The true cost of a header install. Done right.
Headers and Catted Y pipe (with clamps and hardware)-600 Bucks
MSD wires and NGK plugs-75 bucks
Prothane Motor and Tranny mounts-99 Bucks
Exhaust manifold gaskets, GM replacements-24 Bucks
New GM manifold bolts, set of 12-18 bucks
O2 extensions for front O2s-30 bucks
New tune from Frost or other tuner here-80-125 bucks
So that right there, sets me back about 950 bucks, lets say $1,000 total with shipping...did I miss anything? Header have emissions on them, should I buy new EGR and AIR gaskets? They will be deleted from PCM with the tune coming in.
Also a dumb question....GM sells packs of 12 manifold bolts...is that all it take for Headers?
Headers and Catted Y pipe (with clamps and hardware)-600 Bucks
MSD wires and NGK plugs-75 bucks
Prothane Motor and Tranny mounts-99 Bucks
Exhaust manifold gaskets, GM replacements-24 Bucks
New GM manifold bolts, set of 12-18 bucks
O2 extensions for front O2s-30 bucks
New tune from Frost or other tuner here-80-125 bucks
So that right there, sets me back about 950 bucks, lets say $1,000 total with shipping...did I miss anything? Header have emissions on them, should I buy new EGR and AIR gaskets? They will be deleted from PCM with the tune coming in.
Also a dumb question....GM sells packs of 12 manifold bolts...is that all it take for Headers?
Yes there are 12 bolts
WIll do on the band clamps, I love the stainless band clamps from WS6 store, put them on my SLP catback and love them!
I could save 30 bucks and swap my pins or something on my PCM...but I need to be plugged in behind the cats to pass visual inspection.
Also, if the headers you buy come with gaskets, is it still a good idea to buy the GM manifold gaskets (as in they're better quality)?
By the way, I saw 1BAD_LS1 Tunes has tunes on sale for $50.
NGK tr55 plugs are good plugs, cheap and your gonna have the plugs out anyway so why not replace them while your there?
Some people reuse the gm MLS gaskets, I bought new ones because they are real cheap and I wont have doubts.
-MSD wires are garbage and far inferior to a GM wire
-Poly motor mounts are also optional, and not necessary unless the stock ones are broken
-New bolts are unnecessary. The stock GM bolts that came on the car work just fine.
-In most cases, the manifold gaskets can be reused.
I've done several LT installs for less than $500 in parts.
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Headers and Catted Y pipe (with clamps and hardware)-600 Bucks
MSD wires and NGK plugs-75 bucks
Prothane Motor and Tranny mounts-99 Bucks
Exhaust manifold gaskets, GM replacements-24 Bucks
New GM manifold bolts, set of 12-18 bucks
O2 extensions for front O2s-30 bucks
New tune from Frost or other tuner here-80-125 bucks
So that right there, sets me back about 950 bucks, lets say $1,000 total with shipping...did I miss anything? Header have emissions on them, should I buy new EGR and AIR gaskets? They will be deleted from PCM with the tune coming in.
Also a dumb question....GM sells packs of 12 manifold bolts...is that all it take for Headers?
ive had my hooker headers for 3 years and the are starting to rust bad. i just took my y pipe off so that i could repaint it. you said you want to do it once and do it right, so thats my advice if you want to do it right the first time.
edit: just saw that you already bought them, so guess you cant change that.
Also good luck with no name ebay brand stuff.... its hit or miss with that garbage.
-New bolts are not needed
-MSD wires are not needed, GMPP wires are also red and cheaper
-New mounts are not needed and you may get unwanted vibration with prothane
-Why tune out emissions if you have EGR & AIR hooked up?
-The "right way" would include a full dyno tune
Skip the stuff that isn't needed and that will save you $200 as well as the time you will spend swapping motor mounts.
-MSD wires are garbage and far inferior to a GM wire
-Poly motor mounts are also optional, and not necessary unless the stock ones are broken
-New bolts are unnecessary. The stock GM bolts that came on the car work just fine.
-In most cases, the manifold gaskets can be reused.
I've done several LT installs for less than $500 in parts.
MSD wires are junk. I have heard that from a # of people. I had MSD wires at one time but sold them to put the stockers back on after I heard about MSD wires being garbage.
What examples can either of you give to support your statements.
I'm not trying to start an arguement, but I've used MSD's on three different cars without a problem.
I'd just like to know why you think they are an inferior product.








