question about header install with o2 extenders/spacers - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Mrbowtie26 · 03-17-2016, 07:14 AM

Is it possible to install LT headers and high flow cats with front and rear o2 sensors in place while using the o2 spacers in back that move the o2 sensor away to stop a CEL without actually throwing a code ? Im considering if theres a way to install headers without tune and not get a CEL (im worried about getting a tune and voiding my warranty if major failure. I would swap back stock manifolds if i needed to get warranty work) ?
Thanks in advance

Mrbowtie26 · 03-23-2016, 10:10 AM

167 views and nothing ? Anyone ?

DILLIGAF · 03-23-2016, 10:15 AM

If you install headers, you need a tune to avoid a CEL. Maybe someone has done it and not gotten the CEL, but there is no point in installing headers without getting the proper tune for them. gotta pay to play.

Mvpdhillon27 · 03-23-2016, 10:28 AM

I had the cel come up on my jba headers with high flow cats. I put the O2 simulators on and it went away but I later got a tune

rodfone · 03-23-2016, 11:31 AM

I understand the method of getting a tune after adding headers to maximize the mod but where is the data that supports that it's necessary other than putting money in a tuners pocket.

USMUCL · 03-23-2016, 11:32 AM

Nothing for nothing, there is a difference between the "simulators" and the spacers.

With the JBA or Solo cats, most are getting away without CELs by just using the spacers.

I suspect that, with headers, you might avoid the CEL with the true simulators, which basically have the catalytic converter "insides" built in them so that only the clean gas gets to the sensor. I have read varying opinions on the simulators, to include some issues with longevity and whether they are even legal to produce.

Would be an interesting experiment. Headers are such a PITA to install though, I can't imagine swapping them out each time you go for warranty work.

CDBiker220 · 03-23-2016, 11:32 AM

I am selling a set of the spacers in the for sale section. I did not use them on my car since I was planning to get a tune regardless but they came with the headers I bought off a friend. He said they worked and he never got a CEL.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...light=defouler

Mrbowtie26 · 03-23-2016, 12:56 PM

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate it. Basically im debating if I want to weld in bungs after the cats im installing and add the spacers to try it. If i can get away without changing the tune and voiding my drivetrain warranty it may be worth it.

pyroguy · 03-23-2016, 03:48 PM

If you don't get a code for the high flow cats, you will likely get a code for the front O2 sensors being further down the line than stock. The computer in these cars is too smart for its own good in this situation.

cc-rider · 03-23-2016, 04:28 PM

Kind of sucks for those of you that don't want to tune and void your warranty. But LT headers just need a tune.

What you really should consider is just keeping your stock manifold and bolting up some Solo high flow cats. If I remember right, they've been proven time and time again to bolt right up and not throw a CEL (but do a search here and confirm). And you'll pick up some decent power too (most have it pegged somewhere in the 10-20 hp range). Plus, if you do have a catastrophic failure and have to go back to stock before you take it in...it's a quick job to get those off and the stock cats back in. Headers is a much more involved process.

ChristianLS3 · 03-23-2016, 04:31 PM

When you install LTH the car runs extremely lean. You will damage not only your spark plugs but your motor can be damaged too if ran too lean. You need to tune the car. Do not step on the throttle when you install the headers. You will damage the plugs 99% of the time. Running to lean fast forwards the life of your motor by 10x's.

03-17-2016, 07:14 AM	#1
Mrbowtie26 Drives: 2015 CRT 1SS 1LE Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: West Haven CT Posts: 593 View My Garage	question about header install with o2 extenders/spacers Is it possible to install LT headers and high flow cats with front and rear o2 sensors in place while using the o2 spacers in back that move the o2 sensor away to stop a CEL without actually throwing a code ? Im considering if theres a way to install headers without tune and not get a CEL (im worried about getting a tune and voiding my warranty if major failure. I would swap back stock manifolds if i needed to get warranty work) ? Thanks in advance Last edited by Mrbowtie26; 03-24-2016 at 01:51 PM.

03-23-2016, 10:15 AM	#3
DILLIGAF Drives: 2023 ZL1 M6 Rapid Blue Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Western NY Posts: 357 View My Garage	If you install headers, you need a tune to avoid a CEL. Maybe someone has done it and not gotten the CEL, but there is no point in installing headers without getting the proper tune for them. gotta pay to play. __________________ 2023 Rapid Blue ZL1 M6 \| Corsa NPP \| Corsa Carbon Fiber Intake \| Hardwired Valentine1 Gen 2 \| Pro Clip Phone Mount \|

03-23-2016, 03:48 PM	#9
pyroguy Started#gottalovethatblue Drives: ABM #831 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: TN Posts: 6,943 View My Garage	If you don't get a code for the high flow cats, you will likely get a code for the front O2 sensors being further down the line than stock. The computer in these cars is too smart for its own good in this situation. __________________ '10 Camaro 2SS/RS \| Aqua Blue #831 of 3,903 \| Silver Stripes Check out my build thread

03-23-2016, 10:10 AM	#2
Mrbowtie26 Drives: 2015 CRT 1SS 1LE Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: West Haven CT Posts: 593 View My Garage	167 views and nothing ? Anyone ?

03-23-2016, 10:28 AM	#4
Mvpdhillon27 Drives: 2010 Blk Camaro SS LS3 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Delaware, Ohio Posts: 17	I had the cel come up on my jba headers with high flow cats. I put the O2 simulators on and it went away but I later got a tune

03-23-2016, 11:31 AM	#5
rodfone Drives: 2012 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2014 Location: Lathrup Village Mi Posts: 28	I understand the method of getting a tune after adding headers to maximize the mod but where is the data that supports that it's necessary other than putting money in a tuners pocket.

03-23-2016, 11:32 AM	#6
USMUCL Drives: 2018 Camaro 1SS 1LE Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Virginia Posts: 286	Nothing for nothing, there is a difference between the "simulators" and the spacers. With the JBA or Solo cats, most are getting away without CELs by just using the spacers. I suspect that, with headers, you might avoid the CEL with the true simulators, which basically have the catalytic converter "insides" built in them so that only the clean gas gets to the sensor. I have read varying opinions on the simulators, to include some issues with longevity and whether they are even legal to produce. Would be an interesting experiment. Headers are such a PITA to install though, I can't imagine swapping them out each time you go for warranty work.

03-23-2016, 11:32 AM	#7
CDBiker220 Drives: 98 camaro z28 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: pittsburgh, pa Posts: 189	I am selling a set of the spacers in the for sale section. I did not use them on my car since I was planning to get a tune regardless but they came with the headers I bought off a friend. He said they worked and he never got a CEL. http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...light=defouler

03-23-2016, 12:56 PM	#8
Mrbowtie26 Drives: 2015 CRT 1SS 1LE Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: West Haven CT Posts: 593 View My Garage	Thanks for the replies. I appreciate it. Basically im debating if I want to weld in bungs after the cats im installing and add the spacers to try it. If i can get away without changing the tune and voiding my drivetrain warranty it may be worth it.

03-23-2016, 04:28 PM	#10
cc-rider Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: MN Posts: 1,176	Kind of sucks for those of you that don't want to tune and void your warranty. But LT headers just need a tune. What you really should consider is just keeping your stock manifold and bolting up some Solo high flow cats. If I remember right, they've been proven time and time again to bolt right up and not throw a CEL (but do a search here and confirm). And you'll pick up some decent power too (most have it pegged somewhere in the 10-20 hp range). Plus, if you do have a catastrophic failure and have to go back to stock before you take it in...it's a quick job to get those off and the stock cats back in. Headers is a much more involved process.

03-23-2016, 04:31 PM	#11
ChristianLS3 Drives: 10' Camaro 2ss Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 53	When you install LTH the car runs extremely lean. You will damage not only your spark plugs but your motor can be damaged too if ran too lean. You need to tune the car. Do not step on the throttle when you install the headers. You will damage the plugs 99% of the time. Running to lean fast forwards the life of your motor by 10x's.