93BlackZ28

iTrader: (5)

Should i do the install myself?

WhyHelloOfficer

iTrader: (5)

It is extremely straight forward, just takes a lot of patience. If you have some confidence with tools you'll be fine.

My biggest advice is to soak the factory exhaust manifold bolts in PB blaster the day before. That will make your life a whole lot easier when you plan on pulling them off. I am sure other people will post in their $.02 with tricks they've found to work as well.

Here is a writeup done by Javier -- it should help you some as well
http://www.zmydust.com/headers/index.htm

LS1 Eddie

iTrader: (2)

Well to save money I would say do it yourself. However are you mechanically inclined and have the right tools to do it? We need to know more about you!

93BlackZ28

iTrader: (5)

Where do you get PB Blaster?

I have the tools and jackstands and i kinda helped/ watched the installation on the old car. But i know you have to do the o2 extensions and im not fimilliar with wiring so i dont know.

93BlackZ28

iTrader: (5)

I also did the springs myself

WhyHelloOfficer

iTrader: (5)

PB Blaster you can find at any hardware or local autoparts store. It is the same as liquid wrench, WD40, etc. They just help loosen the rusted, 12+ year old, heat cycled bolts that hold the factory manifolds on. Basically you just have to let the car sit for about 12 hours befor you plan on doing the install, and just spray the bolts down every hour or so and let it soak.

Basically take a look at that link I put there and see if it seems like something you'd be interested in doing. If not, shop around and see if you can find a shop to do it for a reasonable price.

Razor_Blade

iTrader: (8)

I didn't vote in your pole because there are too many variables. It's a challenging job for a novice. Like WhyHelloOfficer mentioned patience is key.

LT1MAN

iTrader: (6)

yes, pb blaster, 3/8ths (i believe) craftsman ratchet wrench. because theres not much room to turn back forth. you will wear out your forearm turning a regular wrench over and over and over and over. trust me. i put headers on my lt1 and my brothers ls1. both were a bitch but we got em done. it was all better when your drinking beer and staring at them when your done. you sleep real good too. good luck!

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

Having a hand helps, I have done header installs on LT1's and LS1 as well as my 70 CHevelle, I am doing a 2nd install on my car starting today, I know what needs to be done but having a hand never hurts.

theroad64

iTrader: (1)

Do it man. You'll be glad you did afterward.Labor charges are $$$! Just take WhyHelloOfficer's advice and it'll work out fine. I soaked my 93's stock 160K bolts in PB Blaster for 24 hours, and they came out easily. I do recommend getting someone to help, and paying them in beer. Thats what I did

SpeedDensityZ

iTrader: (5)

Go ahead and do it. It's headers now but on down the road you'll want more done to your car and you'll love not having to pay for it. Also get experience, you will be suprised at how many people will pay you good money for installing mods on their car. That's what I do when I need spare money.

ws6chicken

The reward of hearing your exhaust fire up for the first time after you've been laying on your back for a weekend is enough motivation to do it your self. Why let some mechanic have that privlage.

As far as extensions go I just bought them from thunder racing, that way I don't have to worry about crimps failling. I also had to buy new O^2 since the old ones refused to come out.

My most important advice, in addition to the above mentioned, is over budget and don't get frustrated, even when your on your back at 3am and the exhaust doesnt want to line up.

95camaroz28

Do you need to take the passenger side valve cover off to get the header ?

NHRAMAN

iTrader: (1)

Make sure you have another person to help.

i420tom

iTrader: (11)

I had to take my passenger side valve cover off to get my pacesetter long tubes in. Actually got it stuck next to the head while going down from the top. Just needed a bigger hammer to help it thats all.

That damn egr tube in the back of it realllllllllllllly made it much more diffuclt to get in. Had that not been there they would have slid easialy into place from the bottom. If you dont need the emissions stuff dont get it. Little easier to install.

I took my stering shaft out for the drivers side an went in easily.

blackcars

Excellant write up. The only things i did different is i had to remove the steering shaft on the driver side and i got the passenger side header to go right in from the bottom. Now this is on a 97 SS camaro so like zmydust said, every car is different. Take your time and like everyone has said here patience is the key. Stop and take 15minutes when you get agitated, i know i had too. Worth the money saved and you can show your work off when you're done. Good Luck!

blackcars

Also i meant to add this is with coated hooker headers. I loved the hooker y pipe because it comes in sections so you can adjust it and it slides right in.

-PEPE-

iTrader: (10)

You don't need a poll to determine if you should install or have them installed? Dude get a fellow fbody enthusiast to help you and get this done, time you finish reading this poll you'd be finished and you'd save the labor. Several writeup how-tos all over the place, with pics too.

pddye

iTrader: (14)

Definately use pb blaster or kroil oil. WD-40 is a lubricant and also used to dry moisture out, it is not a rust penetrator. Just let them soak and you'll probably get them out. If that doesn't work you can alway use every mechanics best friend the torch.

edlt1

shops charge way to much, although I would to.
Plus just doing things for yourself feels a lot better then paying someone.