OHSIXCTSV

LQQKING to do headers (kooks 1-3/4) and flywheel (uuc or ls7)
in the next few weeks,
reason being is that i've heard the flywheel requires the
removel of an exhaust manifold. if thats the case then 2 birds
with one wrench. right? how envolved is the header install.?
and what if any tricks, advice, back cream, pain meds, should
i know of, to be at the ready before hand?

alan2000T/A

iTrader: (23)

I saw this the other day...very good details. Do a search for CTS-V header install on google and you'll see a link to caddilac faq. It shows every step w/ pics and all. Basically you just start up top and remove coil packs, plugs, wires, loosen manifold bolts, then lift the car and take loosened bolts out and drop manifolds out the bottom, then new ones go up.

Actually those instruction suggest dropping the entire cat-back first to get it out of the way, which may not be a bad idea and is certainly easy to do w/ hand tools since its not over the axle pipes. Site says 4-8 hours install time I believe.

..don't know about the flywheel, but search for that too on the cadillac faq.

CTSV_510

iTrader: (1)

http://cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/headers/index.html

2c5s

iTrader: (11)

Use the factory header gaskets and bolts over. No trickes required, very easy and straight forward header install. The flywheel is another story.....

Have a excellant tranny jack and a helper. The trans tunnel is very narrow and makes it a real bitch. You will need another jack to support the rear of the engine to keep it from putting to much pressure on the chintzy motor mounts. Now would be an great time to install a UUC shifter while you're under there and it's all taken apart. Just my .02.

OHSIXCTSV

thanks all. very helpfull. another question about the factory gaskets...
since i havent seen them yet are they a cheap solution or a really good gasket?
nothing is more annoying than a header leak. i have access to a lift and quality
tools/jacks ect...so the install wont be on my back with 24 inches of space.
i can even rent a mexican. ~

2c5s

iTrader: (11)

They are high quality MLS gaskets. They won't leak.

CTSV_510

iTrader: (1)

I used factory gaskets - I got a new set for $20 or something. No leaks, and kooks actually recommends using them.

Big Bird WS6

iTrader: (9)

why the header questions is brought up. which is better Kooks or B&B? i have alot say good about both. but is it worth the 1K plus for kooks?

honestly i would like to just change headers. put 3in all the way back with stock mufflers. then put cut outs on for when i race.

what you all think of that?

CTSV_510

iTrader: (1)

I don't think that you can call either Kooks or B&B better, but if you're planning on 3" all the way back, the B&B has a 3" outlet connection while the Kooks is 2.5". The B&B headers are $100-$200 more than Kooks in just about every place I look though.

I was patient until I found a good deal ($735 for new kooks headers, $350 for cats).

2c5s

iTrader: (11)

B&B quality control is garbage. Run the Kooks, they fit and make power.

scatillac

iTrader: (12)

+1 on Kooks (use 1 7/8" on a big motor), GM gaskets and new GM bolts (they have an anti-vibration thread lock that's not affected by temperature).