06BlackV

What's up fellas, i was reading some past posts about what it costs to install headers and the numbers were all over the place. I am looking to install headers, don't want to spend too much on them $1500 max with install..what are my options here. And does anyone know someone who can install these headers at a fair price in michigan? (Detroit metro)...i have the ls2 ...thanks, Nick

bmylez

iTrader: (3)

If you need cheap, everybody is going to recommend the OBX headers. You can easily buy those and pay for install for way less than $1500.

bigti99a

iTrader: (16)

If you don't have motor mounts yet I would pick them up while the exhaust is off. Maybe a trans insert as well and still be under budget. Just a thought.

90G60

iTrader: (1)

I would expect the worst if your paying someone to do the install. I ended up paying a shop when I found two OEM manifold bolts already broken.

InfrareV

Headers are pretty simple, standard hand tools and some jack stands and this is definitely something you could do yourself. I'm a fan of Kook's myself, but I would spend the extra money on any of the "premier" brands and do a self install if I was in your position.

06BlackV

How long would something like this take to do myself? (Est)

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

Plan for a solid day with a motor mount install as well. If you have access to a lift then cut the time in half.

voodoochikin04

iTrader: (3)

What about $600 headers is "cheap"?? Not quite $900 or $1100... But $600 isn't cheap. And the obx headers I got had 7/16" flanges.. What looked to be 16ga tubing. Dead on the nose at 1-7/8" primaries.. Great fitment in the car other than barely touching steering shaft.. Excellent welds.. And matched right up to where the factory catback is. So cheap?? Because it may be China made?? So is your computer..cell phone and the electronics in our V's....but not good enough for the exhaust?? Ha..

Cheap would be $340 for thin flanged, thin tubed bare steel pacesetters.

bmylez

iTrader: (3)

Ok, how about affordable.

JD03Cobra

Do you have a stock cat back? If you have magnaflow then it will require some fab work for the headers to mate up to the cat back. I would have done it myself if it wasn't for this.

Plus you need a tune as well, not sure if that is part of your $1500 budget.

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

I would just expect at least one broken exhaust manifold bolt. It seems pretty common, especially on cars that have had failed motor mounts (a vast majority). In this case, if you can't extract it with the head on, you'll end up pulling the head (or both and doing some "while I'm in here" maintenance/upgrades).
My header install turned in to an expensive DIY, even after getting a deal on a pair of OBX.

OBX - $525
Header wrap - ~$90
Top end rebuild - ~$500
Motor Mounts - $220
Tune - $400
Reused exh gaskets - $0
and a LOT of time.

jcollege

iTrader: (2)

Definitely replace the MM when you are doing the header install. I did MM, plugs and wires when doing my header as well, will never have better access to that stuff then when the headers are off. Oh yea I needed O2 extensions as well.

voodoochikin04

iTrader: (3)

not sure if this will help anyone... but I cracked all my exhaust manifolds bolts loose while the engine was hot... they all came loose.. the very front bolt on passenger side was already broke.. I had feared someone attempted this and busted the first bolt lol... turns out it was loose too. Also a trick ive always used with rusted or stuck fasteners is to give it a good jolt tightening it... seems to help crack things loose and then work it back and forth slowly untill it comes out.

I did not need O2 extensions with my OBX setup...but the front O2 wires dont have much slack, so for piece of mind it might be good to get 12" extensions (not sure if they do 6"?)

jcollege

iTrader: (2)

I pb blasted mine a couple of times the day before leading up to the job, had no issues at all