Header Install cost?

[skongolf]

I know this was asked before but did not see any recent posts. What is the going rate for installing a set of headers? I have a 2011 SS Convertible and got a great deal on a set of Kooks long tubes with cats. I would do the install myself but had major neck fusion surgery in November and wont be wrenching for a while. I have gotten a few estimates and they are all over the place depending on the location of the shop.
TIA

[Talladega]

It took me and a buddy less than three hours to install my set. That is on a floor with jack stands, in a shop with a lift would be quicker. Given that assum 3 hours at a shop rat of say $75/hour I wouldn't pay more than $225.

[SSkat]

I had mine installed along with new plugs and a tune. Paid a little over 800.

[pyroguy]

I've seen many people say it costs them about $400 for header install. SSkat's quote of $800 with a tune is a pretty good price too. Tunes usually cost around $500 and will be required with long tube header install to eliminate a CEL and to optimize your performance.

[GONIF]

So easy a chimp could do it . Not worth more than $200.00 or so.

[InFiD3ViL]

Originally Posted by GONIF

So easy a chimp could do it . Not worth more than $200.00 or so.

I am going to agree here.

Someone with minimal mechanical ability with hand tools, floor jack and stands can get this done. These cars are just designed very easy to work on, especially thanks to the space in the engine compartment. I honestly think the hardest part of the header install is reinstalling the dipstick tube and getting a good seal at the collectors.

But one thing I would recommend to anyone doing this themselves...change to new plugs. The slightest tap against your plugs will crack the insulator, so why chance it?

Now my 1995 LT1 Trans AM? That was a different story. Your knuckles would be raw after working under the hood.

[Chris49066SS]

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

I am going to agree here.

Someone with minimal mechanical ability with hand tools, floor jack and stands can get this done. These cars are just designed very easy to work on, especially thanks to the space in the engine compartment. I honestly think the hardest part of the header install is reinstalling the dipstick tube and getting a good seal at the collectors.

But one thing I would recommend to anyone doing this themselves...change to new plugs. The slightest tap against your plugs will crack the insulator, so why chance it?

Now my 1995 LT1 Trans AM? That was a different story. Your knuckles would be raw after working under the hood.

+1

I can't imagine why it would ever cost very much. They are really easy to do. Some shops really try to do people dirty with things. The work itself should never be more than $200

[SRTLOL]

DIY! My fiance held them when I fed them from under the car. Literally all you need is an extra hand to hold them, jack stands, jack, and a beer. just get it high enough up off the ground.

[pyroguy]

SRTLOL it sounds like he would except,

Originally Posted by skongolf

I know this was asked before but did not see any recent posts. What is the going rate for installing a set of headers? I have a 2011 SS Convertible and got a great deal on a set of Kooks long tubes with cats. I would do the install myself but had major neck fusion surgery in November and wont be wrenching for a while. I have gotten a few estimates and they are all over the place depending on the location of the shop.
TIA

I agree though, header install isn't all that difficult and is definitely gratifying to have completed yourself.

[Juiced1]

It's easy enough to do it yourself but it does take time to install them. We generally charge $800 for the install and tune. I haven't found a shop that was lower in this day and age that can do both the install and dyno tune for that price.

[skongolf]

Thanks for the info. I did get a quote of About $800 for the install and tune, and at a very reputable shop with a guy who was recommended by several people on here to do the tune.

I would do it myself, but I had a neck fusion and disk removal surgery on Nov 13th and am still recovering from that, so I really can't turn a wrench, can barely walk. Just don't want to wait 6 months till I am hopefully fully recovered.

Also, a lot of you suggested changing plugs. What ones are recommended? I am at about 60K miles so probably a good idea.

[SRTLOL]

Originally Posted by pyroguy

SRTLOL it sounds like he would except,



I agree though, header install isn't all that difficult and is definitely gratifying to have completed yourself.

I completely missed that. I am at work so skimmed and posted. I dun goofed on that one.

[pyroguy]

Originally Posted by SRTLOL

I completely missed that. I am at work so skimmed and posted. I dun goofed on that one.

It's all good I've done that at least once this week too.

[GodWentPunk]

Long tube headers mean that your current exhaust will not just slip in without modifications. Going shorties will give you that ability, and then no tuning required. For myself, my quote was about $500 for headers installation and replacing everything from the cats back to muffler.