Pre-Header install checklist

[MattSS]

Hi guys,

I'm prepping to install a set of Kooks LT headers w/ cats and want to make sure I have everything I need prior to tearing things apart. I've got the headers, cats, new factory gaskets and O2 extenders plus an SCT with a Janetty tune for when the hardware is installed.

I'm pretty new to wrenching but i've successfully everything in my sig myself.

I've heard people say to soak the O2 sensor bungs with WD40 overnight and i think someone has mentioned something called anti-seize for the header bolts? Can someone give me some pointers? Pretend I don't know anything... cause I don't. I just pretend I do.

[mbowen89]

You have all the different kinds of sockets and extenders and wrenches and how are you going to jack the car up etc etc?

[MattSS]

Yep, i've got a standard socket set and I'll have the help of a buddy who's bringing jack/stands, torch, torque wrench

[Russell James]

The trick to the O2 sensors is getting the exhaust hot before cracking them loose.

Cold pipes will have a death grip on the threads.

Take the car out for a drive. Then get it up real high on 4 stands. Have 4 decent size stands available. Then once up and nice and secure on stands... run the engine again for a bit. Shut it off, and right away crack the O2s loose and run them out.

Then start the rest of the install.

Dipstick reinstall can be a bit fun too. Use a flashlight to find the path to the hole, and maybe a helper down below.

Use a small amount of anti seize on the spark plugs and header bolts. And be careful, don't force or over tighten either. It's just aluminum threads in the heads. Make sure they are turning in easy by hand before putting a wrench on it.

Real tall jack stands are your friend for this job. I think mine have been set around 24".

[MattSS]

Thanks. I really appreciate the advice!

[mbowen89]

I did mine with only front stands at not quite 16", if that. And did it by myself.

You two should be able to git r done!

I only had 1.5k miles on the car though, it's practically brand new still, everything came apart like butter!

[JCunningham]

torque the header bolts to 11ftlbs from the center out then GM manual says 15ftlbs. I tq mine to 20ftlbs. I dont use anti seize on the header bolts. spark plugs get torqued to 11ftlbs with anti seize. make sure to zip tie any wiring up so it can not touch the headers.

[MattSS]

LoL, mine is a 5 1/2 year old car that just crossed over 30k miles. It's my DD and I live in Illinois, so I expect 'like butter' will not be a phrase I'll use after I get done. 'Holy rusted metal, Batman!' is much more likely.

Originally Posted by mbowen89

I did mine with only front stands at not quite 16", if that. And did it by myself.

You two should be able to git r done!

I only had 1.5k miles on the car though, it's practically brand new still, everything came apart like butter!

[vroomapunk]

Ive heard not to put anything on the header bolts, not really sure why, but I never did. Ive never had a problem getting header bolts out though.

They make an O2 sensor socket, available at autozone probably, made to slip over the wire. Helped me a ton.

[pyroguy]

I'd love to hear your opinion about in cabin noise after the header install. I have nearly that same setup and I keep wondering how loud the in cabin noise will end up being when I go with LT's.

[mbowen89]

Originally Posted by pyroguy

I'd love to hear your opinion about in cabin noise after the header install. I have nearly that same setup and I keep wondering how loud the in cabin noise will end up being when I go with LT's.

Which setup?

[Homeless Man]

Originally Posted by Russell James

The trick to the O2 sensors is getting the exhaust hot before cracking them loose.

Cold pipes will have a death grip on the threads.

Take the car out for a drive. Then get it up real high on 4 stands. Have 4 decent size stands available. Then once up and nice and secure on stands... run the engine again for a bit. Shut it off, and right away crack the O2s loose and run them out.

Then start the rest of the install.

Dipstick reinstall can be a bit fun too. Use a flashlight to find the path to the hole, and maybe a helper down below.

Use a small amount of anti seize on the spark plugs and header bolts. And be careful, don't force or over tighten either. It's just aluminum threads in the heads. Make sure they are turning in easy by hand before putting a wrench on it.

Real tall jack stands are your friend for this job. I think mine have been set around 24".

No don't run your car before the install then he'll have to wait a long time for it to cool unless he want to burn himself. He said his friend has a torch. And your not supposed to put anti seize on the spark plugs but put some on the header bolts.

[Homeless Man]

Also check out my thread I made about headers when I put mine in. And I am a noob http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=402218

[JCunningham]

if the AC Delco 41-110 spark plug are new then they do not need anti seize. if they were removed from the head they do or in 70,000 miles you will be having a very hard time getting them out.