Longtube Headers Installed-Thoughts

[Homeless Man]

So I installed stainless power 1 7/8 longtube headers with highflow cats on my 2011 LS3 the other day Fitment is excellent. I did it on Rhino Ramps except I had to jack it up to get the passenger side header out because of the steering shaft and I kept stock manifolds connected to stock cats. If you take them apart then you don't need to jack them up. The most annoying part is undoing the header bolts by hand on passenger side and it was especially more awkward that it was on the ramps. The dipstick is super easy if you know where the hole is, I have a picture. All you do stick it in randomly from the top and go back under and push it into the hole. Make sure to disconnect you're battery cause I sparked the dipstick tube trying to put it in first time Also, I like the type of clamps better that the kooks headers hook up with, these don't seem as good because it's just a clamp. I would not do it again unless I had better tools though or some help. But you really do need help on putting in the new headers/gasket to put bolts in. That's the only part I had help. I used a new OEM gaskets from Amazon (AC Delco) for $25. And re-used stock header bolts. The ones that came with the Stainless Powers were smaller. I did not have any clearance issues and didn't undo steering shaft. My 4th O2 sensor didn't come out and I used a hammer but no heat or O2 socket. CEL came on pretty much immediately I think.

Now I have muffler delete but still have stock resonator and h-pipe. When I first started it up I expected it to be a lot louder because you guys over exaggerate SO much. It made the muffler deletes sound a lot deeper. But when I drove it I realized how much louder it was and it sounds awesome. I have the JBA 3 inch catback still in the box and I think it will be a while before I put it on lol. My friend said it roars more now so that's a reaction from a non car person haha. But the idle is so awesome. Today when I was driving before I passed these 2 kids walking on the side of the street they both covered their ears. Probably because they heard me mash it in 2nd about 10 seconds before. That was pretty funny. Never had something like that happen. But yea flooring is is extremely loud.

Also, didn't really notice any performance gain, I will get a tune soon, but still.

[camaronick92]

I just ordered 2inch TSP headers theyll be here tmrw i am also straight piped from cats back i cant wait to hear the sound

[Homeless Man]

Originally Posted by camaronick92

I just ordered 2inch TSP headers theyll be here tmrw i am also straight piped from cats back i cant wait to hear the sound

Nice, do you have the h-pipe and resonator?

[i2disturbedSS]

...just throwing it out there I did not have to disconnect the battery but that is good to know. I agree also that help with the header bolts and gasket is a lot easier then by yourself.

[Homeless Man]

Also, the dipstick wouldn't bolt back on flat. The header is blocking it

[JCunningham]

for the gaskets I bought 2 studs and nuts from the hardware store. put the studs in both ends gaskets then header and nuts. Then but the bolts in loose remove studs and finish it up. made it easy.

[ZYBORG]

Nice. Sounds good!

[Homeless Man]

Well it's easy to do yourself if you don't have the headers already connected to the cats and catback (loosely) cause you can't tighten the headers and then put cats on

[gafool]

a good replacement for you stock res would be magnaflow part number 11386, I did headers and straight pipes and it was loud! well put on that muffler and wow what a difference, a nice deep rumble. if your wanting to do that? sounds awesome!

[Ryanbabz71]

No performance gain? Mine is like a different car.


Ryan

[kville988]

Originally Posted by Homeless Man

Also, the dipstick wouldn't bolt back on flat. The header is blocking it

^this us true!

[kville988]

Originally Posted by Homeless Man

When I first started it up I expected it to be a lot louder because you guys over exaggerate

lmao. I felt the same way about mines at first. But its loud when driving and when you really get on it. People say they hear me all the time. I didnt immediately notice the performace gain but it's there. I felt the car jumped a tad more when it switched gears. Almost had an extra push to it. I have no tune but I know its faster because lets just say i can hang now lol.

Be sure your 02 wires arent touching the header. After a day of driving my check engine light came in. I popped the hood to make sure everything was ok and noticed the o2 plug melted on the header. I forgot to zip tie it away from the header.

[NC_Nole]

Congrats on installing them yourself.

[spadz93]

got the same headers with basically a flowmaster outlaw exhaust... put the catback on, you'll thank me later!