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

ilirg · 07-08-2014, 09:08 PM

Just ordered a set of Stainless Power headers. I have limited mechanical knowledge and lack of proper tools so I'll be getting them installed at a shop.The shop I'm using is not really a performance shop, but I trust their mechanical ability as they have been working on my cars for years. Being that they probably never installed a set of headers on a camaro before is there anything I should tell them to be extra cautious with or tips to help with the install?

Krajkerjac · 07-08-2014, 09:11 PM

Reuse or replace with OEM GM gasket. No silicone.

ilirg · 07-08-2014, 09:14 PM

I forgot to mention I did order a new set of gm gaskets.

hunter1660 · 07-08-2014, 09:23 PM

No test drives

Levi550 · 07-08-2014, 10:34 PM

have them pull the spark plugs so they do not get broken during the install. Also retorque the fasteners after a few heatcycles.

MightymouseSS · 07-09-2014, 04:45 AM

18 ft lbs of torque on header bolts. I made mine an even 20. Use oem header bolts too.

DefiantXSoldier · 07-09-2014, 08:07 PM

I am waiting on a GM mechanic to get back to me about installing my headers and high flows. He does work on the side out of his garage.

My question is what is a reasonable price to pay for the install? I want to make sure I'm not going to get hosed. If he wants too much I will most likely do the install myself.

ilirg · 07-09-2014, 08:25 PM

thanks for the help guys.

@ Defiant I think most shops charge anywhere between 450-600$. The shop I'm using gives me a hook up so I'm paying a lot less, and its less then 2 miles from my house lol.

damian559 · 07-10-2014, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilirg

thanks for the help guys.

@ Defiant I think most shops charge anywhere between 450-600$. The shop I'm using gives me a hook up so I'm paying a lot less, and its less then 2 miles from my house lol.

That's pricey. I was quoted $250 from a very well known reputable shop where I live.

Cali_Camaro_SS · 07-10-2014, 03:51 AM

Yea id say about 150 per side so about 300 bucks for header install is reasonable

Also have them pull the dip stick out and have them try to remember where it goes back in before they take it out

ilirg · 07-10-2014, 07:47 AM

Must be that Jersey mark up :/

DefiantXSoldier · 07-11-2014, 07:58 PM

Ok. $300 is reasonable and was just about the price I was thinking I should pay.

icemans2k02 · 07-12-2014, 02:29 PM

It took me 3 hours total to remove stock manifolds and old exhaust and replace everything with JBA setup. Also installed Barton short shifter in that setup. I would say 250 is reasonable as it doesn't take long at all. You have to do nothing tricky to remove them like I did on my gto installing longtubes or my buddies AWD Tbss. Anything more then 250 do it yourself!

Destructo09 · 07-12-2014, 03:11 PM

I used the RTV my Stainless power headers came with, and the bolts, no leaks. My brother did the same and we've got several months on them now without any issues.

The OEM gaskets should work just fine as well though if you already bought them.

Any shop should have no issues doing the headers, doesn't really need to be a performance shop.

07-08-2014, 09:08 PM	#1
ilirg Drives: 2011 Camaro 2ss Join Date: May 2013 Location: nj Posts: 1,559	LT Header install Just ordered a set of Stainless Power headers. I have limited mechanical knowledge and lack of proper tools so I'll be getting them installed at a shop.The shop I'm using is not really a performance shop, but I trust their mechanical ability as they have been working on my cars for years. Being that they probably never installed a set of headers on a camaro before is there anything I should tell them to be extra cautious with or tips to help with the install?

07-08-2014, 09:11 PM	#2
Krajkerjac Drives: 2011 SS Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Arizona Posts: 317	Reuse or replace with OEM GM gasket. No silicone. __________________ 2011 SS L99 - CAI, Ported TB, Air Scoop, LT and HF Cats, Borla Exhaust, Quad Tips, 3.91 gears, 1.4 lowering springs, plus some misc.

07-08-2014, 09:23 PM	#4
hunter1660 Drives: 2011ss/rs camaro Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: florida Posts: 1,261	No test drives __________________ . OBX LTH,Rotofab,Magnuson Heartbeat.AEM wideband, HP Tuners

07-08-2014, 10:34 PM	#5
Levi550 Drives: SIM, 2SS/RS, LS3 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Rowlett, TX Posts: 83	have them pull the spark plugs so they do not get broken during the install. Also retorque the fasteners after a few heatcycles. __________________ 2SS/RS - SIM Naked Born on February 8, 2010 ADM Street CAI, Flowmaster AT, VMax, SCT Tuner with a Jannetty Tune

07-09-2014, 04:45 AM	#6
MightymouseSS Drives: 2011 LS3 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: el paso tx Posts: 547	18 ft lbs of torque on header bolts. I made mine an even 20. Use oem header bolts too. __________________ Vararam Stainless Works Headers Vmax TB SLP loudmouth 2 Nightfury Cam Mike Norris CC Tuned by Southwest Speed

07-08-2014, 09:14 PM	#3
ilirg Drives: 2011 Camaro 2ss Join Date: May 2013 Location: nj Posts: 1,559	I forgot to mention I did order a new set of gm gaskets.

07-09-2014, 08:07 PM	#7
DefiantXSoldier Drives: 2014 Red Hot 2SS/RS/1LE NPP Recaros Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Bay Area Posts: 323 View My Garage	I am waiting on a GM mechanic to get back to me about installing my headers and high flows. He does work on the side out of his garage. My question is what is a reasonable price to pay for the install? I want to make sure I'm not going to get hosed. If he wants too much I will most likely do the install myself.

07-09-2014, 08:25 PM	#8
ilirg Drives: 2011 Camaro 2ss Join Date: May 2013 Location: nj Posts: 1,559	thanks for the help guys. @ Defiant I think most shops charge anywhere between 450-600$. The shop I'm using gives me a hook up so I'm paying a lot less, and its less then 2 miles from my house lol.

07-10-2014, 03:51 AM	#10
Cali_Camaro_SS Drives: 2010 Camaro 1SS (BLACK) Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Cali Posts: 869	Yea id say about 150 per side so about 300 bucks for header install is reasonable Also have them pull the dip stick out and have them try to remember where it goes back in before they take it out __________________

07-10-2014, 07:47 AM	#11
ilirg Drives: 2011 Camaro 2ss Join Date: May 2013 Location: nj Posts: 1,559	Must be that Jersey mark up :/

07-11-2014, 07:58 PM	#12
DefiantXSoldier Drives: 2014 Red Hot 2SS/RS/1LE NPP Recaros Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Bay Area Posts: 323 View My Garage	Ok. $300 is reasonable and was just about the price I was thinking I should pay.

07-12-2014, 02:29 PM	#13
icemans2k02 Drives: 2005 pontiac GTO 2010 camaro SS Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: shreveport Posts: 113	It took me 3 hours total to remove stock manifolds and old exhaust and replace everything with JBA setup. Also installed Barton short shifter in that setup. I would say 250 is reasonable as it doesn't take long at all. You have to do nothing tricky to remove them like I did on my gto installing longtubes or my buddies AWD Tbss. Anything more then 250 do it yourself!

07-12-2014, 03:11 PM	#14
Destructo09 Drives: 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS/LS3 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Raleigh-Durham Posts: 1,409	I used the RTV my Stainless power headers came with, and the bolts, no leaks. My brother did the same and we've got several months on them now without any issues. The OEM gaskets should work just fine as well though if you already bought them. Any shop should have no issues doing the headers, doesn't really need to be a performance shop. __________________ 2010 2SS BMR 1" Springs Koni Orange struts/shocks 1LE rear sway bar SRP Racing Pedals Hurst Billet short shifter Square tire/wheel setup Elite Engineering Catch Can Stainless Power longtubes/highflow cats K&N Typhoon CAI RPM Motorsports of Garner, NC dyno tune (421 RWHP)