My First Experience Installing Headers - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

FlashBurntFace · 03-15-2014, 02:08 AM

I just finished bolting on the cats and am finally inside, tired and ready for bed.
A lot of DIY threads claim to take 2-4 hours for install, I took 6. BUT I really took my time and did it with vigilance. I installed Kooks 1 7/8 LT w Hf cats.
A few notes & things I did/did not do:

1) I swear by wD40 Specialist Rust Penetrant spray, stuff works great
2) I thought my engine was burning up and almost passed out upon seeing white smoke barreling from my engine bay ( it's been stored since October without having started it since, I forgot I sprayed some rust penetrant on the top of the downpipe before I started it, it was burning the oil off)
3) A 22mm open ended wrench fits a lot better than a 7/8 on the O2 censors
4) I did not disconnect the steering shaft, i undid the factory clamps, then unbolted the manifolds, let it all fall and split it up from under the car.
5) on the passenger side I just let the whole piece fall from manifold to cats.
6) I did not break an O2 censor. *sigh of relief*
7) Kooks headers fit perfectly from what I've heard, and I didn't have one problem with spacing or placement. Kudos to Kooks.

Overall it was a good experience, although the passenger side was ridiculously frustrating at times and my neck & back are a little stiff. Yeah it took me 6 hours but I didn't break any shit and I got it done right.

Indydriver · 03-15-2014, 06:35 AM

Congrats. I appreciate the satisfaction of completing a mechanical project properly, the certainy of knowing quality products are installed correctly and the intimate knowledge gained of parts and their operation. However, this is one project I'm leaving to a pro, especially given the fact that it should be followed by a tune.

FlashBurntFace · 03-15-2014, 08:10 AM

I'm gonna make my way to Lingenfelter for a tune. It's about a 50 minute drive from my house!

Indydriver · 03-15-2014, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlashBurntFace

I'm gonna make my way to Lingenfelter for a tune. It's about a 50 minute drive from my house!

LOL, as soon as I saw Auburn, I thought, Decatur. If they are too busy or whatever, I'm heading to Mike Norris here in Indy who has a stellar rep.

Blueforce · 03-15-2014, 05:27 PM

That's great to hear man. I will be doing an install of headers, HF cats and full borla atak exhaust. As well as CAI intake, scoop, and washer bottle. I'll be having my girlfriend take pictures before, during and after as well as a few videos. I'm glad to hear it went good, I've never worked on a car before however I'll be working with a family mechanic so I'll be learning stuff. I was worried I may have trouble but it sounds like its not too bad. Gave me a little confidence boost.

03-15-2014, 02:08 AM	#1
FlashBurntFace Drives: 10' 2SS/RS, LS3, CAI Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Auburn, Indiana Posts: 198	My First Experience Installing Headers I just finished bolting on the cats and am finally inside, tired and ready for bed. A lot of DIY threads claim to take 2-4 hours for install, I took 6. BUT I really took my time and did it with vigilance. I installed Kooks 1 7/8 LT w Hf cats. A few notes & things I did/did not do: 1) I swear by wD40 Specialist Rust Penetrant spray, stuff works great 2) I thought my engine was burning up and almost passed out upon seeing white smoke barreling from my engine bay ( it's been stored since October without having started it since, I forgot I sprayed some rust penetrant on the top of the downpipe before I started it, it was burning the oil off) 3) A 22mm open ended wrench fits a lot better than a 7/8 on the O2 censors 4) I did not disconnect the steering shaft, i undid the factory clamps, then unbolted the manifolds, let it all fall and split it up from under the car. 5) on the passenger side I just let the whole piece fall from manifold to cats. 6) I did not break an O2 censor. sigh of relief 7) Kooks headers fit perfectly from what I've heard, and I didn't have one problem with spacing or placement. Kudos to Kooks. Overall it was a good experience, although the passenger side was ridiculously frustrating at times and my neck & back are a little stiff. Yeah it took me 6 hours but I didn't break any shit and I got it done right.

03-15-2014, 06:35 AM	#2
Indydriver Drives: '14 2SS/RS Vert 6M/KTU/NPP/DTA/ARH Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,826	Congrats. I appreciate the satisfaction of completing a mechanical project properly, the certainy of knowing quality products are installed correctly and the intimate knowledge gained of parts and their operation. However, this is one project I'm leaving to a pro, especially given the fact that it should be followed by a tune. __________________ Consensus is, by definition, a lack of leadership.

03-15-2014, 08:10 AM	#3
FlashBurntFace Drives: 10' 2SS/RS, LS3, CAI Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Auburn, Indiana Posts: 198	I'm gonna make my way to Lingenfelter for a tune. It's about a 50 minute drive from my house!

03-15-2014, 05:27 PM	#5
Blueforce Drives: 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE M6 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Buffalo, NY, United States Posts: 161	That's great to hear man. I will be doing an install of headers, HF cats and full borla atak exhaust. As well as CAI intake, scoop, and washer bottle. I'll be having my girlfriend take pictures before, during and after as well as a few videos. I'm glad to hear it went good, I've never worked on a car before however I'll be working with a family mechanic so I'll be learning stuff. I was worried I may have trouble but it sounds like its not too bad. Gave me a little confidence boost.