V8 Long tube header installation help please. - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Grogan73 · 03-21-2016, 12:14 AM

Ok folks, been stressing about headers. I want them. My hang up has been putting them on. I am not that mechanically inclined. I would like to save the $ for the install and apply it to getting a good set. I have heard everything from horror stories about needing a lift and removing motor mounts and jacking motors up, to the crap not lining up with factory exhaust pipes (like my cat back exhaust ended up) or posts where folks say they did it with hand tools in the driveway with out a lift. It never fails when I work on stuff everything possible will go wrong and it would have been cheaper to just pay someone. So I need a straight up answer. With limited skills and tools should I attempt to do it myself yes or no. Headers are freaking expensive or at least to me they are. I called around and have been quoted as much as $500 for the install. Most of the muffler shops I called won't even touch them. That is half the cost of the darn headers. If I buy the set of Kooks I want it could cost me nearly $1600 or more.
__________________

G701LE · 03-21-2016, 12:24 AM

Not knocking Kooks, but for some bent stainless tubes, those are PRICEY. And don't offer anything more performance wise. I just put stainless works on mine this weekend. In my driveway with hand tools, jack, and stands. Hardest part for me (for some reason) was the steering shaft reinstall. Do you have an extra set of hands? That always helps. Header install is pretty easy. Don't fall into the trap of buying the highest priced headers and think they are "the best". Save money on the install and headers by being savvy and do the labor yourself. Right there you have saved enough for stall converter or gears...... Just my .02

BRAVO 2SS · 03-21-2016, 01:08 AM

$1600??? I got a set of Kooks with High Flow Cats and 1700 degree coating for $1300...contact JDP.

I've can only speak for kooks matching up perfect and no problems on my car. Stainless Works have a good reputation too... Good luck in choice. Don't go cheap and you will be fine. Cheap meaning crappy Chinese knockoffs on eBay.

Slilly20102ss · 03-21-2016, 01:29 AM

Installed my long tubes and cat back exhaust in my garage with floor Jack and Jack stands and hand tools. My camaro 2ss rs manual I did not have to touch the streering shaft easy install just take your time and make sure everything is tight

SS Blinder · 03-21-2016, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grogan73

Ok folks, been stressing about headers. I want them. My hang up has been putting them on. I am not that mechanically inclined. I would like to save the $ for the install and apply it to getting a good set. I have heard everything from horror stories about needing a lift and removing motor mounts and jacking motors up, to the crap not lining up with factory exhaust pipes (like my cat back exhaust ended up) or posts where folks say they did it with hand tools in the driveway with out a lift. It never fails when I work on stuff everything possible will go wrong and it would have been cheaper to just pay someone. So I need a straight up answer. With limited skills and tools should I attempt to do it myself yes or no. Headers are freaking expensive or at least to me they are. I called around and have been quoted as much as $500 for the install. Most of the muffler shops I called won't even touch them. That is half the cost of the darn headers. If I buy the set of Kooks I want it could cost me nearly $1600 or more.
__________________

limited skills and tools-> dont attempt to by yourself. ask around here if there's anyone to lend a hand/tools. some of us around here would help you out for just some beer

tbss1 · 03-21-2016, 03:48 AM

the hardest thing for me was taking off the o2 sensors. took about two hours to do the install. I heard that if you heat the o2 sensors and use wd40 they come out easier.

Jim J · 03-21-2016, 09:23 AM

I'm gonna install headers myself also in the near future. Looking at OBX headers, great price. Youtube install and a lot of info on camaro5 here. I don't think it should be a problem. Were it takes someone 2 hours to install it might take you 3 to 4 hours,just plan for it.

Matt8892 · 03-21-2016, 09:45 AM

Just did my headers myself 2 weeks ago in my driveway. Used a half inch ratchet with a few varried extensions. Driver side was super easy. Passenger was a pain with less room and such a large ratchet. I pulled up onto ramps. Then jacked the car up another 6ish inches. Totally doable. I did them myself and would recommend a second pair of hands. I would not do it again by myself.

The o2 sensors, they were a pain. But they came off with the correct socket.

Make sure you have the cats (or off road pipes) on the headers when you install them. Buy new GM gaskets too. I got a set of tsp long tubes used for 400 bucks with new high flow cats. Just bought new gaskets and new o2 extensions.

Matt8892 · 03-21-2016, 09:45 AM

Also, took me 8 hours. Definitely doable. Not very scary to do

Homeless Man · 03-21-2016, 09:52 AM

Before I installed headers I hadn't even used a jack before. I bought it for the install and the rhino ramps too. The stainless power headers I used are just as good as kooks or ARH but only around $700 with highflow cats. Didn't have to dent the headers or unhook steering shaft. The other stuff your just paying for the name. Here is my thread: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=402218

Olddudesrule · 03-21-2016, 10:06 AM

Just added a set of Kooks (bought used on here) and a set of Kooks HFC's (bought used on here) last weekend. Piece of cake with a few cavats...

1. Used Race Ramps, and they were fine, provided enough clearance for the passenger side, but needed to jack up the front another 3"-4" to sneak the driver's side header up around the steering shaft.

2. Did not remove the steering shaft, and don't think you need to with sufficient clearance from underneath. I would try to get them in without removing it if you can. When you're done, you may need to remove the larger rubber bellows on the steering shaft U joint. Clearance issue with one of the primary tubes is possible. No biggie. Just cut it off if it's hitting a down tube.

3. Helps to have a friend when you're setting the headers in. I can be done alone, but is a PITA to get the gasket lined up, and get a bolt or two started without running studs in first. Just ask a friend or even your wife/GF for help. Takes about 20-30 min to get that done.

4. You'll read over and over about problems removing the O2 sensors. Listen to peoples issues here and learn! I removed the stock cats first (after unhooking the sensors (#5), but left the sensors in until I could get at them more easily. Once out, I hit them with PB blaster and let them sit. I put an open end wrench on them, and gave them a slight tap with a rubber mallet. Three broke free and came out easily. One didn't.. Stop there, don't force it out or you will strip/gall the threads. I hit it will a propane torch for a bit, and it came out ok.

5. Getting the O2 sensor harness unclipped behind the heads was probably one of the biggest PITA's of the whole process unless you have the hands of a spider monkey. There is a retaining pin (actually a flat piece of plastic) that has to be pulled sideways first, then simply push the large retaining clip back and pull down. Once you get the first one, you will realize how easy it is. Trick here, undo the clips for the rear first, so you will understand how the ones up top come off.

6. Remove your spark plugs. Saves you from braking them, makes installing the headers easier, and gives you more clearance.

7. The exhaust system from the cats back is mounted on rubber hangers. You'll need to move it around a bit to get the cats in, so don't be afraid to push it around. Hell, I used my feet.

8. I reused the header bolts and the factory gaskets. My car had 16K miles on it, and both were in great condition.

Check out Maryland Speed for their header/HFC packages. I would have bought my there, with coating, for around $1300, but happened to have found a better deal used right here.

Just break the process into small parts and it won't seem that difficult. Saving the $$ will be worth it in the end, and you'll feel good about doing it yourself, especially when you start it up!!

SGRALLEY · 03-21-2016, 10:23 AM

I was thinking about paying someone to do mine...glad I didn't! It took me 2 hours and I did mine on jack stands. Just make sure you unplug the o2 sensors and remove the spark plugs to keep from breaking them.

FunkedOut · 03-21-2016, 10:47 AM

Do it yourself.
You don't need skills, you need patience and a level head.
If getting the last bolt out on the passenger side seems like it is going to take forever to come out, it's because it does. Keep calm and wrench.

Buy new spark plugs and new wires.
No sense in reinstalling old plugs if you have them all out and new ones on hand.
I planned on using the same wires and pulled one wire out of the boot when trying to get it off the plug. Then had to spend either top dollar for local (OEM or Taylor). I went with Taylor 10mm; great fit. No need for heat socks.

If you're getting them coated (I did), a set of ARP bolts looks sharp and fits within the savings. New OEM gaskets are a no brainier for $30.

Grogan73 · 03-21-2016, 03:09 PM

WOW! Great advice folks. I feel much better about the process now. I will let you know how it goes and have some pics!

03-21-2016, 12:14 AM	#1
Grogan73 Drives: Sold it Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Far away Posts: 41	V8 Long tube header installation help please. Ok folks, been stressing about headers. I want them. My hang up has been putting them on. I am not that mechanically inclined. I would like to save the $ for the install and apply it to getting a good set. I have heard everything from horror stories about needing a lift and removing motor mounts and jacking motors up, to the crap not lining up with factory exhaust pipes (like my cat back exhaust ended up) or posts where folks say they did it with hand tools in the driveway with out a lift. It never fails when I work on stuff everything possible will go wrong and it would have been cheaper to just pay someone. So I need a straight up answer. With limited skills and tools should I attempt to do it myself yes or no. Headers are freaking expensive or at least to me they are. I called around and have been quoted as much as $500 for the install. Most of the muffler shops I called won't even touch them. That is half the cost of the darn headers. If I buy the set of Kooks I want it could cost me nearly $1600 or more. __________________

03-21-2016, 12:24 AM	#2
G701LE Drives: 2010 2SS/RS L99 IBM silver stipes Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: K.C. Kansas Posts: 1,329 View My Garage	Not knocking Kooks, but for some bent stainless tubes, those are PRICEY. And don't offer anything more performance wise. I just put stainless works on mine this weekend. In my driveway with hand tools, jack, and stands. Hardest part for me (for some reason) was the steering shaft reinstall. Do you have an extra set of hands? That always helps. Header install is pretty easy. Don't fall into the trap of buying the highest priced headers and think they are "the best". Save money on the install and headers by being savvy and do the labor yourself. Right there you have saved enough for stall converter or gears...... Just my .02 __________________ 2010 Imperial Blue w/ Silver stripes 2SS/RS L99 Mods = Not enough....

03-21-2016, 01:08 AM	#3
BRAVO 2SS Aim Small...Miss Small Drives: 2018 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 866	$1600??? I got a set of Kooks with High Flow Cats and 1700 degree coating for $1300...contact JDP. I've can only speak for kooks matching up perfect and no problems on my car. Stainless Works have a good reputation too... Good luck in choice. Don't go cheap and you will be fine. Cheap meaning crappy Chinese knockoffs on eBay. __________________ 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS

03-21-2016, 03:48 AM	#6
tbss1 More then meets the eye! Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS 426 hp Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Maui Posts: 584 View My Garage	the hardest thing for me was taking off the o2 sensors. took about two hours to do the install. I heard that if you heat the o2 sensors and use wd40 they come out easier. __________________ 2010 2SS/RS, M6, OBX 7/8" l/t headers, with high flow cats, MBRP full 3" exhaust, Whipple supercharger, 3.875 pulley, ID-1050X 1260CC injectors, JRE rough idle street blower cam kit, ZL1 fp, ZL1 fpcm, ZR1 3 bar map sensor, cold air intake, Richman 4.10 gears, BMR toe rods, trailing arms, f/r sway bars, f/r sway bar end links, BMR end link brackets, full BMR poly bushing including solid rear cradle bushings, BMR frame connectors and tunnel brace, f/r Hurst swaybar bushing brackets, Fluidamper, MGR shifter, and tune by Jannetty Racing.

03-21-2016, 09:52 AM	#10
Homeless Man Homeless Life Chose Me Drives: LS3 (sold 4/21) Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Streets of Philly Posts: 3,648	Before I installed headers I hadn't even used a jack before. I bought it for the install and the rhino ramps too. The stainless power headers I used are just as good as kooks or ARH but only around $700 with highflow cats. Didn't have to dent the headers or unhook steering shaft. The other stuff your just paying for the name. Here is my thread: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=402218 __________________ Pity a man in familiar places, who yet feels like a stranger.

03-21-2016, 01:29 AM	#4
Slilly20102ss Drives: 2010 2ss/rs Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 147 View My Garage	Installed my long tubes and cat back exhaust in my garage with floor Jack and Jack stands and hand tools. My camaro 2ss rs manual I did not have to touch the streering shaft easy install just take your time and make sure everything is tight

03-21-2016, 09:23 AM	#7
Jim J Drives: 2010 ss inferno orange camaro Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 110	I'm gonna install headers myself also in the near future. Looking at OBX headers, great price. Youtube install and a lot of info on camaro5 here. I don't think it should be a problem. Were it takes someone 2 hours to install it might take you 3 to 4 hours,just plan for it.

03-21-2016, 09:45 AM	#8
Matt8892 Drives: 2010 2ss RS. White (RIP) 2012 LS3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Central Jersey Posts: 484	Just did my headers myself 2 weeks ago in my driveway. Used a half inch ratchet with a few varried extensions. Driver side was super easy. Passenger was a pain with less room and such a large ratchet. I pulled up onto ramps. Then jacked the car up another 6ish inches. Totally doable. I did them myself and would recommend a second pair of hands. I would not do it again by myself. The o2 sensors, they were a pain. But they came off with the correct socket. Make sure you have the cats (or off road pipes) on the headers when you install them. Buy new GM gaskets too. I got a set of tsp long tubes used for 400 bucks with new high flow cats. Just bought new gaskets and new o2 extensions.

03-21-2016, 10:06 AM	#11
Olddudesrule Resident nomad Drives: 2014 Summit White 1SS/1LE Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 1,765	Just added a set of Kooks (bought used on here) and a set of Kooks HFC's (bought used on here) last weekend. Piece of cake with a few cavats... 1. Used Race Ramps, and they were fine, provided enough clearance for the passenger side, but needed to jack up the front another 3"-4" to sneak the driver's side header up around the steering shaft. 2. Did not remove the steering shaft, and don't think you need to with sufficient clearance from underneath. I would try to get them in without removing it if you can. When you're done, you may need to remove the larger rubber bellows on the steering shaft U joint. Clearance issue with one of the primary tubes is possible. No biggie. Just cut it off if it's hitting a down tube. 3. Helps to have a friend when you're setting the headers in. I can be done alone, but is a PITA to get the gasket lined up, and get a bolt or two started without running studs in first. Just ask a friend or even your wife/GF for help. Takes about 20-30 min to get that done. 4. You'll read over and over about problems removing the O2 sensors. Listen to peoples issues here and learn! I removed the stock cats first (after unhooking the sensors (#5), but left the sensors in until I could get at them more easily. Once out, I hit them with PB blaster and let them sit. I put an open end wrench on them, and gave them a slight tap with a rubber mallet. Three broke free and came out easily. One didn't.. Stop there, don't force it out or you will strip/gall the threads. I hit it will a propane torch for a bit, and it came out ok. 5. Getting the O2 sensor harness unclipped behind the heads was probably one of the biggest PITA's of the whole process unless you have the hands of a spider monkey. There is a retaining pin (actually a flat piece of plastic) that has to be pulled sideways first, then simply push the large retaining clip back and pull down. Once you get the first one, you will realize how easy it is. Trick here, undo the clips for the rear first, so you will understand how the ones up top come off. 6. Remove your spark plugs. Saves you from braking them, makes installing the headers easier, and gives you more clearance. 7. The exhaust system from the cats back is mounted on rubber hangers. You'll need to move it around a bit to get the cats in, so don't be afraid to push it around. Hell, I used my feet. 8. I reused the header bolts and the factory gaskets. My car had 16K miles on it, and both were in great condition. Check out Maryland Speed for their header/HFC packages. I would have bought my there, with coating, for around $1300, but happened to have found a better deal used right here. Just break the process into small parts and it won't seem that difficult. Saving the $$ will be worth it in the end, and you'll feel good about doing it yourself, especially when you start it up!! __________________ Sold: 2007 Z06 2002 Viper GTS/ACR 2003 Z06 1965 FFR Cobra 2012 Nissan 370Z ADM LSA Stage II, Roto-Fab CAI, Kooks LTH/HFC's, Phastek CC, ported TB, Mishimoto radiator and oil cooler, BC Racing ER Series CO's, JPSS 32mm Black Magic rear bar, JPSS front inserts, R1 Concepts Premier slotted rotors/Goodrich SS lines, Schroth ASM harness, MGW flatstick, Brey-Krause HB, Tuned by NicD, at Cordes Performance Racing.

03-21-2016, 10:23 AM	#12
SGRALLEY Drives: 2011 SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: MOBILE Posts: 32	I was thinking about paying someone to do mine...glad I didn't! It took me 2 hours and I did mine on jack stands. Just make sure you unplug the o2 sensors and remove the spark plugs to keep from breaking them.

03-21-2016, 10:47 AM	#13
FunkedOut Drives: Black 2010 SS Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: FL Posts: 447 View My Garage	Do it yourself. You don't need skills, you need patience and a level head. If getting the last bolt out on the passenger side seems like it is going to take forever to come out, it's because it does. Keep calm and wrench. Buy new spark plugs and new wires. No sense in reinstalling old plugs if you have them all out and new ones on hand. I planned on using the same wires and pulled one wire out of the boot when trying to get it off the plug. Then had to spend either top dollar for local (OEM or Taylor). I went with Taylor 10mm; great fit. No need for heat socks. If you're getting them coated (I did), a set of ARP bolts looks sharp and fits within the savings. New OEM gaskets are a no brainier for $30.

03-21-2016, 03:09 PM	#14
Grogan73 Drives: Sold it Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Far away Posts: 41	WOW! Great advice folks. I feel much better about the process now. I will let you know how it goes and have some pics!