Header question

[brtaus]

Is this a DIY or do they need to be professionally installed? I have the tools and space to do it, just don't know if I have the proper know how to do it.

[Dave Coyle]

Yes you can do it yourself if you have any mechanical skills. It is straight forward and "most" brands slip right in with no problems. If you are doing the whole exhaust, you my want to find someone with a hoist as the exhaust is one solid unit from front to tailpipes. Take your time and plan on an afternoon to do it.

[brtaus]

Originally Posted by Dave Coyle

Yes you can do it yourself if you have any mechanical skills. It is straight forward and "most" brands slip right in with no problems. If you are doing the whole exhaust, you my want to find someone with a hoist as the exhaust is one solid unit from front to tailpipes. Take your time and plan on an afternoon to do it.

I do have some; installed my axle back and CAI. I know that not anything to write home about, but I do have a clue. I just didn't know if putting on headers involved anything like remove fuel lines, tranny/steering linkage of any kind, etc....

[Camar0wn3d]

It's actually pretty simple. I installed my Kooks headers without any real problem, just a few minor hang-ups from time to time. It's easy to do, but here's a list of concerns:

1. Make sure you can get the car high enough in the air. I had to buy a new jack to get it high enough. (Standard jack-stands work once it's in the air). Need about 2 feet of clearance under the front.

2. Be careful of the spark plugs! Some folks have damaged their plugs while putting the headers into place.

3. A buddy's help will save some time when feeding the headers from the bottom of the car and to move them in the exact right position while you're bolting them into the heads.

4. A bunch of people (including myself) have had problems removing one or more of the oxygen sensors. Some have been cross-threaded/bonded/etc. from the factory and are very difficult to get out, but it can be done with patience...just don't break anything.

5. I'm not sure about any other brands, but the Kooks 1 7/8" I installed did NOT need the steering shaft to be messed with, and was a very easy fit.

I'm not the most mechanically inclined person and have only basic to intermediate skills when it comes to working on cars, but I was very surprised at how easy the header installation was. You can do it, and save a couple bills by doing it.

[cheaplabor]

i have the doug thorley shorties, and installed myself, first i took all the manifold bolts and the flange bolts out from the top, and then the drivers side manifold came out the top also, i then installed the drivers side header from the top(a little tight but not impossible) now is a good time to unclip the wiring for the passenger side o2 sensor behind the pass side head. then i jacked up the car, removed the passenger side cats (just unplugging them is easy and quick, if you're doing longtubes they'll be easier to mess with on a bench) then removed the manifold, exchanged it for the header and went in reverse from there. total time 3hrs.. incl beer breaks
here's a link to some pics

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64989

[A.R. Headers]

Brtaus, Speaking for ARH systems, you can, with decent mechanical skills and tools perform the install. We'd recommend that if you're working on the ground to have a buddy assist you. Not that it's necessary, just helpful. The rest is cake. If you'd like to go over it please feel free to call me, 631-608-1986. Thanks.

Nick

[brtaus]

From the sound of things, it seems pretty straightforward. And if I do get headers, I would get some high flow cats and a new cat back system, so that seems like it will make it a tad easier.

[brtaus]

Originally Posted by A.R. Headers

Brtaus, Speaking for ARH systems, you can, with decent mechanical skills and tools perform the install. We'd recommend that if you're working on the ground to have a buddy assist you. Not that it's necessary, just helpful. The rest is cake. If you'd like to go over it please feel free to call me, 631-608-1986. Thanks.

Nick

Thanks Nick; if I decide to go with headers, and the rest, I will have to keep this in mind.

[Bell040]

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36329

[brtaus]

Originally Posted by Bell040

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36329

Thanks, saw that and sure, the write is great but that is a professional shop, experienced mech, etc....I wanted some real world opinions from guys who did it their garage to see just how "shadetree mechanic" it was.

[10aSSee D]

It can be done in your garage and it is pretty straight forward. Like everyone has said just take your time and if possible have a buddy there to help when putting the headers in from the bottom. Me and my dad had my old exhaust off and new headers on in about 2 to 3 hours then we started on the rest of the exhaust. Go for it and take your time!

[Bell040]

I am going to be doing this in a few days... if I run into any problems not noted in that writeup, I will let you know.

looks pretty staight forward to me... as long as you can get your car >18" above ground.

[brtaus]

here is one thing not in the write up. how easy are the headers bolts to get to? does it require a small hand/fingers? if so, I will have to find a buddy with small hands as I have ginormous hands/fingers.

[cheaplabor]

Originally Posted by brtaus

here is one thing not in the write up. how easy are the headers bolts to get to? does it require a small hand/fingers? if so, I will have to find a buddy with small hands as I have ginormous hands/fingers.

no worries there i had lots of room and my fingers are like breakfast sausages, a ratchet with universal and 3" extension was all i needed for the hardest 2