Tips on shorty and hfc install - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Ponchonutty · 10-10-2017, 05:08 AM

Just looking for tips on Borla shorty headers and high flow solos on my SS with 50k miles. I got everything used with no gaskets/bolts or wire extensions. I’ve seen all kinds of people saying you can reuse this and that but usually on lower mileage camaros. Any of you done this with a vehicle with a little miles on it? Anything I should buy or will I be safe to reuse everything I have now? If I need anything or should plan to have “just in case”, what is it and where’s a good place to get it?

CamaroDreams76 · 10-10-2017, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ponchonutty

Just looking for tips on Borla shorty headers and high flow solos on my SS with 50k miles. I got everything used with no gaskets/bolts or wire extensions. I’ve seen all kinds of people saying you can reuse this and that but usually on lower mileage camaros. Any of you done this with a vehicle with a little miles on it? Anything I should buy or will I be safe to reuse everything I have now? If I need anything or should plan to have “just in case”, what is it and where’s a good place to get it?

All your bolts you can reuse. Only thing you will need a gasket between the header/cat and bolt/nut combo to combine the cats to the header. The OE cats are a threaded stud and the OE header gasket is steel, so reuse that as well. Solo will sell you gaskets for the cats.
Shorties don't require wire extensions but you will need extensions post cat to not get a CEL. Other option is get a tune.

Ponchonutty · 10-10-2017, 05:47 PM

OK. Thanks. I was going to order new gaskets since they don't cost too much. Was more worried about OEM bolts being a pain to break loose since they've been on there for a while

Ponchonutty · 10-16-2017, 12:54 AM

Missing the bolts between the headers and cats. Any particular stuff I need to get or just the garden variety nut and bolts? What about lock washers?

christianchevell · 10-16-2017, 05:31 PM

TIP; most likely they went long tube as you should, used cats used up some of their life too BTW, but in reality if your using it soak the o2 bungs big time in some break free, don't expect miracles your trying to alter it with out a tune deal???????? GOT SMOG? I know what scoobie doo would say; Row big or row home rubbie rubbie dooooooooo

Gasoholic · 10-16-2017, 07:59 PM

Gosh 2012 with 50K miles I'd be surprised if the OE bolts were reuseable. But maybe.
If it all looks good go for it.
Unless its brand new, I usually replace exhaust bolts/studs and gaskets when I have them apart. Broken studs and exhaust leaks is a drag.
I like the ARP stainless studs/bolts and I give them a light film of anti seize on the threads.

Clarkstar · 10-16-2017, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christianchevell

TIP; most likely they went long tube as you should, used cats used up some of their life too BTW, but in reality if your using it soak the o2 bungs big time in some break free, don't expect miracles your trying to alter it with out a tune deal???????? GOT SMOG? I know what scoobie doo would say; Row big or row home rubbie rubbie dooooooooo

Agreed.... two words: Long Tubes!!!

Chris1SS1LE · 10-18-2017, 05:28 PM

New gaskets and fasteners I call insurance. The cost is so low compared to the investment I always replace. I bought GM LS3 gaskets and used supplied fasteners with the holley headers torque to spec, no problems

Eff LT, I put down 430 to the wheels. I would rather have low end torque on the street then power up top only at the track.

Ponchonutty · 10-20-2017, 03:49 AM

Thanks guys. Any particular header bolts recommended or just oe?

10-10-2017, 05:08 AM	#1
Ponchonutty Drives: 2012 SS L99 Converible Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: New Washington, Ohio Posts: 606	Tips on shorty and hfc install Just looking for tips on Borla shorty headers and high flow solos on my SS with 50k miles. I got everything used with no gaskets/bolts or wire extensions. I’ve seen all kinds of people saying you can reuse this and that but usually on lower mileage camaros. Any of you done this with a vehicle with a little miles on it? Anything I should buy or will I be safe to reuse everything I have now? If I need anything or should plan to have “just in case”, what is it and where’s a good place to get it? __________________ 2012 L99 Convertible SS Tooley Racing Stage 2 DOD delete, 3,200 stall converter, Shorty headers and custom stainless exhaust, CAI, and tune as mods

10-10-2017, 05:47 PM	#3
Ponchonutty Drives: 2012 SS L99 Converible Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: New Washington, Ohio Posts: 606	OK. Thanks. I was going to order new gaskets since they don't cost too much. Was more worried about OEM bolts being a pain to break loose since they've been on there for a while __________________ 2012 L99 Convertible SS Tooley Racing Stage 2 DOD delete, 3,200 stall converter, Shorty headers and custom stainless exhaust, CAI, and tune as mods

10-16-2017, 12:54 AM	#4
Ponchonutty Drives: 2012 SS L99 Converible Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: New Washington, Ohio Posts: 606	Missing the bolts between the headers and cats. Any particular stuff I need to get or just the garden variety nut and bolts? What about lock washers? __________________ 2012 L99 Convertible SS Tooley Racing Stage 2 DOD delete, 3,200 stall converter, Shorty headers and custom stainless exhaust, CAI, and tune as mods

10-16-2017, 05:31 PM	#5
christianchevell old school chevy rodder Drives: 2013 2SS/RS Manual,DM exhaust,CRT Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,587 View My Garage	TIP; most likely they went long tube as you should, used cats used up some of their life too BTW, but in reality if your using it soak the o2 bungs big time in some break free, don't expect miracles your trying to alter it with out a tune deal???????? GOT SMOG? I know what scoobie doo would say; Row big or row home rubbie rubbie dooooooooo __________________ 2021 Wild Cherry ZL1 A10, Sunroof, Data, Carbon, Nav, RotoFab Dry CAI, Elite x2, Borla ATK, Driveshaft shop

10-20-2017, 03:49 AM	#9
Ponchonutty Drives: 2012 SS L99 Converible Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: New Washington, Ohio Posts: 606	Thanks guys. Any particular header bolts recommended or just oe? __________________ 2012 L99 Convertible SS Tooley Racing Stage 2 DOD delete, 3,200 stall converter, Shorty headers and custom stainless exhaust, CAI, and tune as mods

10-16-2017, 07:59 PM	#6
Gasoholic Drives: o Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: under a rock Posts: 220	Gosh 2012 with 50K miles I'd be surprised if the OE bolts were reuseable. But maybe. If it all looks good go for it. Unless its brand new, I usually replace exhaust bolts/studs and gaskets when I have them apart. Broken studs and exhaust leaks is a drag. I like the ARP stainless studs/bolts and I give them a light film of anti seize on the threads.

10-18-2017, 05:28 PM	#8
Chris1SS1LE Drives: 2014 Camaro Red Hot 1LE NPP Recaro Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Indiana Posts: 639	New gaskets and fasteners I call insurance. The cost is so low compared to the investment I always replace. I bought GM LS3 gaskets and used supplied fasteners with the holley headers torque to spec, no problems Eff LT, I put down 430 to the wheels. I would rather have low end torque on the street then power up top only at the track.