long tube headers install, how difficult

Mister Will · 03-12-2020, 02:27 PM

How difficult is it to install headers? I've heard that the engine needs to be lifted off of its mounts. I know it is always difficult. But here in California they are basically illegal. Can they be changed out and back when smog testing is required.

Bohanan23 · 03-12-2020, 02:28 PM

Should be able to stab them in from under the car. That's what I'm going to do.

cirpower · 03-12-2020, 04:21 PM

Took me approximately 8 hours at home in my garage. Lots of videos out there on how it is done. I would say it is not that difficult, but you should have some wrenching experience.

cirpower · 03-12-2020, 04:22 PM

I forgot, I installed Kooks 2 inch and they went in from underneath without lifting the engine. However, I had to unbolt the steering shaft on the left and remove the starter on the right. Getting both of these back into place was painful...

OVRKLL · 03-12-2020, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cirpower

I forgot, I installed Kooks 2 inch and they went in from underneath without lifting the engine. However, I had to unbolt the steering shaft on the left and remove the starter on the right. Getting both of these back into place was painful...

Yep same here, except I installed 1-7/8, removed same items and installed using a Quick Jack.
The passenger side was a PITA, but when you get the headers vertical it will go right in...just watch out you don't hit the knock sensor.
You'll also have to remove the dipstick and a few other small parts here and there for clearance.
Some here have the energy to do what you want to do, but for me, I wouldn't do it.

Mister Will · 03-13-2020, 10:40 AM

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't see anything definitive on the forum. About header install.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OVRKLL

Some here have the energy to do what you want to do, but for me, I wouldn't do it.

In reality, I don't have the energy and I have better things to do with my weekends, But its always a thought.

JCunningham · 03-13-2020, 06:36 PM

it depends on the make of the headers and when they were made. i installed mine in 2017 on a full size lift and had to remove the pass side motor mount.

DemonZL1 · 03-13-2020, 06:38 PM

American Racing Headers are the easiest to install on a 6th gen, In My Opinion

they go in without removing engine mounts like other brands.

JCunningham · 03-13-2020, 06:42 PM

i had to remove mine With my 1 7/8 ARH. but they may have redesigned them.

ThirstyDave · 03-13-2020, 09:59 PM

It's not too bad. It's just time consuming. We installed 2" speed engineering headers both from the top. Driver side slid right in. Passenger side had to remove valve cover and heat shield from starter and went right in. I'm in California too, just look for a friendly smog.

Robby23 · 03-13-2020, 10:43 PM

I installed TSP headers last week on jack stands. took me 6 hrs. did removal by myself and had an extra set of hands for install. Only removed steering shaft piece, starter and oil tube on pass side. no need to lift motor mount. If you do it from jack stands i measured from skid plate to floor and was 20 inches and i would say thats the minimum required. I could shave another hour or so off if i had to do it again.

parbreak · 03-14-2020, 03:58 PM

Kooks 1 7/8" went right in both sides from underneath on a lift.

oldman · 03-14-2020, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robby23

I installed TSP headers last week on jack stands. took me 6 hrs. did removal by myself and had an extra set of hands for install. Only removed steering shaft piece, starter and oil tube on pass side. no need to lift motor mount. If you do it from jack stands i measured from skid plate to floor and was 20 inches and i would say thats the minimum required. I could shave another hour or so off if i had to do it again.

bout my experience too, my two sons did all the work on the first go around and I "inspected".

I think I could get it down to 4.5 hours (I don't have the skidplate anymore) one day I'll put it on, kind of like the cover to my computer.

Robby23 · 03-14-2020, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldman

bout my experience too, my two sons did all the work on the first go around and I "inspected".

I think I could get it down to 4.5 hours (I don't have the skidplate anymore) one day I'll put it on, kind of like the cover to my computer.

I seen someone post they just cut the skid plate on the front hook where it pivots down on. So then its only the bolts holding it on. Makes it for easier removal later if you need to take off. I did not cut mine off but to me it wasn't bad taking it off on my big jack stands. If you just have small 3 ton stands or something it would be worthwhile i think.

03-12-2020, 02:27 PM	#1
Mister Will Drives: 2021 Camaro ZL1 A10 Join Date: May 2013 Location: San Diego, CA. Posts: 457	long tube headers install, how difficult How difficult is it to install headers? I've heard that the engine needs to be lifted off of its mounts. I know it is always difficult. But here in California they are basically illegal. Can they be changed out and back when smog testing is required.

03-13-2020, 06:36 PM	#7
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,070	it depends on the make of the headers and when they were made. i installed mine in 2017 on a full size lift and had to remove the pass side motor mount. __________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

03-13-2020, 06:38 PM	#8
DemonZL1 199 Drives: like a granny Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Utah, USA Posts: 1,916	American Racing Headers are the easiest to install on a 6th gen, In My Opinion they go in without removing engine mounts like other brands. __________________ 2023 Silverado LZ0 Duramax 2021 Shock SS 1LE A10 www.youtube.com/@DemonWorksPerformance Anderson composites coupon code : Demon

03-13-2020, 06:42 PM	#9
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,070	i had to remove mine With my 1 7/8 ARH. but they may have redesigned them. __________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

03-14-2020, 03:58 PM	#12
parbreak Drives: 2017 50th Camaro SS Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Maryland Posts: 525	Kooks 1 7/8" went right in both sides from underneath on a lift. __________________ 50th Anniversary Edition \|Borla Atak and 60606 mid pipes\| Kooks 1 7/8" \| ProCharger Stage II \|305/45/17 DRs \| Circle D 3500 stall \| LT4 fueling \| Custom made Lowside Aux Pump \| Alky Control Meth \| DSX E85

03-12-2020, 02:28 PM	#2
Bohanan23 Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS A8 Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Moore, OK Posts: 113 View My Garage	Should be able to stab them in from under the car. That's what I'm going to do.

03-12-2020, 04:21 PM	#3
cirpower Drives: Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Kansas City Posts: 201	Took me approximately 8 hours at home in my garage. Lots of videos out there on how it is done. I would say it is not that difficult, but you should have some wrenching experience.

03-12-2020, 04:22 PM	#4
cirpower Drives: Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Kansas City Posts: 201	I forgot, I installed Kooks 2 inch and they went in from underneath without lifting the engine. However, I had to unbolt the steering shaft on the left and remove the starter on the right. Getting both of these back into place was painful...

03-13-2020, 09:59 PM	#10
ThirstyDave Drives: 2017 Camaro 2SS 50th Anniversary Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: 408 Bay Area Posts: 81	It's not too bad. It's just time consuming. We installed 2" speed engineering headers both from the top. Driver side slid right in. Passenger side had to remove valve cover and heat shield from starter and went right in. I'm in California too, just look for a friendly smog.

03-13-2020, 10:43 PM	#11
Robby23 Drives: 2018 1SS M6 Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Michigan Posts: 74	I installed TSP headers last week on jack stands. took me 6 hrs. did removal by myself and had an extra set of hands for install. Only removed steering shaft piece, starter and oil tube on pass side. no need to lift motor mount. If you do it from jack stands i measured from skid plate to floor and was 20 inches and i would say thats the minimum required. I could shave another hour or so off if i had to do it again.

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