubes will create.

When installing the OBX system to the stock pipe you will be using the stock clamp at that section. The stock clamps have a clip that locks in on a small protruding piece. On the passenger side this piece is on the old cats and of no issue. However, on the driver’s side this little piece is still there and creates and issue for the clamp, to slide back far enough to allow the set-up to be slipped together. I recommend grinding this little piece off.

Connect the (4) O2 sensors. There is enough wiring for the rears if you clip the zip tie and release the wiring harness to allow the last inch of wire that you need to complete this section.

Go ahead and install the alternator, the dip stick tube and battery cable.

Total time around 9 hours. We were in no hurry, took time out for a lunch break. Is it worth it, most defiantly. When I know I can do the install and save the labor charge, I would tackle this job for sure.

Was it easy, I cannot tell a lie, it truly was a PITA. Only because those bolts are not that easy to get to during removal or install.

Hope this helps out a little more.

Thank – you for taking time to read this and if you should have any questions feel free to contact me.







Sorry it took a couple days, but here are the videos.


The first one is shortly after completing the install, taken inside my garage while still on the jack stands. The smoke is because it was maybe 25 degrees now in my garage after opening the door.





This second one is the next day, cold start up from inside the Camaro with the windows up




This third one is while out testing the pipes and sound.




This last one was made at the same location I did one last year when creating the sound clip for my MRT's.























Final wrap up for now. I love the headers. I do not like the rasp and sound at 2500 - 3500 rpm's. There was to much noise and unwanted sound. However, talking with some of our resident experts, (you guys know who you are too, because I send you at least one PM and THANK - YOU for all your help), I have just completed my order for the Magnaflow Resonated X pipe. I have a friend of a friend who will weld this in place. I will know in a couple weeks if this helps me out to the point I think it will.

The X pipe is installed and it sure does make a HUGE difference. Toned down the annoying portion and deepened the overall sound to make my system sound GREAT.










This is how the system sound now while at the local track.



Latest run at Lapeer, no wind noise with this one.

This pass is my new personal best 13.664 @ 100.88

[Trevorw24]

videos!!!

[TheRaven]

Nice write up, thanks. I'm assuming the rest is stock back to the rear correct? Is it possible to get a sound clip? I bought some pacesetter headers, got on sale, I plan on installing them in the next couple weeks. Just gotta find a spare moment to do it. Thanks again. All looks GREAT!

[Jaime068]

Originally Posted by Trevorw24

videos!!!

[scrming]

Cool stuff!

[Harley1]

Right on! Thanks

[Blacktip]

rtcat, nice write ...LT's are going to be my next mod

[geaux_tigerss]

Sound better?

[rtcat600man]

Originally Posted by Trevorw24

videos!!!

I just installed them yesterday, the roads are still wet from snow. I hope to get out later today and do some driving for some sound clips. Other than just starting my Camaro to turn it back around in the garage I have not been out in it yet.

Originally Posted by TheRaven

Nice write up, thanks. I'm assuming the rest is stock back to the rear correct? Is it possible to get a sound clip? I bought some pacesetter headers, got on sale, I plan on installing them in the next couple weeks. Just gotta find a spare moment to do it. Thanks again. All looks GREAT!

Sound clips are coming. As for the rest of the set-up, no I have MRT 2.0 axle back's

Originally Posted by Jaime068

See messages above.

Originally Posted by scrming

Cool stuff!

Thank - you John.

Originally Posted by Blacktip

rtcat, nice write ...LT's are going to be my next mod

Awesome can't wait to hear what you have done.

Originally Posted by geaux_tigerss

Sound better?

See message above. Heading out later for my first drive.

[Blade]

Good job cat.....doing this work on your own without air tools is a pain for sure.

[Wingsfan]

Can't wait for the videos

[NOVAK]

I just installed my ARH LT's yesterday and it took my my dad and I about the same amount of time. I already had Doug Thorley shorties so there was plenty of room to get to all the bolts. I think it was easiest to remove and install the bottom bolts while being underneath the car and the top bolts while working from up top. Great write up!

[kenkartasasmita]

is welding required for installing the headers?

[hunterv6]

Originally Posted by kenkartasasmita

is welding required for installing the headers?

Depends on the header obx is no. Dt shorties however need welding.


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