Thinking about Purchasing Headers...Need advice!!! UPDATE: READY TO INSTALL
#41
The labor RATE is reasonable, but I don't think it should take 5-6 hours. Now I haven't intsalled LT's yet and I know they are more of a pain in the ***, but I have had to remove and put back on my stock manifolds before and it only took about 2-1/2 hours combined time, with only hand tools and one jack. The biggest pain in the *** is the rusty manifold bolts and the emissions crap, but I even managed to get mine off without a torch, just pb blaster. I'd say 3-4 hours max, get a second opinion/quote.
#43
Quotes have been about the same, but both places I've talked to said it wasn't worth putting headers on an Lt1. Yeah I know it isn't going to get the gains that an LS will, but either way, the shops sort of have me rethinking a header investment.
What do you guys think?
What do you guys think?
#44
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I would keep searching until I found a shop that knows what they are talking about. They are either stupid or don't want the job. Either way, I wouldn't want them messing with my car.
#45
Yeah, I would definitely find another shop that has a clue about lt1s. I'm fortunate enough to live in GA and have Josh from Spartan Performance not too far away. LTs on lt1s make just as much hp as they do on LS1s, you're just starting with more base hp on an LS.
I just got my LPP headers and y in today and they are packaged, branded and badged XS Power. I would've rather had LPP badging since that's what I thought I was ordering but they look like very nice quality. Hoping to get them on next week.
I just got my LPP headers and y in today and they are packaged, branded and badged XS Power. I would've rather had LPP badging since that's what I thought I was ordering but they look like very nice quality. Hoping to get them on next week.
#46
At the moment, I'm thinking that I'd rather wait until summer and do it myself. They are a reputable exhaust shop, but I imagine they don't feel like messing with the LT1. They have done them before, but one shop told me it's about an 8 hour job...lol
I know they're all playing it safe, but hell, I'd rather save my $400 and do the job myself.
I know they're all playing it safe, but hell, I'd rather save my $400 and do the job myself.
#47
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They probably just don't want to do it, unless they are going to get paid handsomly as they quoted. LT's on a stock lt1 are worth about 10-12hp, 15-20 with supporting mods, so they are full of **** saying it aint worth it. Putting LT's on an lt1 is a pain in the *** from what I hear. It's much easier for them to weld up mufflers all day than it is for them to actually have to do something challenging and put headers on your car, which is probably why you're getting these BS claims and quotes. It's tight as hell between the manifolds and wheel well. You will have to feed them in through the bottom, and it is advisable to wrap them with plastic wrap or something similarly thin until the bolts are started so you don't bang and scratch them all up. I would definately be asking guys on here who have them for install tips. I think some people drop the motor mounts and keep the engine on a jack to move it around as necessary to get em up in there. The dipstick gets in the way too and will need removed, but put back in while you can still move the headers around or you may not be able to get it back in. It's not impossible, it just some patience and wiggling. When I put mine on in a few months I'll make a video on my channel for everyone...
#49
The shop I first talked to gave me the best estimate (5-6 hours). They would probably be able to do it with little to no issues, because they do a lot of exhaust work on performance cars. Plus, the one mechanic owns an LT1 Firehawk, so there's some knowledge of the LT1.
I'm sure it would be quite a task to complete myself, but I'd be able to get it done with help. I'm just wondering, is it really worth doing it myself, or should I just bite the bullet and let someone with access to a lift do it? Either way, a video would be helpful if I decide to do it alone!
I'm sure it would be quite a task to complete myself, but I'd be able to get it done with help. I'm just wondering, is it really worth doing it myself, or should I just bite the bullet and let someone with access to a lift do it? Either way, a video would be helpful if I decide to do it alone!
#51
I wasn't raised in a family that was very into cars, so I don't have that knowledge that most of my friends with cars have. I'd do stuff myself, but I'm mostly just worried that I'll mess something expensive up on my car!
#52
Take that 400$ and buy tools with it. Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.
An extra pair of hands or two would really help. Beer and pizza might be an investment here.
An extra pair of hands or two would really help. Beer and pizza might be an investment here.
#53
You know, I was thinking the same thing. I could spend the money on some nice tools instead of paying someone to install. I really think some air tools would make certain tasks a lot easier. Maybe not for a header install though.
#56
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You'll feel better about it if you install them yourself. It can be fairly time consuming, but it's not terribly difficult, particularly if you have any mechanical inclination whatsoever. If you can handle being without your car for a few days in the event there are unforeseen issues to be dealt with, I would go for it.
#57
You'll feel better about it if you install them yourself. It can be fairly time consuming, but it's not terribly difficult, particularly if you have any mechanical inclination whatsoever. If you can handle being without your car for a few days in the event there are unforeseen issues to be dealt with, I would go for it.
I'm thinking about it, but I'm going to have to do some planning if I do it myself. Mainly, I'm worried about having fitment issues with the XS Power Headers.
#58
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Yep, going without a car is no issue. I basically take it out on nice days to car shows, and every now and again when I just feel like driving it.
I'm thinking about it, but I'm going to have to do some planning if I do it myself. Mainly, I'm worried about having fitment issues with the XS Power Headers.
I'm thinking about it, but I'm going to have to do some planning if I do it myself. Mainly, I'm worried about having fitment issues with the XS Power Headers.
Yes, change your plugs while the manifolds are off. It will take 10min instead of an hour, lol. Been there, done it both ways; so much easier with them off.
#59
Plugs and wires were done less than 10,000 miles ago, so they probably don't need replaced again. Also, I know I'll have to delete AIR and EGR unless I buy Kooks or Pacesetters, or other more expensive brands, but the engine bay looks much nicer without.
I live in PA, so we have emissions testing, but in my county, I'm exempt from emissions as long as I don't drive the car for more than 5,000 miles in one year (which I don't).
I live in PA, so we have emissions testing, but in my county, I'm exempt from emissions as long as I don't drive the car for more than 5,000 miles in one year (which I don't).