Header install advice - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

cybercoaster · 03-27-2015, 08:11 PM

I have searched this site and others and come up with different answers. Just looking for first hand advice.

Finally going to work on installing my Kooks 2" headers this weekend. I have the O2 sensor tool, GM gaskets, the bolts that come with the headers and O2 extender wires. Anyone have any other advice? Do I need sealant for the gaskets? Do you remove the oil dipstick tube, if so, anything special for that? Any other tips to make this smooth sailing? Thanks!

Stephen12ZL1 · 03-27-2015, 08:31 PM

no sealant...not necessary. You don't need an O2 sensor tool...open end 7/8" or 22mm works much easier. Bolts supplied with the headers are notoriously cheap, and I have always reused the original (OE) bolts on LS applications. Removing the dipstick tube is as simple as removing the retaining bolt and pulling straight up...yes, you need to remove it. Getting the dipstick tube back in position is much more tricky because of visibility around the starter shield. You will have to remove the steering u-joint rubber cover due to clearance. Also, you will have to remove the 11mm bolt from the joint and move the steering rod briefly to gain more clearance when the header is raised into place. 02 extender wires are necessary as the O2 sensors don't have a lead long enough the reach the connection point on the back of the cylinder head on either side. That connection point on the back of the cylinder head is tight so you must have a smallish hand to disconnect it. Look for the green plastic lock on the weatherpack that first must be removed before disconnecting. Obviously, remove spark plugs and wires before attempting header removal or installation.

dtwolcot2 · 03-27-2015, 10:01 PM

Dipstick is actually really easy to reinstall. Before you take it out look at where it goes from underneath the car. When you go back to install get it close, crawl under car and guide it into the hole by hand. Then from the top push down to seat the o ring.

Dont know if the Kook 2" has the same issue but my TSP 2" didnt clear a tab on the engine ground stud. I removed stud and had to cut off tab.

Remove intake. Gives extra room to work on drivers side.

Take your time, not a hard install but does take time. Passenger side has a lot of stuff in the way that makes for some one click wrenching. I found a racheting wrench worked best for me.

I didn't have to remove or disconnect steering knuckle.

cybercoaster · 03-30-2015, 08:32 AM

Thanks all, it all went slow but well. Took longer than expected. When you say "You will have to remove the steering u-joint rubber cover due to clearance" is this part you are talking about? The clamp does rub on header. Simply remove? There are no issues with it off? What is this "cover" for? Just want to make sure I remove the correct item and not mess anything up ! Thanks!

dtwolcot2 · 03-30-2015, 08:45 AM

Yes that's it. It's a dust cover for the joint. I removed mine after seeing a lot of people remove them for clearance. I'm sure if you clean once in a while and keep it lubed it is fine. I'm just going to hit it mine with a pressure washer to knock any dirt and dust off and lube it with bearing grease.

cybercoaster · 03-30-2015, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtwolcot2

Yes that's it. It's a dust cover for the joint. I removed mine after seeing a lot of people remove them for clearance. I'm sure if you clean once in a while and keep it lubed it is fine. I'm just going to hit it mine with a pressure washer to knock any dirt and dust off and lube it with bearing grease.

Thank goodness! Thanks so much! Was worrying me. Now to tackle the springs then I will be ready for the Hot Rod Power Tour!

Stephen12ZL1 · 03-30-2015, 09:45 AM

my lower dust cover had to be removed also...the one that covers the universal joint

03-27-2015, 08:11 PM	#1
cybercoaster Drives: 2017 2SS 50th Anv, 1972 RS Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 1,588 View My Garage	Header install advice I have searched this site and others and come up with different answers. Just looking for first hand advice. Finally going to work on installing my Kooks 2" headers this weekend. I have the O2 sensor tool, GM gaskets, the bolts that come with the headers and O2 extender wires. Anyone have any other advice? Do I need sealant for the gaskets? Do you remove the oil dipstick tube, if so, anything special for that? Any other tips to make this smooth sailing? Thanks!

03-27-2015, 08:31 PM	#2
Stephen12ZL1 Drives: '21 ZLE A10 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mechanicsville, VA Posts: 6,809	no sealant...not necessary. You don't need an O2 sensor tool...open end 7/8" or 22mm works much easier. Bolts supplied with the headers are notoriously cheap, and I have always reused the original (OE) bolts on LS applications. Removing the dipstick tube is as simple as removing the retaining bolt and pulling straight up...yes, you need to remove it. Getting the dipstick tube back in position is much more tricky because of visibility around the starter shield. You will have to remove the steering u-joint rubber cover due to clearance. Also, you will have to remove the 11mm bolt from the joint and move the steering rod briefly to gain more clearance when the header is raised into place. 02 extender wires are necessary as the O2 sensors don't have a lead long enough the reach the connection point on the back of the cylinder head on either side. That connection point on the back of the cylinder head is tight so you must have a smallish hand to disconnect it. Look for the green plastic lock on the weatherpack that first must be removed before disconnecting. Obviously, remove spark plugs and wires before attempting header removal or installation. __________________ '21 ZLE A10 Wild Cherry PDR 2:00.78 VIR Full 10.68@131.69 1.68 60' '17 ZL1 A10 Mosaic Black PDR/Nav 2:03.08 VIR Full 11.003@129.2 1.75 (sold) '15 Z/28 #325 Black a/c & stereo. 2:10.1 VIR Full (sold) '12 ZL1 A6 Black 10.52@131 1.55 60' 2:13 VIR Full (sold)

03-27-2015, 10:01 PM	#3
dtwolcot2 Drives: 2012 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: GA Posts: 167	Dipstick is actually really easy to reinstall. Before you take it out look at where it goes from underneath the car. When you go back to install get it close, crawl under car and guide it into the hole by hand. Then from the top push down to seat the o ring. Dont know if the Kook 2" has the same issue but my TSP 2" didnt clear a tab on the engine ground stud. I removed stud and had to cut off tab. Remove intake. Gives extra room to work on drivers side. Take your time, not a hard install but does take time. Passenger side has a lot of stuff in the way that makes for some one click wrenching. I found a racheting wrench worked best for me. I didn't have to remove or disconnect steering knuckle. Attached Images __________________ 11.633 @ 118.85 Stock M6 Drag Radials

03-30-2015, 08:32 AM	#4
cybercoaster Drives: 2017 2SS 50th Anv, 1972 RS Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 1,588 View My Garage	Thanks all, it all went slow but well. Took longer than expected. When you say "You will have to remove the steering u-joint rubber cover due to clearance" is this part you are talking about? The clamp does rub on header. Simply remove? There are no issues with it off? What is this "cover" for? Just want to make sure I remove the correct item and not mess anything up ! Thanks! Attached Images

03-30-2015, 08:45 AM	#5
dtwolcot2 Drives: 2012 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: GA Posts: 167	Yes that's it. It's a dust cover for the joint. I removed mine after seeing a lot of people remove them for clearance. I'm sure if you clean once in a while and keep it lubed it is fine. I'm just going to hit it mine with a pressure washer to knock any dirt and dust off and lube it with bearing grease. __________________ 11.633 @ 118.85 Stock M6 Drag Radials

03-30-2015, 09:45 AM	#7
Stephen12ZL1 Drives: '21 ZLE A10 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mechanicsville, VA Posts: 6,809	my lower dust cover had to be removed also...the one that covers the universal joint __________________ '21 ZLE A10 Wild Cherry PDR 2:00.78 VIR Full 10.68@131.69 1.68 60' '17 ZL1 A10 Mosaic Black PDR/Nav 2:03.08 VIR Full 11.003@129.2 1.75 (sold) '15 Z/28 #325 Black a/c & stereo. 2:10.1 VIR Full (sold) '12 ZL1 A6 Black 10.52@131 1.55 60' 2:13 VIR Full (sold)