How hard is it to install headers - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

KARBON · 08-17-2011, 06:44 AM

FYI, take the plugs out before installing headers....

The Stig · 08-17-2011, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stieger

Photo DIY thread

Super easy, 2.5 hours tops. I'm doing mine tomorrow morning.

Scratch what I said about 2.5 hours. I did my headers and full exhaust, took 6 hours. Mind you I only have jack stands and hand tools, that and I've never done headers before. But at the end of the day, I had a blast and I can say I did it myself.

nancygrl · 08-17-2011, 09:26 AM

Installing headers is not a difficult job. I did mine in about 2 hrs. I followed the directions that came with my Kooks kit and had no problems with the install. After you install, just gotta remember to re-check the torque (18ft/lbs.) on the header bolts after several heat cycles.

As for some of the things that can go wrong. You might have an O2 sensor(s) that insists it does not want to come out. Be careful in regards to the spark plugs as mentioned in earlier posts. I only had 300 miles on my '11 SS when I installed them so I reused the factory gaskets. Just about everbody recommend using the gm exhaust gaskets, and they don't cost alot if you choose to get new ones, inexpensive insurance against having exhaust leaks at the gaskets.

My CEL light came on after about 150-200 miles. I even used the O2 spacers for the rear sensors, reset monitors and the CEL still would come on. You can drive without a tune, but it really runs/operates much better with a tune, and my avg. gas mileage is 23mpg. Good luck....

The Stig · 08-17-2011, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nancygrl

Installing headers is not a difficult job. I did mine in about 2 hrs. I followed the directions that came with my Kooks kit and had no problems with the install. After you install, just gotta remember to re-check the torque (18ft/lbs.) on the header bolts after several heat cycles.

As for some of the things that can go wrong. You might have an O2 sensor(s) that insists it does not want to come out. Be careful in regards to the spark plugs as mentioned in earlier posts. I only had 300 miles on my '11 SS when I installed them so I reused the factory gaskets. Just about everbody recommend using the gm exhaust gaskets, and they don't cost alot if you choose to get new ones, inexpensive insurance against having exhaust leaks at the gaskets.

My CEL light came on after about 150-200 miles. I even used the O2 spacers for the rear sensors, reset monitors and the CEL still would come on. You can drive without a tune, but it really runs/operates much better with a tune, and my avg. gas mileage is 23mpg. Good luck....

Reuse the factory gaskets. The OEM ones are better than any aftermarket gasket. I'd pretty much guarantee that an aftermarket gasket would leak versus the OEM gaskets.

BowlingSS · 08-17-2011, 11:03 AM

I just installed headers by myself and I did have problems removing the O2 sensors. I used the non-OEM gaskets. I hope thay do not leak. OK so far.

Good luck.

Bill

markmass · 08-17-2011, 01:42 PM

Same - I installed my own Kooks Headers1 7/8" Hi-flow CATS, By myself...some rope to hold things up as you undo and fit!!...3 hours??
I did not take spark plugs out, just carefully maneuvered around them.
You will need a tune. My CEL light came on after a 100 miles

Anthony @ LG Motorsports · 08-17-2011, 03:36 PM

Very easy to do on these cars compared to some of the others.

I have a good write up of the install of our own headers with pictures if you would like to see.

LG Motorsports Super Pro Exhaust Install Instructions.

Josh@ARH · 08-17-2011, 03:47 PM

The header install on these cars are very easy. Obviously a lift will be easier but it is definitely doable on your back. Our short system (long tube headers and short connection pipes) will bolt right in since you already have a catback on the car. Also a tune is not a necessity but you will more than likely throw a check engine light because of the high flow cats. However we recommend to get a tune to get the most out of our headers.

doomsdayjesus081 · 08-17-2011, 08:24 PM

Header installation is very easy if you plan ahead. Think logically, follow the directions and have the right tools, buy an O2 sensor socket, they run about $3.99 at O'reiley's. Get a small ratcheting box end 11mm wrench for disconnecting steering shaft. If you do anything with the factory hangers, use dawn water or some other degreaser prior to removal. The ARH long system was the first exhaust work I've done myself, it took about 6 hours to do on a lift.

Bay Area SS · 08-17-2011, 08:31 PM

I did my header install with no lift and hand tools. Pain in the ass. Very lil clearance. As far as a tune goes. Depends on what type of person you are. If your like me, which im pretty anal about my car you are going to want to tune it. Soon as headers gO on your prob Goin to throw a code which is annoying. Your cars timing is going to be off a bit it's going to pop and not run nearly as smooth and pull as hard as it should. I say tune for sure..

Robraytay · 08-17-2011, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bay Area SS

I did my header install with no lift and hand tools. Pain in the ass. Very lil clearance. As far as a tune goes. Depends on what type of person you are. If your like me, which im pretty anal about my car you are going to want to tune it. Soon as headers gO on your prob Goin to throw a code which is annoying. Your cars timing is going to be off a bit it's going to pop and not run nearly as smooth and pull as hard as it should. I say tune for sure..

Did you silicone your head gasket when you put the LTHs on?

diamondmike · 08-17-2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoudGM

Me and a buddy installed the TSP 1 7/8 in an hour and a half on jackstands. Easiest header install ive ever done on any car or truck.

x2

Infern0 · 08-18-2011, 07:29 AM

very straightforward install. I used autozone ramps and it took me and a buddy 5 hours with breaks to do the install. Not sure how everyone else is flying through these installs but, this was my first time doing something like this so I went slow and meticulous. I don't have a very inclusive toolset either so a lot of my sockets and things like that had a hard time reaching or staying on the bolts I was trying to loosen/tighten.

Oxtar41 · 08-18-2011, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infern0

very straightforward install. I used autozone ramps and it took me and a buddy 5 hours with breaks to do the install. Not sure how everyone else is flying through these installs but, this was my first time doing something like this so I went slow and meticulous. I don't have a very inclusive toolset either so a lot of my sockets and things like that had a hard time reaching or staying on the bolts I was trying to loosen/tighten.

Air ratchet, swivel sockets and a lift. did mine in about an hour.

08-17-2011, 11:03 AM	#19
BowlingSS Camaro Owner Since 1987 Drives: 2011 2SS/RS L99 RJT Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lawrenceville, GA Posts: 2,185	I just installed headers by myself and I did have problems removing the O2 sensors. I used the non-OEM gaskets. I hope thay do not leak. OK so far. Good luck. Bill __________________ 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS L99 RJT CAI, Inc. Cold Air Induction;ADM Scoop Rx Catch Can;Rx Breather;Roto-Fab Washer Container VMax Ported RJT Throttle Body XSPower Headers and XSPower 3" Exhaust System Elite Engineering Tunnel Brace, Gorilla Wheel Lock System; Bear Rotors, Hawk HPS Tinted Windows 35%;EFILive Tune

08-17-2011, 01:42 PM	#20
markmass TRI-COUNTY CAMAROS Drives: 2SS/RS Oct 2009 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Coral Springs Florida Posts: 448 View My Garage	Same - I installed my own Kooks Headers1 7/8" Hi-flow CATS, By myself...some rope to hold things up as you undo and fit!!...3 hours?? I did not take spark plugs out, just carefully maneuvered around them. You will need a tune. My CEL light came on after a 100 miles __________________ GET-TORQ custom CAM 223/243 LSA113, Full LS3 conversion, 3200 stall Multi-Disk TC from Circle-D, B&M Supercooler to cool that tranny down....1 7/8" Kooks Headers and High flowCats. MACH XL Catbacks. Eibach springs, R2C Performance CAI, powdercoated calipers, Footwell lighting in tune with dome lights, tints, ABL Lighting, ACS T3 ports and ACS Eagle T3 triple LED lighting kit. Heritage grill, Hex vents, ZL1 rockers, ZL1 Diffuser, Quad tips...the list keeps getting longer - whats next??

08-18-2011, 07:29 AM	#27
Infern0 Bring It Drives: In Between Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 2,929 View My Garage	very straightforward install. I used autozone ramps and it took me and a buddy 5 hours with breaks to do the install. Not sure how everyone else is flying through these installs but, this was my first time doing something like this so I went slow and meticulous. I don't have a very inclusive toolset either so a lot of my sockets and things like that had a hard time reaching or staying on the bolts I was trying to loosen/tighten. __________________ 2017 Camaro ZL1 M6 - Everything but the sunroof - Sold 2010 Camaro SS - 650RWHP Daily Driver - Traded

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08-17-2011, 06:44 AM	#15
KARBON Drives: 2010 CAMARO 850 RWHP/733 RWTQ Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lafayette,LA Posts: 300 View My Garage	FYI, take the plugs out before installing headers....

08-17-2011, 09:26 AM	#17
nancygrl 雪の玉 Drives: '22 Z71 RST Silverado Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: South Posts: 3,415	Installing headers is not a difficult job. I did mine in about 2 hrs. I followed the directions that came with my Kooks kit and had no problems with the install. After you install, just gotta remember to re-check the torque (18ft/lbs.) on the header bolts after several heat cycles. As for some of the things that can go wrong. You might have an O2 sensor(s) that insists it does not want to come out. Be careful in regards to the spark plugs as mentioned in earlier posts. I only had 300 miles on my '11 SS when I installed them so I reused the factory gaskets. Just about everbody recommend using the gm exhaust gaskets, and they don't cost alot if you choose to get new ones, inexpensive insurance against having exhaust leaks at the gaskets. My CEL light came on after about 150-200 miles. I even used the O2 spacers for the rear sensors, reset monitors and the CEL still would come on. You can drive without a tune, but it really runs/operates much better with a tune, and my avg. gas mileage is 23mpg. Good luck....

08-17-2011, 03:36 PM	#21
Anthony @ LG Motorsports Drives: 1994 1LE / 2006 Z51 Corvette Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,829	Very easy to do on these cars compared to some of the others. I have a good write up of the install of our own headers with pictures if you would like to see. LG Motorsports Super Pro Exhaust Install Instructions.

08-17-2011, 03:47 PM	#22
Josh@ARH Drives: 2013 Corvette GS Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NY Posts: 123	The header install on these cars are very easy. Obviously a lift will be easier but it is definitely doable on your back. Our short system (long tube headers and short connection pipes) will bolt right in since you already have a catback on the car. Also a tune is not a necessity but you will more than likely throw a check engine light because of the high flow cats. However we recommend to get a tune to get the most out of our headers.

08-17-2011, 08:24 PM	#23
doomsdayjesus081 Drives: VR 2010 Camaro SS/RS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: New York Posts: 132	Header installation is very easy if you plan ahead. Think logically, follow the directions and have the right tools, buy an O2 sensor socket, they run about $3.99 at O'reiley's. Get a small ratcheting box end 11mm wrench for disconnecting steering shaft. If you do anything with the factory hangers, use dawn water or some other degreaser prior to removal. The ARH long system was the first exhaust work I've done myself, it took about 6 hours to do on a lift.

08-17-2011, 08:31 PM	#24
Bay Area SS Drives: 2010 rs/2ss Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: ca bay area Posts: 669 View My Garage	I did my header install with no lift and hand tools. Pain in the ass. Very lil clearance. As far as a tune goes. Depends on what type of person you are. If your like me, which im pretty anal about my car you are going to want to tune it. Soon as headers gO on your prob Goin to throw a code which is annoying. Your cars timing is going to be off a bit it's going to pop and not run nearly as smooth and pull as hard as it should. I say tune for sure..