LTH Install Troubleshooting - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Crazych66 · 08-20-2021, 12:20 PM

OK just wanted to run some things buy the experts. Installed used ARH LTHs, gutted cats/midpipes, new OEM plugs and Taylor 409 wires. New GM gaskets and I reused the O2 sensors, added extensions up front, and tied them back away from the headers. No tune as of yet.

I have some obvious exhaust leaks at the midpipes (slip joint and/or ball socket) that I continue to work on. What I'm also experiencing is a rough and low idle. The car feels like it wants to stall, especially in reverse. I checked the plug gaps before install and the only code I've triggered so far is the P0137 O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 2). The car definitely feels stronger and seems to run just fine on throttle. Just REAL LOUD!

Since I've never worked on one of these cars, I'm not sure if any of this is normal pre-tune behavior, if its the leaks, or if this this might be a plug/wire issue.

Any tips would be appreciated!

gunchamp · 08-20-2021, 12:55 PM

Not exactly normal, but issues do pop up after lth install without a tune. I'm betting once you get a tune, she will run proper

InFiD3ViL · 08-20-2021, 01:39 PM

The car just probably wants a proper tune. I would take it very easy until then.

Crazych66 · 08-20-2021, 01:56 PM

Thanks guys! I'm definitely going to take it easy.

Pluto · 08-20-2021, 02:31 PM

Did you remove the plugs when you were installing the headers? They break very easily when you’re re-installing them.

Crazych66 · 08-20-2021, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pluto

Did you remove the plugs when you were installing the headers? They break very easily when you’re re-installing them.

Yep. Brand new plugs and wires.

Pluto · 08-20-2021, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazych66

Yep. Brand new plugs and wires.

My idle has always been low and from the factory almost felt like it had a misfire. Almost. However, after I put the headers on, it felt exactly like it did prior. Just louder and with a check engine light until I got the tune. If you feel it’s significantly different I would ohm check the wires and verify there isn’t any tracking down the side of the plug.

Crazych66 · 08-20-2021, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pluto

My idle has always been low and from the factory almost felt like it had a misfire. Almost. However, after I put the headers on, it felt exactly like it did prior. Just louder and with a check engine light until I got the tune. If you feel it’s significantly different I would ohm check the wires and verify there isn’t any tracking down the side of the plug.

I have a similar situation. Before headers it had a slightly low idle and it felt like a misfire. The LTHs just made it more pronounced. Not a significant difference just enhanced some.

Thanks for the tip on the wires.

08-20-2021, 12:20 PM	#1
Crazych66 Drives: '12 Camaro 2SS/RS Vert Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Virginia Posts: 186	LTH Install Troubleshooting OK just wanted to run some things buy the experts. Installed used ARH LTHs, gutted cats/midpipes, new OEM plugs and Taylor 409 wires. New GM gaskets and I reused the O2 sensors, added extensions up front, and tied them back away from the headers. No tune as of yet. I have some obvious exhaust leaks at the midpipes (slip joint and/or ball socket) that I continue to work on. What I'm also experiencing is a rough and low idle. The car feels like it wants to stall, especially in reverse. I checked the plug gaps before install and the only code I've triggered so far is the P0137 O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 2). The car definitely feels stronger and seems to run just fine on throttle. Just REAL LOUD! Since I've never worked on one of these cars, I'm not sure if any of this is normal pre-tune behavior, if its the leaks, or if this this might be a plug/wire issue. Any tips would be appreciated! __________________ 2012 Camaro SS Convertible: 2SS, LS3, M6, Triple Black. Mods: Solo Axleback, 1LE FE6 rear swaybar, CAGS delete, Vararam CAI, Heritage grill, Hotchkis springs, '15 FE4 struts/shocks, ZL1 side rockers, Velgen Classic5 wheels, Pedders radius rod bushings, ARH LTHs, gutted HFCs,...

08-20-2021, 12:55 PM	#2
gunchamp Drives: 15 Camaro SS Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Mountains of central PA Posts: 1,442	Not exactly normal, but issues do pop up after lth install without a tune. I'm betting once you get a tune, she will run proper __________________ 15 Camaro SS- GPI max top end, ESS Vortech V3 9psi, ID 1050s, ZL1 pump, JMS bap, Long tubes, Corsa extreme, Circle D pro 5C, 391 rear, DSS carbon drive shaft, poly cradle bushings, tuned by Ted Jannetty and much much more

08-20-2021, 01:39 PM	#3
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,594	The car just probably wants a proper tune. I would take it very easy until then. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI

08-20-2021, 01:56 PM	#4
Crazych66 Drives: '12 Camaro 2SS/RS Vert Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Virginia Posts: 186	Thanks guys! I'm definitely going to take it easy. __________________ 2012 Camaro SS Convertible: 2SS, LS3, M6, Triple Black. Mods: Solo Axleback, 1LE FE6 rear swaybar, CAGS delete, Vararam CAI, Heritage grill, Hotchkis springs, '15 FE4 struts/shocks, ZL1 side rockers, Velgen Classic5 wheels, Pedders radius rod bushings, ARH LTHs, gutted HFCs,...

08-20-2021, 02:31 PM	#5
Pluto Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,191 View My Garage	Did you remove the plugs when you were installing the headers? They break very easily when you’re re-installing them. __________________ 2013 VR Camaro 2SS/RS LS3 Small, but effective mod list: Roto-Fab Intake, TSP 2" Long tubes, TSP catless mids, MSD spark plug wires, stock catback, Elite Catch Can, APEX washer relocation and scoop, VMAX throttle body, Diablo InTune-Tuned by Matt@FSP, and a JacFab license plate bracket.